Large Drawstring Gift Bags: What Fits and Their Best Uses
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A 10x12 inch bag takes a folded jumper or a boxed gift set. A 24x34 inch bag takes a duvet. Large drawstring gift bags replace wrapping paper entirely for awkward, bulky presents — and unlike paper, the wrapping is part of the gift and comes back out next year.
What fits in each size
| Size | Fits | Typical gift |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 12 in | Folded jumper, boxed set, board game | Clothing, homeware, games |
| 12 x 16 in | Pair of shoes, bottle set, small hamper | Footwear, drinks gifts |
| 12 x 20 in | Boots, a coat, several folded garments | Winter clothing, bulky apparel |
| 16 x 20 in | Bedding set, cushion, large homeware | Home gifts, bedding |
| 18 x 20 in | Duvet cover, hamper contents, throw | Hampers, seasonal gifts |
| 20 x 24 in | Full bedding, winter coats, large toys | Big-ticket gifts |
| 24 x 34 in | Duvet, multiple coats, bulk items | Oversized gifts and storage |
Fill to about three quarters
This matters more at large sizes than small ones. A big bag packed to the top will not gather properly at the cord, so it sits open and looks unfinished — and all the strain goes onto the drawstring channel. Three quarters full gives a bag that closes cleanly and holds its shape when carried.
If the gift is close to the limit of one size, go up. The cost difference between sizes is small; the difference between a bag that closes and one that does not is the whole presentation.
Why double drawstring at this size
A single cord gathers a large opening from one side, so it bunches unevenly and gapes on the far side. Two cords pulled from opposite directions close it evenly and stay shut when the bag is lifted. Above about 12x20 inches a double drawstring is the difference between a bag that presents well and one that never quite looks right. Full comparison in single vs double drawstring.
Fabric weight for large gift bags
145 GSM cotton is fine for soft contents — clothing, bedding, textiles — at any of these sizes. Step up to canvas only if the gift has hard edges or real weight, or if you want the bag to stand upright on its own under a tree. Heavier fabric costs more per bag and more to ship, so it should be a deliberate choice. See canvas drawstring bags: when heavy-duty cotton beats muslin.
Beyond gifting
Large gift bags get repurposed almost immediately, which is the point. Common second lives:
- Seasonal storage — wool and down need airflow; sealed plastic causes musty odours and mildew over a season
- Laundry — breathable cotton stops damp washing souring
- Travel packing — separating shoes and worn clothes inside a suitcase
- Toy and kit storage — folds flat when empty, unlike a rigid box
Personalising
Large panels are the easiest to print on — on an 18x20 bag the usable area is roughly 15 x 15 inches, so a name, date or motif reads clearly. Under 100 bags, a custom rubber stamp with fabric ink is cheapest. Above 100, screen printing at the factory costs less per bag and survives washing. Sizes and clearances in the imprint area guide.
Ordering
See 12x16, 18x20, 20x24 and 24x34 cotton double drawstring bags, or the full double drawstring range. Smaller gift sizes are covered in gift bag sizes and filling ideas, and holiday use in reusable cloth gift bags for Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest drawstring gift bag?
24 x 34 inches in the standard range, which takes a duvet, several winter coats or bulk items. Custom dimensions beyond that are possible on made-to-order runs.
What size bag fits a folded jumper?
10 x 12 inches comfortably. For several garments or a winter coat, step up to 12 x 20. Remember to fill only to about three quarters so the cord gathers properly.
Do large gift bags need a double drawstring?
Above about 12x20, yes. A single cord gathers a large opening unevenly and gapes on the far side. Two cords close it evenly and keep it shut when the bag is lifted.
Can large cotton bags be used for storage after gifting?
That is one of the main reasons to use them. Cotton breathes, so bedding, wool and down store without the musty smell and mildew that sealed plastic causes. They also fold flat when empty.
What weight fabric for a large gift bag?
145 GSM cotton is fine for soft contents at any of these sizes. Choose canvas only if the gift has hard edges or weight, or you want the bag to stand upright on its own.
Buying large gift bags in quantity?
Blank stock ships in 24-48 hours. Send your size and quantity for bulk pricing.
Large drawstring bagsBulk pricing
