How to make simple drawstring bag
At some point, we all need a small bag to store our belongings. Whether you’re going on a day trip or attending a sports event, a drawstring bag can be a convenient and stylish solution. Luckily, making your own drawstring bag is a fun and easy project that requires just a few materials and some basic sewing skills.
To get started, gather the following materials:
- Fabric of your choice
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape
- Drawstring cord
Once you have your materials ready, begin by measuring and cutting two pieces of fabric in the desired size for your bag. These pieces will serve as the front and back panels of the bag. Consider using a sturdy fabric such as canvas or cotton for durability.
Next, lay the two fabric pieces on top of each other, with the right sides facing inward. Pin the sides and bottom edges together, leaving the top edge open. Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along your pinned edges with a ½ inch seam allowance. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitching.
How to Sew a Drawstring Bag
A drawstring bag is a versatile and useful accessory that can be used for storage, travel, or as a gift bag. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced seamstress, sewing your own drawstring bag is a simple and fun project that can be completed in just a few hours. Follow these steps to create your very own drawstring bag:
- Gather the materials: To sew a drawstring bag, you will need fabric, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, a fabric pen or pencil, and a drawstring cord or ribbon.
- Cut the fabric: Decide on the size of your drawstring bag and cut two identical pieces of fabric to that size. It’s a good idea to choose a fabric that is sturdy and machine washable.
- Prepare the drawstring casing: Fold over the top edge of each fabric piece by about 1 inch and use a straight stitch to secure it in place. This will create a casing for the drawstring.
- Sew the sides: With right sides together, place the fabric pieces on top of each other. Pin the sides and bottom edges together and use a straight stitch with a 1/4-inch seam allowance to sew the sides and bottom.
- Create the drawstring tunnel: Turn the bag right side out and press the seams to create a clean finish. To create the tunnel for the drawstring, sew a straight line about 1/4 inch from the top edge of the bag. Be sure to leave a small opening on one side to insert the drawstring later.
- Attach the drawstring: Cut a piece of drawstring cord or ribbon about 2-3 times the width of your bag. Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring and thread it through the tunnel, going all the way around and coming out through the small opening. Tie the ends of the drawstring together to secure it.
- Finishing touches: Give your drawstring bag a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles. Trim any loose threads and make sure the drawstring is even on both sides.
There you have it – a homemade drawstring bag that is both functional and stylish. Experiment with different fabric patterns and colors to customize your bag for any occasion. Whether you use it as a backpack, laundry bag, or a thoughtful gift, your handmade drawstring bag is guaranteed to impress.
Materials and Tools
- Fabric – choose a sturdy material like cotton or canvas
- Coordinating thread
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Iron
- Pins or sewing clips
- Drawstring cord or ribbon
- Safety pin
- Optional: fabric marker or chalk for marking measurements
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Before you begin making your drawstring bag, it’s important to measure and cut the fabric correctly. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Gather all the necessary materials, including the fabric, scissors, and a measuring tape.
2. Decide on the desired size for your drawstring bag. You can make it as big or as small as you like, depending on its intended purpose. For this tutorial, let’s assume we want to make a medium-sized bag that measures 12 inches by 10 inches.
3. Lay the fabric flat on a clean and flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases to ensure accurate measurements.
4. Using the measuring tape, start by measuring the width of the fabric. In our example, measure 12 inches along one edge of the fabric. Make a small mark with a pencil or fabric marker to indicate the measurement.
5. Next, measure the length of the fabric. In our example, measure 10 inches from the marked edge of the fabric. Make another small mark to indicate the measurement.
6. Repeat steps four and five on the opposite edge of the fabric, ensuring that the measurements align with the marks made previously.
7. Once you have marked the final measurements, use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the fabric along the marked lines. Take your time to ensure straight and clean cuts.
Now that you have measured and cut the fabric to the desired size, you are ready to move on to the next step of making your drawstring bag!
Constructing the Bag
Once you have all the necessary materials and measurements, you can begin constructing your drawstring bag. Follow these steps:
- Cut the fabric: Measure and mark the fabric according to your desired dimensions. Use scissors to carefully cut out two equal-sized rectangles.
- Pin the fabric: Place the two fabric pieces on top of each other, with the right sides facing inwards. Use pins to secure the edges, leaving a small gap at the top for the drawstring.
- Sew the sides: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the sides of the fabric, leaving the top part open for the drawstring. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each side for added durability.
- Finish the edges: Trim any excess fabric and use a zigzag stitch or serger to finish the raw edges. This will prevent fraying and increase the bag’s longevity.
- Create the drawstring casing: Fold down the top edge of the bag about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press it with an iron. Then, fold it down again about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and pin it in place. Sew along the bottom edge, close to the folded edge, leaving a gap for the drawstring to pass through.
- Insert the drawstring: Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring and thread it through the casing, going all the way around the bag and coming back out on the same side.
- Finish the drawstring: Tie the ends of the drawstring together in a secure knot or attach cord ends for a more polished look.
- Final touches: Give the bag a final press with an iron and trim any loose threads. Your drawstring bag is now ready for use!
Note: You can customize your bag by adding embellishments, such as appliques, embroidery, or fabric paint. Get creative and have fun making your unique drawstring bag!
Finishing Touches
Now that you have completed the main steps of sewing a drawstring bag, it’s time to add some finishing touches to make it even more special. These final details will give your bag a polished look and make it more functional.
1. Trim any excess threads: Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut off any loose or dangling threads on both the inside and outside of the bag. This will make your bag look neater and prevent any threads from unraveling.
2. Press the seams: Use an iron to press the seams of your bag. This will make them appear crisp and professional. Make sure to press them towards the right side of the fabric to hide any raw edges.
3. Add decorative elements: If you want to add a personal touch to your drawstring bag, you can embellish it with decorative elements. Consider sewing on buttons, appliques, or fabric patches to make your bag unique and eye-catching.
4. Attach a label or tag: To further personalize your bag, you can sew on a label or tag with your name or a special message. This will not only add a personal touch but also make it easy to identify your bag among others.
5. Check the drawstring: Make sure your drawstring is threaded correctly and moves smoothly through the casing. You can also finish the ends of the drawstring by tying knots or adding decorative beads.
By following these finishing touches, you will have a beautifully crafted and functional drawstring bag that you can use for various purposes. Get creative and have fun making more bags with different fabrics and designs!
Harrison Clayton
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
