DIY Drawstring Bag

I know, I know. Sewing projects make me cringe, too. But you should know by now that I don’t put any sewing projects on here that a trained monkey couldn’t do. If your machine is all set up, this should literally take you 10 minutes. And these things have so many uses! I’m giving a couple to my niece with her birthday present because we’re giving her Lincoln Logs and my sister doesn’t want tiny logs floating all over her house. Boom. Drawstring bag saves the day. (Note: I adapted this bag from this tutorial at The Mother Huddle, which is a little more fancy — it’s got a squared-off bottom. If you have a little more time and want a few extra steps, check that one out! I pared this one down for simplicity and ease.)

Materials

• fabric swatch, 18″ x 22″
• sewing machine
• scissors
• iron
• cotton cord
• safety pin

Make Time: 10 minutes

On the top 22″ edge of your fabric, fold over and iron the edge of the fabric toward the center. Make the fold about 2 1/2″ long and about 1/2″ wide. Yes, it’ll be kind of awkward and at an angle but it’s cool. Sew this with a straight stitch, reinforcing a few times. This will be the edge of your drawstring and keep it from fraying.

On the same top edge, fold and iron a 1/4″ hem. Fold and iron the same edge over, hiding the previous fold in a 3/4″ hem.

Sew this down with a straight stitch.

Fold in half so that right sides are facing. Sew a straight stitch along the two open, non-drawstring edges. Start at the area just under the drawstring opening and reinforce a few times.

Flip the bag right side out. String your cord through, pushing along with a safety pin if necessary. Tie the ends of the cord together.

See? Simple, right? Told ya. Oh and by the way, I used some vintage fabric from my grandmother, but any sturdy cotton will do. And just so you know, fat quarters usually come in the exact right size for this project. So just go to the fabric store, get a few fat quarters, and you don’t even have to do any cutting. (That’s my kinda sewing project). Have fun! xoxo