Advent Calendar Drawstring Bags: Sizes, Numbering and When to Order
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A fabric advent calendar needs 24 small cotton drawstring bags, usually 3x4 or 4x6 inches, numbered 1 to 24 and hung from a line, a branch or a board. Double drawstring bags are the easiest to hang, because the two cords form a loop. The calendar can be refilled every year, which is the whole point of making one from fabric rather than card.
Which size for which treats
Pick the size by the largest thing you plan to put in any one day. Mixing two sizes works well too: small bags for most days and a larger one for the 24th.
| Bag size (inches) | Holds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3x4 | Two or three wrapped chocolates, a small note, a charm | Classic sweet-a-day calendars |
| 4x6 | A small toy, lip balm, a tea bag pair, a mini candle | Adult and beauty calendars |
| 5x7 | A bath bomb, socks rolled tight, a small book | Gift-a-day calendars, the final day |
All three are standard stock cotton drawstring bags, so you can buy exactly 24 or a few spares.
Single or double drawstring?
A single drawstring has one cord that pulls from one side. It closes neatly but needs a peg or ribbon to hang. A double drawstring has two cords pulling from opposite sides, which close the bag tighter and form a loop you can slide straight onto a line or a dowel. For an advent calendar, double is the easier choice. The difference is explained in single vs double drawstring bags.
Four ways to number the bags
- Rubber stamps and fabric ink. The quickest method for 24 bags. Use a fabric ink pad and heat-set with an iron so the numbers survive a wash.
- Iron-on numbers. Cut from heat-transfer vinyl with a cutting machine, or buy pre-cut. Clean and bold, and lasts for years.
- Fabric pen. Best for hand-lettered or illustrated calendars. Practise on one spare bag first.
- Tags or wooden discs. Tie a numbered tag to each cord. Nothing touches the fabric, so the bags can be reused for anything else afterwards.
A printed set of 1 to 24 is possible but each number is a different piece of artwork, so a screen-printed run only makes sense for shops selling calendars by the hundred.
How to hang the calendar
- Line and pegs: twine across a mantel or a window, with mini pegs or through the drawstring loops.
- Branch or dowel: slide double-drawstring loops onto a painted branch hung from two hooks.
- Board or frame: tack the bags in a 4 by 6 grid on a cork board or an old picture frame with wire across it.
- Tree: hang the bags as ornaments and let children search for the day's number.
For shops, schools and makers
Small businesses use cotton advent bags in two ways: selling empty calendar kits, or filling them with their own products, such as teas, bath products or chocolates. Buying 500 or 1,000 bags brings the cost per bag well below the small-pack price. For a branded calendar, a logo on the bag or on a tag makes the kit look finished. Bulk ordering for events is covered in drawstring gift bags in bulk.
When to order
Advent starts on December 1. Order plain bags by early November to leave time for numbering and filling. For printed bags or a custom size, allow more time and get in touch in October.
Frequently asked questions
What size bags do I need for an advent calendar?
3x4 inch bags for sweets and small notes, 4x6 for small gifts and beauty samples, and 5x7 for larger treats or the final day. Most calendars use one size with a larger bag for the 24th.
How many bags do I need for an advent calendar?
24 for December 1 to 24, or 25 if you include Christmas Day. Buy two or three spares for practising the numbering.
How do I put numbers on fabric advent bags?
Use rubber stamps with fabric ink, iron-on vinyl numbers, a fabric pen, or tie a numbered tag to each drawstring. Heat-set stamped or penned numbers with an iron so they survive washing.
Are cotton advent bags reusable?
Yes. Cotton bags can be emptied, washed if needed and refilled every year, which is why many families switch from card calendars.
Can I get advent bags printed with my brand?
Yes, from 100 pieces. For a numbered set, the brand logo is usually printed on every bag and the numbers added by stamp or tag, since each different number would need its own screen.
Making calendars to sell?
Tell us the size and how many calendars you plan to make. We will quote bags, printing and a delivery date, usually within one working day.
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