Laser Engrave a Velvet Christmas Gift Bag

Velvet gift bags feel luxurious—and laser engraving turns them into personalized keepsakes perfect for the holidays. With careful setup, a laser cutter can etch crisp, elegant designs into velvet’s surface, revealing a beautiful contrast while keeping the pile soft. This quick tutorial will help you make memorable holiday gifts that look and feel special.

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30W

Material Needed

3mm Velvet Bag

Parameters

Laser Engraving

1. Speed: 1,000mm/s
2. Power:16%
3. DPI:400

Lay the velvet bag flat on the laser bed with the side you want engraved facing up. Smooth the pile so fibers all lie in the same direction. Back the bag with a rigid sheet (wood or acrylic) to keep it stable and prevent the laser from hitting the honeycomb bed. Secure the bag gently with low-tack masking tape around the edges — avoid pulling the fabric out of shape.

Open your laser software (e.g., LaserMaker, LightBurn) and import the design. Position and scale the pattern so it sits exactly where you want it on the bag. Before you start, set the correct power, speed, and DPI for achieving a better engraving result.

Use a focus stick or gauge and lower the head until the tool just touches the fabric surface (the pile). Take your time with manual focus — small adjustments make a big difference on textiles.

Run the Frame (Border) function to preview the laser path. Watch the camera view as the laser head traces the outer boundary. Confirm that the design fits exactly on your materials and that no part of the outline runs off the edges or hits the tape.

Watch the engraving closely: velvet can char if power/speed aren’t correct, and smoke reduces contrast. Keep ventilation on, stand by to pause if you see excessive smoke, flame, or movement, and do not leave the machine unattended while engraving textiles.

When the job completes, let the bag cool for a moment, then remove tape and backing. Gently brush the engraved area with a soft brush to remove any loose residue if needed. Inspect the design and trim any stray fibers with small scissors if necessary. Your velvet gift bag is ready to fill and give.