The drawstring bag is a versatile and practical project for anyone learning to sew. Whether you need a reusable gift bag, a small storage solution, or a convenient way to carry gym clothes, a homemade drawstring bag is a fantastic option. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from choosing your materials to adding the finishing touches, making it accessible even for absolute beginners.
Choosing Your Materials
The beauty of a drawstring bag lies in its simplicity, and that extends to the materials needed. Fabric choice is a key element in determining the bag’s durability and appearance. Consider the bag’s intended use when making your selection.
Fabric Options
For a lightweight and breathable bag, cotton is an excellent choice. It’s easy to work with, comes in countless colors and patterns, and is readily available. Calico and muslin are inexpensive cotton options, ideal for practice or lining.
If you need something more durable, consider linen or canvas. These fabrics are sturdier and can withstand more wear and tear. They’re perfect for carrying heavier items like books or tools.
For a touch of luxury, silk or velvet can create a beautiful drawstring bag, ideal for special occasions or storing delicate items. However, these fabrics can be more challenging to work with due to their slippery nature.
Consider using recycled fabrics like old t-shirts or bedsheets for an eco-friendly approach. This is a great way to give new life to materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill.
Cord Selection
The drawstring itself is another crucial element. Cotton cord, ribbon, or even twill tape can be used. Choose a cord that complements your fabric in terms of color and texture.
The thickness of the cord is important. A thinner cord will work well for lighter bags, while a thicker cord is more suitable for heavier loads. Ensure the cord is long enough to comfortably close the bag and tie a bow.
Other Essentials
Besides fabric and cord, you’ll also need:
- A sewing machine (or the ability to hand-sew)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- A ruler or measuring tape
- Pins or clips
- Thread that matches your fabric
- An iron and ironing board
A safety pin or bodkin can be helpful for threading the drawstring through the casing.
Cutting Your Fabric
Accurate cutting is essential for a well-proportioned drawstring bag. Take your time and double-check your measurements before cutting.
Determining Dimensions
The size of your fabric pieces will determine the finished size of your bag. A common size for a small drawstring bag is 12 inches wide by 16 inches long. This will create a bag that is approximately 11 inches wide and 7 inches high, after accounting for seams and the drawstring casing.
If you want a larger bag, simply adjust the measurements accordingly. Remember to add seam allowances to all sides. A 1/2-inch seam allowance is generally sufficient.
Cutting Techniques
Fold your fabric in half, right sides together. This ensures that you cut two identical pieces at once. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the dimensions on the fabric, including the seam allowances.
Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut along the marked lines. A rotary cutter and cutting mat can provide more precise cuts, especially for larger pieces of fabric.
After cutting, unfold the fabric pieces and ensure they are identical in size and shape. Iron the pieces to remove any wrinkles or creases.
Sewing the Bag
Now comes the fun part: sewing the bag together. This process involves creating the main body of the bag and then adding the drawstring casing.
Seaming the Sides
Place the two fabric pieces right sides together, aligning the edges. Pin or clip the sides and bottom together, leaving the top open.
Using a sewing machine, sew along both sides and the bottom of the bag, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches.
After sewing, trim the seam allowances to reduce bulk, especially at the corners. Be careful not to cut into the stitches.
Turn the bag right side out and use a point turner or knitting needle to gently push out the corners. Iron the seams flat for a crisp, professional finish.
Creating the Drawstring Casing
The drawstring casing is the channel through which the drawstring will be threaded. It’s typically created by folding over the top edge of the bag and sewing it in place.
Fold the top edge of the bag down by 1/4 inch and iron it in place. This creates a clean, finished edge.
Fold the top edge down again by 1 1/2 inches and iron it in place. This creates the casing. Pin or clip the folded edge to secure it.
Sew around the folded edge, close to the bottom of the fold, leaving a 1-inch gap on one side. This gap is where you will insert the drawstring. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. This gap will be used to insert the drawstring into the casing.
Inserting the Drawstring
With the casing sewn in place, it’s time to thread the drawstring through the channel. This can be done using a safety pin or a bodkin.
