How to make a drawstring bag (part1)

Hi friends!  This week and next week Jacinda will be sharing a tutorial in two parts.  Today we'll start work on a great drawstring bag that you can make fairly quickly and very easily.  My inspiration for this bag came from this:



This is a bag I got YEARS ago.  I still use it but not as often as I'd like because it's irreparably dirty and stained.  I tried covering up the stains with paint (I know, probably not the best choice) but it didn't work.  Observe exhibit A:

Major stain "removal" fail.

SO, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and make my own.  Here's the first half of how to do it.  Join us next week for the finished product!

How to make a drawstring bag:

Cut two pieces of outer fabric measuring 13x17 1/2".  Cut two pieces lining fabric measuring 13x15 1/2".

Sew lining together, leaving it open at on of the 13" ends and leaving a hole for turning at the bottom.  Clip bottom corners.

Take outer pieces and on one short edge fold over 1/4" and then fold over another 1 1/2".  Press well.  This will be the casing for your drawstring.

You'll need to sew a hole for the drawstring.  I sewed a buttonhole but if you know how to put grommets in, knock yourself out.  Sew your buttonhole (or place grommet) 1" from raw edge and 1/4 from top folded edge, parallel to the top folded edge, as shown.

 

Here is your completed buttonhole.

We're done for today; come back next week and we'll finish this bag up and you'll have a super handy drawstring bag that can be used as a purse, a farmer's market tote, a child's backpack...anything!

You can always find me over at yellow cloth.  Happy stitching!

 

Have you ever painted fabric?

 

What's the longest time you've ever kept a favorite bag? 

 

 

            

 



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