Step by Step Guide: How to Sew a Drawstring Bag
Bags with drawstrings are quick and easy to construct, and they may be used for a variety of things. Toy boxes and sewing supplies may be stored in bigger tote bags, which can also be used as impromptu toy boxes.
Even dice bags may be added to the mix if you add some flair to the bag with a few embellishments.
Patterns for drawstring bags are easy to follow and shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete!
Let us now begin.
What Do You Need to Make a Drawstring Bag? What Are the Ingredients?
When it comes to making your own drawstring bags, you only need a few basic supplies.
- You may choose any fabric of your choosing.
- Cloth for your drawstring, such as ribbon or other long pieces of material.
- Stitching thread for sewing the seams together.
- A ruler with a non-slip surface.
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter for cutting fabric.
- Fabric marking tools such as chalk or pencil.
- Iron.
Sizing Chart
When it comes to the quantity of fabric and ribbon that will be required, it all depends on the size of the bag that you want to make. Following is a list of the bag sizes that should be used:
- 5 ½ inches wide by 3 ¾ inches tall by 2 ½ inches deep is the size of the X-Small.
- Size: 8 ½ inches broad by 6 ¼ inches tall by 2 ½ inches deep (inches).
- Medium: 11 ½ inches wide by 9 inches tall by 4 inches deep.
- This item is large, measuring 14 ½ inches tall by 11 ¼ inches broad by 5 inches deep.
- This item is x-large 17 ½ inches tall by 13 ¾ inches broad by 6 inches deep.
Quantities of Fabric and Ribbon
- Fabric
- One-quarter yard of cloth for the X-Small bag.
- A little bag made from a quarter yard of cloth.
- Half yard of cloth for a medium-sized bag.
- ½ yard of cloth for a large bag.
- X-Large Bag – ½ yard of cloth is required.
Ribbon (two lengths)
- X-small bag – about 2 yards
- Small Bag – 2 yards in length.
- Medium Bag – 2 yards in length.
- Large Bag – 3 yards in length.
- 3 yards for the X-Large Bag.
Pattern for a Drawstring Bag
To begin, just cut the ribbon and cloth to the appropriate lengths. Keep in mind what your high school shop instructor told you: measure twice, cut once. This can’t be stressed enough! You can’t go back and undo a cut you’ve already made.
The Ribbon
The Ribbon is a piece of cloth that has been tied around the neck of a person. Cut two lengths of ribbon and leave them aside for the time being.
- X-Small: each one measures 20 inches.
- Small: each measures 26 inches in length.
- Medium: 34 inches in length on each side.
- Extra-large: 42 inches on each side.
- X-Large: each one measures 48 inches.
The Fabric
Cut a rectangle of fabric using the rotary cutter or fabric scissors, as well as the non-slip ruler, to the following dimensions:
- X-Small (measures 6 in. x 12 in.)
- Small (measures 9 in. x 18 in.)
- Medium: 12 inches by 24 inches
- Extra-large: 15 inches by 30 inches
- X-Large (measures 18 inches by 36 inches)
Take your rectangle of fabric and fold it in half longways (with the pattern on the inside) with the edges together to form a square. Repeat with the other piece of fabric.
The dimensions of your square should be:
- X-Small (about 6 in).
- Small (nine inches):
- Medium: 12 in.
- Extra-large: 15 in.
- X-Large (36 in.)
Once you have your square of fabric, iron the bottom fold to assist keep the edges of the fabric square aligned with one another.
How to Make a Drawstring Bag
You have the option of stitching your drawstring bag by hand or by machine. Pins keep the edges of the fabric together as you stitch if you don’t have confidence in your ability to sew in a straight line. Using a sewing machine, on the other hand, expedites the process considerably.
Step #1
Turn your piece of cloth so that the folded edge is on the bottom.
A quarter inch from the edge of the cloth, stitch up the bag’s left and right edges.
Stop at the top of each side, two inches from the top. You can see the bag’s outside from these angles.
Step #2
Fold the two-inch part of the top edge down a quarter inch, and iron it flat.
Iron it flat once you’ve folded it over for a third time, another 34 inch.
A 1/6-inch hem allowance should be added at the bottom of the hem. Repeat on the other side.
The drawstring channel is now complete!
Creating a Boxed-In Area
Now that you’ve sewed the side seams and the drawstring channel, it’s time to box out the bottom corners of your bag.
This step isn’t mandatory, but it may assist prevent your seams from breaking later on by reducing the stress on the bottom corners.
Step #3
Turn your bag over so that the side seam is now in the middle of the cloth, and you’re done! Create a triangle by lining up the side seam with the bottom fold.
- The next step is to draw a line parallel to your triangle’s apex.
- How far down the triangle’s apex should your line extend?
- X-Small: 1 millimeter in height.
- This is the smallest: 1 ½ inches.
- Medium: 2 inches.
- Large: 2 ½ inches long. •
- 3 inches for the X-Large.
Step #4
Sew a seam along the line. To finish the job, repeat this method with the opposite corner, making sure you measure twice and make sure that your line is level with the angle of your previous one.
Step #5
Cut the tip of the triangle pieces below the seam so that you don’t have any extra fabric within the bag after boxing the corners.
Now that you’ve finished, it’s time to flip your bag over!
The Drawstring
Attaching a safety pin to the end of your ribbon is the simplest way to thread it through the channels. This keeps you from losing the end of the ribbon in the midst of the cable.
Step #6
Thread the first ribbon piece through one side and then around the other side, ensuring that both ends are on the same side of the ribbon. Now your ribbon is complete.
Begin on the other side of the ribbon for the second time. Make a tight knot out of the ribbon ends and tie them together. Your bag will shut when you hold the knots and pull!
FAQ’s
What is the mechanism through which drawstring bags function?
A. A drawstring bag, also known as a cinch-up backpack, is a small, lightweight bag that can be adjusted by pulling on two strings at the top. The bag is closed by pulling on the strings, and it is opened by pulling on the threads at the top of the bag when you wish to retrieve the contents kept within.
When making a drawstring bag, how much thread do I need?
Prepare your cable by deciding how long and how thick you want it to be before you start working. In order to make a fine but robust 14″ broad drawstring cord, you’ll need around 20 to 30 strands of polyester thread. This cable is perfect for a small or medium drawstring bag.
What kind of material is used to make drawstring bags?
Natural textiles such as cotton/canvas or jute are more often used to make drawstring bags than man-made materials like polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl.
What can I use as a drawstring?
You may make a drawstring out of whatever piece of cord, trimming, ribbon, or fabric you have on hand. Ribbons add a more feminine touch to projects, whereas cords are ideal for projects that require strong fastenings, such as bags. Utilizing contrasting materials allows you to experiment with different colors and add your own personal touch to the design.
What’s the difference between a drawcord and a drawstring, exactly?
When used as nouns, the difference between drawstring and drawcord is that drawstring is a string or cord that is encased in a fabric tube with one or more small openings into the tube and is attached to a bag or garment, allowing the item to be closed (as with a bag) or tightened (as with sweatpants or a bathing suit), whereas drawcord is simply a drawcord.
What exactly does the term “Drawcord” mean?
The use of a string or ribbon that is threaded through a hem or casing and tugged to tighten or shut an opening is described as.
Conclusion
Your first drawstring bag is now complete!
They’re easy, entertaining, and provide a variety of creative options. They may be used again and over again to add a personal touch to any present.