Threading the Cord
Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring. Insert the safety pin into the gap in the casing and carefully thread it through the entire channel, working your way around the bag until the safety pin emerges from the same gap.
Remove the safety pin and repeat the process with the other end of the drawstring, threading it through the casing in the opposite direction. This ensures that the bag will close evenly when the drawstring is pulled.
Once both ends of the drawstring are threaded through the casing, pull them to gather the top of the bag. Adjust the gathers evenly to create a neat and tidy closure.
Securing the Drawstring Ends
To prevent the drawstring ends from fraying, you can tie them in a knot, use crimp beads, or sew them closed.
A simple knot is often sufficient for cotton cord. For ribbon or other delicate materials, crimp beads can provide a more secure and professional finish.
Alternatively, you can fold the ends of the drawstring over and sew them closed using a sewing machine or needle and thread. This creates a clean and durable finish.
Adding Personal Touches
Now that your drawstring bag is complete, you can add personal touches to make it unique and special.
Embroidery and Appliqué
Embroidery is a great way to add decorative designs to your drawstring bag. You can embroider initials, patterns, or even small pictures.
Appliqué involves sewing fabric shapes onto the bag. This is a fun way to use scraps of fabric and create unique designs.
Fabric Painting and Stamping
Fabric paint can be used to create custom designs on your drawstring bag. You can use stencils or freehand designs.
Fabric stamps are another easy way to add patterns and images to your bag. They come in a variety of designs and can be used with different types of ink.
Beads and Buttons
Adding beads or buttons to your drawstring bag can add a touch of sparkle and personality. Sew them onto the bag in decorative patterns or along the drawstring casing.
Tips for Success
Making a drawstring bag is a relatively simple project, but here are a few tips to ensure success.
- Always pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage after the bag is sewn.
- Use a sharp needle in your sewing machine to prevent skipped stitches.
- Iron your fabric before and after cutting to ensure accurate measurements and clean lines.
- Take your time and don’t rush the process. Accuracy is key to a well-made bag.
- Practice on scrap fabric before working on your final project.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and embellishments.
- Double-check your measurements at each stage of the process.
- Secure your stitches with backstitching at the beginning and end of each seam.
Variations and Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic drawstring bag, you can explore variations and advanced techniques to create more complex and customized bags.
Adding a Lining
Adding a lining to your drawstring bag can provide extra durability and a more polished look. The lining can be made from a different fabric than the outer layer, creating a contrasting effect.
To add a lining, cut two pieces of lining fabric the same size as your outer fabric pieces. Sew the lining pieces together, leaving a small opening at the bottom for turning.
Place the lining inside the outer bag, right sides together, and sew around the top edge. Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining and sew the opening closed.
Creating a Boxed Bottom
A boxed bottom gives the drawstring bag a more structured shape and allows it to stand upright.
To create a boxed bottom, sew the side and bottom seams of the bag as usual. Then, flatten one of the bottom corners to create a triangle. Measure across the triangle to the desired width of the boxed bottom and sew a straight line across the triangle. Trim off the excess fabric.
Repeat this process on the other bottom corner. Turn the bag right side out and the boxed bottom will be formed.
Adding Pockets
Pockets can be added to the inside or outside of the drawstring bag for extra storage.
To add an inside pocket, cut a piece of fabric to the desired size of the pocket. Fold over the top edge of the pocket and sew it in place. Then, sew the sides and bottom of the pocket to the inside of the bag.
To add an outside pocket, sew the pocket to the outside of the bag before sewing the side seams.
Conclusion
Making a drawstring bag is a satisfying and rewarding project. It’s a great way to learn basic sewing skills, create useful items for yourself and others, and express your creativity. With a little practice and patience, you can create drawstring bags in all shapes, sizes, and styles. So gather your materials, fire up your sewing machine, and start creating your own unique drawstring bags today! Remember practice makes perfect so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. The more you sew, the better you will become. Enjoy the process and happy sewing!
