Materials Needed

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

Skill Level

This project is suitable for beginners who have basic sewing skills such as straight stitching and hemming.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut two rectangles from the main fabric, each measuring 12 inches wide by 15 inches tall. From the contrasting fabric, cut a strip 3 inches wide by 24 inches long for the casing.

Step 2: Prepare the Casing

Fold the casing strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press with an iron. Open the strip and fold each long edge toward the center crease, then press again. Fold the strip in half along the original crease and press once more.

Step 3: Attach the Casing to the Bag Pieces

Place the casing strip along the top edge of one main fabric piece, aligning raw edges. Pin in place and sew along the bottom edge of the casing with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Step 4: Sew the Bag Body

Place the two main fabric pieces right sides together, ensuring the casing is on the inside. Sew along the sides and bottom edges with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving the top open.

Step 5: Finish the Casing

Fold the casing over the seam allowance to the inside of the bag and sew along the bottom edge of the casing again to create a channel for the drawstring. Leave a small opening to thread the drawstring through.

Step 6: Insert the Drawstring

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

Step 7: Final Touches

Turn the bag right side out and press it flat. Your simple drawstring bag is now ready to use!

This easy sewing project is perfect for beginners and makes a great gift or storage solution. For more beginner sewing projects, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sewing a Simple Drawstring Bag.