How to Wrap an Embroidered Sweatshirt as a Gift

Wrap an embroidered sweatshirt in a well-fitting gift box for a tidy finish, or use a tissue-lined gift bag for a quicker presentation. Fold the garment loosely, turn the design face-up, then measure the bundle before choosing a box or bag.

Buying for several people? Use our free Christmas gift planner to keep each recipient, listing reference and gift date together.

Fold the sweatshirt without pressing the design

1. On a clean, smooth surface, lay the sweatshirt front-down and smooth the back, sleeves and hem.
2. Fold the sides and sleeves behind the body. Bring the hem up to form a compact bundle, keeping the fold loose rather than pressing a crease through the embroidered area.
3. Turn the bundle front-up. Adjust the fold positions around the design where the garment allows; some larger designs may not fit fully on top.
4. Measure the bundle’s length, width and thickness. Choose packaging from those measurements, not from the sweatshirt’s labeled size.

For a crisp finish, use a box

Choose a clean box just larger than the folded bundle. Purdue Extension’s gift-wrapping guide recommends a well-fitting box and one or two sheets of tissue for clothing. Put tissue in the box, place the sweatshirt on top, then fold the tissue over it. Leave enough room for the garment to settle without squeezing the embroidery.

Close the box before wrapping it. If the lid presses on the sweatshirt, choose a deeper box; if the bundle shifts, add a loose fold of tissue beside it. For the outside, measure paper around all four sides with a small overlap, crease along the box edges, and fold in the ends as shown in Hallmark’s box-wrapping guide.

For a quick presentation, use a gift bag

Choose a bag that fits the measured bundle without forcing it through the opening. Add tissue at the bottom, set the sweatshirt inside with the embroidered side facing up, then arrange another sheet loosely over the top. Keep the handles and any tag string clear of the embroidery.

Before you finish

• Check the bundle inside the box or bag before adding ribbon or tape.
• Keep tape and ribbon knots away from the embroidered area.
• Add a note with the recipient’s name and why you chose the design.

For an ornament gift, use our separate guide to wrapping a Christmas ornament. To choose a design first, browse the embroidered sweatshirt collection. Choosing for a teacher? Compare teacher Christmas gifts.

Sources: Purdue Extension 4-H, Gift Wrapping (box fit and tissue for clothing); Hallmark, How to Wrap Christmas Presents (box wrapping and gift bags).