How To Sew A Drawstring Bag.
Drawstring bags are a great way to hold a few items for easy travel or even to wrap gifts. Follow this simple tutorial and sew your own drawstring bags in an hour or two. You can make them in any size you need!
Drawstring Bag Materials
Supplies
Fabric A – 1/2 yard
Fabric B – 1/2 yard
Fabric C – 1/8 yard
Cotton Cording or Thin Rope – 1-2/3 yards
Thread
Tools
Rotary Cutter, Ruler, and Cutting Mat
Pins
Sewing Machine
Iron
Fabric Turning Tube or Large Safety Pin
Tape
Cut the Fabric Pieces
Using your ruler and rotary cutter, cut the fabric as follows:
From Fabric A, cut two outside pieces: 12-1/2″ x 12-1/2″
From Fabric B, cut two lining pieces: 12-1/2″ x 12″
From Fabric C, cut two drawstring channel pieces: 12-1/2″ x 2″
Prepare the Drawstring Channel Pieces
Press in the ends of the channel pieces, forming a 1/4-inch double fold hem. Sew across the folded hem 1/8-inch from the fold.
Fold and press each piece in half on the long edge.
Pin and Sew the Outside, Channel, and Lining
Pin the layers of one side of the bag together. Align the raw edges of the drawstring channel with the top edge of the outside fabric, centering the channel between the two edges. Place the lining fabric on top with right sides facing.
Sew the layers together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat with the remaining pieces. Press the seams open.
Assemble the Drawstring Bag Sides
Pin the two sides together with outside to outside and lining to lining. Match the center seam and be sure to mark where to leave a three-inch opening on the lining.
Sew around the four sides with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, back stitching on each side of the opening.
Cut Out the Corners to Make a Boxed Bottom
If you want to make your drawstring bag sit flat with a boxed bottom, continue with these next steps. You can also skip these for a standard bag.
Cut out a 2-1/2-inch square from each of the four corners of the sewn piece. Don’t worry about cutting through the seams because the next step will secure them.
Match and Sew the Seams for the Boxed Bottom
At each cut corner, match up the side seam with the bottom seam while aligning the raw edges. Sew across from folded edge to folded edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. You should sew over the cut seams to secure them.
Sew the Lining Closed
Turn the bag right side out and sew the opening in the lining closed. For an invisible seam, hand sew the opening with ladder stitch. However, since this lining is inside the bag, you can sew it closed with a quick seam 1/8-inch from the edge.
Thread the Cording Through the Channels
Cut the cording or rope piece in half and tape the ends to prevent fraying while you thread them through the bag.
Thread each piece through both channels so you have two ends of the drawstring on each side. A turning tube makes this job easier, especially when threading the second piece through. You can also use a safety pin or a bodkin.
Tie the Drawstring Ends
Tie the two ends together on each side of the bag and remove the tape.
Your drawstring bag is finished and ready to use!
