Learn how to make drawstring bags that are so easy and fast! Beginners will love these bags that can be made in any size to hold presents, books, toiletries, or anything you like. Use ribbon or cord for the ties and personalize them with embroidery or decorations. These drawstring bags will take most sewers just 10 minutes!
Contents
How to Make Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags are generally small bags that are adjustable at the top with two strings on either side. The strings can be pulled to close the bag. This makes the contents of the bag easy to access and easy to close up. They are popular for gifts, kids' library bags, gym bags and even backpacks. Drawstring bags don't have to be small and you can make one in any size - even a supersized Santa sack or a large laundry bag! Beginners will find this an easy first sewing project and experienced sewers are always looking for small items to use up some of their endless fabric scraps.
Here I will show you one of the quickest and easiest methods how to make drawstring bags.
Further Reading: Types of Bags
How to Make Drawstring Bags - Supplies
- FABRIC
- Cotton fabric is easy to sew and makes great drawstring bags. Look for cheap fat quarters of fabric at your local quilting fabric store. These 18x22" pieces of fabric are an economical way to purchase different styles of fabric.
- Also, think about upcycling old items in your wardrobe like old shirts or even bedding if you want to make large bags.
- Mesh and fine fabrics make a good washbag for lingerie and delicates in your washing machine.
- Calico is cheap and is great if you would like to do fabric painting or stamping on your bags.
- CORD - Cord or Ribbon less than ⅜ inch (1cm). Your cord doesn't need to be plain and boring. You can use a pretty ribbon or colored cord for a pop of color.
- PIN - Safety pin to thread the cord through.
- GENERAL SEWING SUPPLIES - Sewing machine, thread, needles
Cutting Instructions
The Cord
Cut 2 pieces of cord the width of the bag plus 12 inches (30cm).
Fabric Size in Inches
Decide on your finished size and cut 2 rectangles of fabric
- Width = width + 1 inch
- Length = wdith + 1.5 inches
Fabric Size in Centimeters
- Width = length + 2.5cm
- Length = length + 4cm
How to Make Drawstring Bags - Suggested Cutting Sizes:
| SIZE | FABRIC (CUT 2) | CORD (CUT 2) |
| Small 5x6" | W6 x L7.5" | 18" |
| Medium 7x8" | W8 x L9.5" | 20" |
| Large 11x13" | W12 x L14.5" | 24" |
| Extra Large 20x26" | W21 x L27.5" | 33" |
How to Make Drawstring Bags - Sewing Instructions
Here is how to make drawstring bags in 4 easy steps.
Step 1 - Sew the Bag
If you are going to embroider or applique your bag, it is easiest to do first before you start constructing the bag. Sew, paint or applique the front now. See further down this article for lots of links and ideas for embellishment. Don't forget to leave a ½ inch (12mm) seam allowance at the sides and bottom and 1 ½ inches (4cm) at the top.
The seam allowance for this bag is ½ inch (12mm).
Put both fabric rectangles with right sides together and sew around the sides and bottom leaving gaps 1 inch (2.5cm) from the top on each side. The gap will be ¾" (2cm). Have a look at the photo below.
We will later thread the cord through these gaps.
Press the seams open at the top. If you do want to finish the seams of the bag, make sure the seams are finished separately at the top. We need to be able to expose those gaps.
Step 2 - Sew the Casing
To create the casing for the ribbon, fold down the top raw edge by ¼ inch (6mm) and press.
Press down the top ¾ inch (2cm) again to form a casing.
Stitch all the way around the bottom of the casing. For smaller bags, it is easier to use the freehand arm on your sewing machine.
Step 3 - Turn
Clip the bottom corners of the bag. Turn the bag the right way out and give it a good press. Make sure the bottom corners are poked out nicely.
Step 4 - Thread the Cords
Attach one cord to the safety pin and thread it through the casing. Make sure you go all the way around.
Now put the cord through the other hole in the side and go all the way around. The first cord is easy but the second cord you may have to wiggle a little a little to get it past the opposite join. Just be patient and you'll get it.
Knot the ends of the cords. You can add beads or tassels to the end if you would like your drawstring bag a little fancier. If the ends of your ribbon are fraying, cut them at a diagonal angle. Read how to stop ribbon fraying for more ideas to stop fraying.
How to Make Drawstring Bags - Decorative Ideas
Why have a plain drawstring bag? You can decorate your drawstring bags with many techniques including:
Letters Embroidery Roses Paint Fabric Applique
- Embroidery Letters
- Embroidery Flowers
- Embroidery Roses
- Applique
- Reverse Applique
- Add beads to the ends of the cord for a luxury drawstring bag.
- Fabric painting, stencils and stamping are often used to put logos and brand names on calico drawstring bags.
- Add patch pockets and zipper pockets to your bag to add smaller items.
- Longer cords can be seen at the bottom corners of the bag to turn it into a backpack.
How to Make Drawstring Bags - In Conclusion
Now you know how to make drawstring bags you can make lots for your friends, family and even for a budding sewing business. These bags are quick and easy and a great addition to your small sewing projects.
More Bag Tutorials To Sew
How to Make Gift Bags Felt Gift Bags Mini Clutch Sunshine Clutch Star Clutch Zipper Pouch Triangle Pouch Dog Purse
- How to Make Fabric Gift Bags – 4 Sizes - These gift bags are similar to the drawstring bags but only have the cord on one side. This pattern gives you 4 sizes to make.
- Triangle Pouch Pattern: {Free Tutorial} - Make a triangle pouch from leather or faux leather. You can add a wrist strap to make them easy to grab and go.
- Zipper Pouch Tutorial {With Lining} EASY - This fabric pouch can be made with fat quarters and is a great beginner project.
- Leather Purse Pattern – The Scottie Dog - This pattern has a cute dog applique and makes a wonderful gift for a dog lover.
- DIY Coin Purse: Cute Mini Leather Purses - Mini clutches can be attached to your keyring to hold a few coins or bus pass.
- DIY Makeup Brush Holder {Brush Roll} – Free Pattern
- How to Make a Gift Bag – DIY Felt Gift Bag - This felt gift bag is ideal for smaller items such as jewelry.
- Sunshine Clutch Tutorial: {FREE pattern} - This pattern will show you how to make a semi-circle clutch.
- Starry Sky Clutch Pattern {Free Clutch Tutorial} - Make yourself a large rectangular clutch with star appliques.
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