Drawstring bags are great for school, the gym and day trips, and can be neatly stowed away when not in use. No matter what style you choose to go for, they are real eye-catchers! The easy drawstring bag pattern can be used with a fabric of your choice. Why not upcycle some old jeans? Or use clear vinyl to make a waterproof bag for those hot summer days by the pool or swimming lessons. In this "How to Sew a Drawstring Bag" sewing tutorial, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of sewing a custom drawstring bag. You’ll learn how to choose the right fabric, measure and cut your materials, and assemble the bag with a professional finish. With just a few basic sewing supplies and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a personalized drawstring bag ready to use in no time.
So check out our drawstring bag pattern: free and incredibly easy. Now let’s get sewing!
How do I choose the right fabric for my drawstring bag?
Choosing the right fabric for your DIY drawstring bag depends on the intended use of the bag. For a lightweight bag, such as one used for small items or organizing accessories, cotton or linen fabrics are ideal due to their breathability and ease of sewing. For a more durable bag, such as one for gym gear or heavier items, consider using canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric for added strength. If you need a water-resistant bag, opt for fabrics like nylon or polyester. Always pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage and ensure it’s suitable for your sewing machine. This point is important to consider when learning how to sew a drawstring bag.
What type of drawstring should I use for my bag?
This point is important The type of DIY drawstring you choose depends on the look and functionality you want. Common options include cotton cord, nylon cord, ribbon, or even repurposed shoelaces. Cotton cords offer a natural, classic look, while nylon cords are strong and durable, suitable for heavier bags. Ribbons add a decorative touch and are perfect for lightweight bags. Ensure the drawstring is thick enough to be easily pulled through the casing but not too thick to cause difficulty in closing the bag.
Can I add pockets or compartments to my drawstring bag?
Yes, adding pockets or compartments to your drawstring bag is a great way to increase its functionality. You can sew an internal pocket by attaching a smaller piece of fabric to the inside of the bag before assembling it. External pockets can be added to the front or sides of the bag for easy access. When adding pockets, make sure to plan their placement and sew them securely to handle the weight of the items they will carry. Adding compartments or dividers inside the bag can also help organize your items better.
- 1/2 yard outer fabric and 1/2 yard lining
- 4 yards of cord (5 mm diameter)
- Interfacing, if using cotton fabric - we used Vlieseline G700
- Coordinating thread
- A leather labels made of real leather or Wunderpap
Drawstring Bag Tutorial: Step by Step
The first step in this drawstring bag tutorial is to cut the pieces. You will need two 37 x 45 cm rectangles for the lining and two 8 x 35 cm strips for the drawstring. You can use the outer fabric for this, except if it is very thick (canvas, denim or similar), in which case the bag may be difficult to close later. You can use either your lining or a third contrasting fabric instead.
Also cut two 37 x 45 cm pieces from your outer fabric and a 10 x 16 cm piece for the drawcord tabs. If you like, you can also sew the outside of the bag using different fabrics. We upcycled an old pair of jeans for the bottom and reinforced the top with fleece, sewed the two parts together and edgestitched the seam. It is important that the finished pieces for the outside end up measuring 37 x 45 cm - don't forget to add a seam allowance!
Next is the drawstring tunnel. Seam the short ends by folding them twice 1 cm to the left, iron the pleat and topstitch them with a short edge. Then fold the strips wrong side to wrong side lengthwise in half and iron the pleat flat. Pin everything together on the long side with a small seam allowance and place one piece centered on the right side of each outer fabric piece. Pin everything together again with a small seam allowance.
Now the tabs for the drawstring: Fold the fabric in half wrong side to wrong side lengthwise and iron the crease. Unfold the tab, fold both raw edges towards the center line and iron everything again. Then fold the tab again in the middle so that the raw edges are on the inside, iron everything flat and sew together along the long edges. Cut the tab in two so that you have two pieces of 8 x 2.5 cm each. Fold them in two and place them on the long sides of one piece of outer fabric 8 cm above the corners. Sew them on with a small seam allowance.
Sew the outside bag together right side to right side - except for the sides with the drawstring tunnel. Use a seam allowance of 1 cm and shorten the allowance at the corners afterwards, so that they can be shaped nicely when the bag is finished. Turn the outside bag right side out.
Next, close the lining bag right sides together. Again use a seam allowance of 1 cm and leave an opening of about 10 cm on the short bottom side. Lock your stitches before and after the opening.
Place the outside bag into the lining bag so that the right sides face each other and the side seams meet. Pin everything together with pins or clips - the drawstring must point away from the raw edge. Stitch it all together with a seam allowance of 1 cm and shorten the seam allowance afterwards, especially at the side seams.
Pull the bag through the opening and form the corners nicely with a pointed object. Press the seam allowance inwards at the opening and close it, either by hand with a ladder stitch or tightly with the sewing machine. Fold the lining inwards and iron again. Stitch the upper edge below the drawstring.
The next step is to thread the cord: You need 1.8 m of cord for each side, making a full loop through the drawstring tunnel and then coming out through the other opening on the same side. Repeat the whole thing on the other side and knot the ends of the cord together. Use a safety pin to thread the cord through the tunnel.
Finally, attach a nice leather label (if you have sewn a swim bag, you can use a woven label with text & symbol or a printed label, as it’s best not to get our leather labels wet). And that's the end of our Drawstring Bag Tutorial!
We hope you enjoyed this drawstring gift bags pattern free tutorial "How to Sew a Drawstring Bag" and we would love to see your creations on social media. Find more tutorials on our blog.
