How to Make a Drawstring Bag

In this guide, you’ll learn how to sew a simple drawstring bag out of reusable materials. You can use it as a reusable produce bag, snack sack, or small gift bag.

Tools and materials needed

  1. Fabric. You can use almost any fabric for this project, but we recommend hemp since it is a sustainable organic fiber that requires half as much land and water compared to cotton.
  2. String/Rope. You’ll need twine, jute, thin rope, long shoelaces or similar to use for your drawstring.
  3. Sewing machine (or needle and thread). You can sew this bag by hand but a sewing machine will be much faster. Either way you’ll need the usual sewing supplies: thread, scissors, ruler, and sewing pins. A bone folder, tailors chalk, and fabric iron are also recommended.

Materials preparation

  • A | Measure and cut one small piece of fabric: 18” x 5”
  • B | Measure and cut one large piece of fabric: 18” x 15”
  • Measure and cut rope to be around 48” long.

STEP 1

Take the smaller piece of fabric (A) and measure and mark 1” bands on each side using tailors chalk or a pencil.

STEP 2

Fold over and press flat using a bone folder and a hot iron. If you don’t have a bone folder you can use a wooden stick, dull knife or letter opener.

STEP 3

Sew down both ends. Don’t forget to backstitch (aka reverse stitch) at the beginning and end of each seam!

STEP 4

Fold A lengthwise so that the rough edges are on the inside. Fold over and press flat using a hot iron.

STEP 5

Pin A to the top of B, and sew along the top.

STEP 6

Flip A up, iron flat, and add the string.

STEP 7

Fold B vertically so that the rough edge of A is facing out.  At this point your bag is still inside out!

STEP 8

Line up the edges of A and pin B. It’s ok if the edges of B don’t line up exactly or have some overhang.

STEP 9

Sew along the edges of B. You don’t have to sew right along the edge, you can leave some margin or overhang and trim it later.

STEP 10

Now flip your bag inside out to reveal your finished bag!

Congrats!

Now that you know how to sew a drawstring bag, feel free to experiment with these instructions. Try different sizes, colors, and types of materials!

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