If you know how to sew, you don’t need to spend money on simple drawstring bags. Even beginners can easily follow this tutorial and sew a drawstring bag in an hour or two. You can make them in any size you need. Besides holding trinkets, drawstring bags are great for wrapping gifts. In this guide, we’ll explore various techniques on How to Sew a Drawstring Bag, offering versatility and creativity in your sewing projects.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
– Fabric: Choose any fabric you like for your drawstring bag.
– Thread: Use matching or contrasting thread.
– Scissors: For cutting fabric and thread.
– Pins: To hold the fabric in place.
– Sewing Machine: Makes the process faster, but you can sew by hand too.
– Ribbon or Cord: For the drawstring.
– Safety Pin: To help thread the drawstring through the bag.
Instructions
1- Cut the Fabric Pieces
Use your ruler and rotary cutter to cut the fabric:
– From fabric A, cut two outside pieces: 12.5 inches x 12.5 inches.
– From fabric B, cut two lining pieces: 12.5 inches x 12 inches.
– From fabric C, cut two drawstring channel pieces: 12.5 inches x 2 inches.
2- Prepare the Drawstring Channel Pieces
1. Press in the ends of the channel pieces to form a 1/4-inch double-fold hem.
2. Sew across the folded hem 1/8 inch from the fold.
3. Fold each piece in half lengthwise and press to create a crisp edge.
3- Pin and Sew the Outside, Channel, and Lining
1. Pin the Layers Together:
– Take one side of the bag and pin the layers together.
– Align the raw edges of the drawstring channel with the top edge of the outside fabric, centering it between the sides.
– Place the lining fabric on top with the right sides facing each other.
2. Sew the Layers:
– Sew the layers together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
– Repeat the process with the other set of pieces.
3. Press the Seams:
– Press the seams open to create a neat finish.
4- Assemble the Drawstring Bag Sides
To assemble the drawstring bag sides, start by pinning the two sides together, ensuring the outside fabrics are facing each other and the lining fabrics are facing each other. Align the center seams for a neat finish. Mark a 3-inch opening on the lining fabric to allow for turning the bag inside out later. Sew around all four sides with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and remember to backstitch on each side of the marked opening to secure the stitches.
5- Cut Out the Corners to Make a Boxed Bottom
To create a boxed bottom for your drawstring bag, cut out a 2 1/2-inch square from each of the four corners of your sewn piece. This step helps the bag sit flat. Don’t worry about cutting through the seams; the next step will secure them. By removing these squares, you’ll be able to fold and sew the edges to form a flat base, giving your bag a more structured and professional look. You can skip this step if you prefer a standard bag without a flat bottom.
6- Match and Sew the Seams for the Boxed Bottom
To form the boxed bottom, match the side seam with the bottom seam at each cut corner, aligning the raw edges. Sew across from folded edge to folded edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This step secures the cut seams and creates a flat bottom for the bag. You reinforce the corners by sewing along these matched seams and ensure the bag maintains its shape. Once completed, your drawstring bag will have a sturdy base, making it perfect for carrying various items while maintaining its structural integrity.
7- Sew the Lining Closed
Turn the bag right side out and close the opening in the lining. For an invisible seam, use a ladder stitch. However, since the lining is inside the bag, you can quickly sew it closed with a seam 1/8 inch from the edge.
8- Thread the Cording Through the Channels
Cut the cording or rope piece in half and tape the ends to prevent fraying while threading them through the bag. Thread each piece through both channels, ensuring you have two ends of the drawstring on each side. A turning tube can simplify this task, particularly when threading the second piece through. Alternatively, you can use a safety pin or a bodkin to help guide the cording through the channels.
9- Tie the Drawstring Ends
On each side of the bag, tie the two ends of the drawstring together and remove the tape. This secures the drawstring in place, allowing you to open and close the bag easily.
Read More: How to Sew a Buttonhole by Hand
Drawstring Bag Ideas
This basic tutorial serves as a starting point for creating your drawstring bag, but the possibilities for customization are endless!
– Enhance the structure of your bag by adding fusible interfacing to the outside fabric.
– Get creative by using patchwork panels or quilting the outside fabric for a unique look.
– Adjust the size of the bag to suit your needs, ensuring the drawstring channels are adequately sized.
– Personalize your bag with embroidery for a special touch.
– Utilize drawstring bags for various purposes such as packing for trips, presenting gifts in reusable bags, organizing craft projects, and more!
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