Materials Needed

• 1/2 yard of cotton fabric (for the bag body)
• 1/4 yard of contrasting fabric or same fabric (for the casing)
• Matching thread
• Safety pin or bodkin (for threading the drawstring)
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Sewing machine or needle for hand sewing
• Iron and ironing board
• Drawstring cord, ribbon, or shoelace (about 36 inches)

Skill Level

This project is suitable for beginners who have basic sewing skills such as sewing straight seams and using a sewing machine or hand stitching. It’s a great way to practice sewing simple shapes and working with casing for drawstrings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut two rectangles from your main fabric, each measuring 14 inches wide by 16 inches tall. From your casing fabric, cut two strips 4 inches wide by 14 inches long.

Step 2: Prepare the Casing

Fold each casing strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press with an iron. Then fold the long raw edge under about 1/4 inch and press again to create a clean edge.

Step 3: Attach the Casing to the Bag Pieces

Pin the casing strips to the top edge of each bag piece, aligning raw edges. Sew along the bottom edge of the casing strips with a 1/4 inch seam allowance to attach them to the bag pieces.

Step 4: Sew the Bag Body

Place the two bag pieces right sides together. Sew along the sides and bottom edges with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving the top open. Finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or pinking shears to prevent fraying.

Step 5: Create the Drawstring Channel

Fold the casing fabric over the top edge of the bag to the inside, enclosing the raw edges. Sew close to the folded edge, leaving a small opening on each side for the drawstring to pass through.

Step 6: Insert the Drawstring

Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of your drawstring cord and thread it through the casing channel, coming out the other side. Repeat with the second cord if you want a double drawstring closure.

Step 7: Finish and Use

Tie knots at the ends of the drawstring cords to prevent them from slipping back into the casing. Turn the bag right side out and press if desired. Your drawstring bag is ready to use for carrying small items or as a gift bag!

This simple sewing project is a perfect introduction to working with fabric and sewing techniques. For more beginner-friendly textile craft tutorials, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Crocheting a Cozy Textured Scarf or Beginner-Friendly Crochet Coaster Tutorial.