What kind of fabric is best for a drawstring bag?
For beginners, cotton or linen are excellent choices. These fabrics are easy to sew with as they don’t slip and slide like silk or satin. They also hold their shape well and are readily available in a variety of colors and patterns, making your first project both manageable and visually appealing.
However, don’t feel limited! Depending on your intended use, you can explore other options. For a sturdier bag, consider denim or canvas. For a water-resistant bag, look into ripstop nylon or laminated cotton. Just remember that more specialized fabrics might require different needle types and sewing techniques, so be prepared to do a bit more research as you advance your skills.
How much fabric do I need to make a simple drawstring bag?
The amount of fabric you need depends entirely on the desired size of your bag. A good rule of thumb is to double the height you want your finished bag to be, and then add a few inches for seam allowances and the casing for the drawstring. For instance, if you want a bag that’s 10 inches tall, you’ll need at least 22 inches of fabric.
Remember to consider the width as well. This will determine the overall size of your fabric piece. A standard width of fabric is around 44 inches, so you’ll likely have plenty of width to work with for smaller bags. However, for larger bags, you may need to purchase more fabric to achieve your desired dimensions. Always measure twice and cut once!
What kind of drawstring cord should I use?
There are several good choices for your drawstring cord. Cotton twill tape is a classic and inexpensive option that works well with cotton or linen bags. It’s durable and readily available in various colors. Ribbon can also be used, adding a touch of elegance, though it might not be as robust as twill tape for heavy items.
For more specialized needs, consider paracord or braided nylon cord. These are exceptionally strong and ideal for bags that will carry heavier loads or be used outdoors. Just be sure the cord’s diameter will fit comfortably through the casing you create on your bag. Test it beforehand to avoid frustration.
What is a casing, and why is it important?
The casing is the channel that holds the drawstring cord, allowing you to open and close the bag. It’s created by folding over the top edge of the bag and sewing it down, leaving a small opening for inserting the drawstring. The casing is essential for the functionality of the drawstring bag.
Without a properly constructed casing, the drawstring would have no way to be threaded through the bag’s opening. The casing keeps the drawstring in place and distributes the pressure evenly when the bag is cinched shut, preventing the fabric from tearing or puckering excessively. A well-made casing is key to a durable and aesthetically pleasing drawstring bag.
How do I thread the drawstring through the casing?
The easiest way to thread the drawstring is to use a safety pin or a bodkin. Attach the safety pin to one end of the drawstring cord. Then, carefully guide the safety pin through the opening in the casing and push it through the entire channel until it emerges from the same opening.
Once the safety pin (and the drawstring attached to it) is out, remove the safety pin. Now you have one end of the drawstring threaded through the entire casing. Repeat the process with the other end of the drawstring, starting from the same opening. Tie the two ends of the drawstring together securely, and your drawstring bag is complete!
How do I reinforce the seams of my drawstring bag?
Reinforcing the seams is crucial, especially if you plan on carrying heavy items in your drawstring bag. The most basic method is to use a straight stitch and then go back over the seam with another row of stitching, overlapping the first row slightly. This provides extra strength and prevents the seam from unraveling.
Another option is to use a zig-zag stitch along the seams, particularly at the corners where stress is concentrated. This stitch creates a more durable bond and distributes the tension more evenly. You can also consider serging the edges of the fabric before sewing the seams together to prevent fraying and add even more reinforcement. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the stitches in place.
What if I don’t have a sewing machine? Can I still make a drawstring bag?
Yes, you absolutely can! While a sewing machine makes the process faster, a drawstring bag can easily be sewn by hand. Use a sturdy needle and thread, and opt for a backstitch or running stitch for the seams. The backstitch is stronger and more durable than the running stitch, but both will work for lighter-duty bags.
When hand-sewing, pay extra attention to seam allowances and stitch length. Keep your stitches consistent and close together for a more secure and professional-looking finish. Be patient, as hand-sewing takes more time, but the result will be a unique and handmade drawstring bag you can be proud of!