Materials Needed

• 1/2 yard of cotton fabric (for the bag body)
• 1/4 yard of contrasting fabric (for the lining or casing)
• Matching thread
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Sewing pins or clips
• Sewing machine or needle for hand sewing
• Safety pin (for threading the drawstring)
• Drawstring cord or ribbon (about 36 inches)

Skill Level

This project is suitable for beginners who have basic sewing skills such as straight stitching and seam allowance understanding. It’s a great way to practice sewing curves and working with casings.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut two rectangles from your main fabric, each measuring 14 inches wide by 16 inches tall. From your contrasting fabric, cut a strip 4 inches tall by 14 inches wide for the casing.

Step 2: Prepare the Casing

Fold the casing strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press. Then fold the raw edges inside about 1/4 inch and press again to create a neat edge.

Step 3: Attach the Casing to the Bag Pieces

Pin the casing strip to the top edge of each main fabric rectangle, right sides together. Sew along the pinned edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Step 4: Sew the Bag Body

Place the two main fabric pieces right sides together, aligning all edges. Sew around the sides and bottom with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving the top open.

Step 5: Create the Drawstring Channel

Fold the casing down over the seam and topstitch close to the lower edge of the casing to form the channel for the drawstring.

Step 6: Insert the Drawstring

Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring cord or ribbon and thread it through the casing channel. Once threaded, tie the ends together securely.

Step 7: Finish and Use

Turn the bag right side out. Your drawstring bag is now ready to use for carrying small items, as a gift bag, or for organizing craft supplies.

For more beginner sewing projects, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sewing a Simple Drawstring Bag and Simple Quilted Pot Holder Tutorial.