Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Apr 19, 2010 13 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I posted my heating pad tutorial and at the end, I mentioned that I would like to put together a drawstring bag for attractive gift-giving as well as storage.

So…here’s the tutorial.

Cut a pattern (here’s that gridded paper I love so much…in a peppermint stripe) that is a 11.25″ x 7.5″ rectangle.

Pin it to your fabric with one of the short ends on the fold.

Cut your fabric, open up the rectangle (should be 22.5″ x 7.5″) and finish your edges.

Now, with your wrong sides together, fold each of the short ends over 1″ and press.

Stitch near the the finished edge to create the casing for your drawstring.

Next, fold your bag in half–right sides together–with your casings matching up at the top. Stitch 1/8″ up the sides, stopping and reinforcing your seam just below the casings.

For my drawstring, I used 3/8″ grosgrain ribbon that I had on hand and cut two 19″ lengths. Insert a safety pin in one end and use the pin to feed the ribbon through one side of the casing. Repeat for the other side.

Knot the ends of your ribbons together on each side of the bag and, voila! You’re done!

What a lovely little package!

13 Responses to “Drawstring Bag Tutorial”

  1. Cora Reply Apr 20, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    Thanks so much for posting this. I’m teaching my oldest daughter to sew, and she’s been wanting to make a drawstring bag. This will help a lot. I always love your crafts, your sewing skills are definately better than mine.

  2. Sadie Walton Reply Apr 22, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I just received this little bag with enclosed heating pad as a gift from my FAVORITE Green Wife!!! Abbie, you put such a smile on my face and a relaxing scent in my home! You made bedrest a little cheerier today! Thank you so much!

  3. Valerie Reply Apr 23, 2010 at 7:16 am

    I love this! May even make me take my machine out of hiding.

  4. Lesley Reply May 11, 2010 at 6:57 am

    Oh, something even *I* could do. Cute and simple!

  5. Sandy Reply Aug 14, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    I just found your site while searching for a ebook reader cover pattern. I love your tutorials and run some off. Can’t wait to start making some projects. I’ve decided on handmade gifts this year and doing some crafts show in hopes of saving some cash to go see my niece in Hawaii!!! Thanks for sharing your great ideas. Look forward to more.

  6. Mar Reply Sep 04, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    Definitely going to try this! Trying to make the last 3 weeks of 4th preg. go a little quicker. Just found your blog and I love it! Thanks for sharing.

  7. Barbara Reply Nov 16, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    Some Christmas gifts on the ole sewing machine today…Thank you so much

  8. Rochelle Reply Nov 21, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Making all my friends spa heating pads for christmas gifts :) what kind of rice did you use for the filling? do you recommend a specific brand?

  9. Shad-o Reply Dec 11, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    This is so wonderful, xmas treats for my hard working and hard working out friends and sisters!! Love it and so easy. I put a piece of ribbon folded in half on the one short side and instead of making bag to store it, I just tie the ribbon around and make bow. Easy, pretty and useful.

  10. sammy Reply Aug 27, 2012 at 11:29 am

    Love this, have you used a serger for this?
    also do you have as news letter loving the ethos x x

  11. Grandma2Barbie Reply Dec 17, 2012 at 10:35 pm

    My granddaughter sent your website for the heating pad tutorial with a request for a Christmas gift. Well, I’ve made four pads and bags for gifts! Thanks for sharing your great ideas. I’ll look for more things to make.

  12. karen Reply Jan 07, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Just as impressive as the heating pad itself……. thanks for sharing. Karen c.

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