| Drawstring bags are one of those sewing | | | | wrong sides facing out... aligning the raw |
| projects that can transcend all purposes. You | | | | side edges and the raw top edges. The folded |
| can make them to hold small objects, like | | | | edge will be the bottom of your bag.5. Press |
| those seasonal colored glass rocks that you | | | | and pin if necessary.6. On one side, sew all |
| fill your vases with. You can use them as | | | | the way up the side edges with a 1/4" seam. |
| gift bags to cover wine bottles, hold small | | | | Be sure to back stitch in the beginning and |
| jewelry boxes, or any size gift. You can make | | | | end of the stitching to lock the stitch.7. |
| them for decorative items for your home or | | | | Measure down the other raw side edge 3/4" and |
| bath.Whatever your reason for sewing a | | | | mark with a pin.8. Sew a 1/4" to sew the |
| drawstring bag, you will discover that making | | | | other side seam... but this time stop at the |
| one is super simple. The construction is sew | | | | pin mark. Be sure to back stitch in the |
| simple, that you can easily modify your | | | | beginning and end of the stitching to lock |
| dimensions, fabric and string to create a | | | | the stitch.9. Fold down the top raw edge a 1 |
| huge variety of drawstring bags.So, decide on | | | | 4" and press.10. Fold down the top edge again |
| the size of your bag first. Are you making to | | | | 1/2" and press. The folded edge created in |
| hold a wine bottle? Something small?Then pick | | | | step 9 should align with the mark made in |
| out your fabric. You'll need a little more | | | | step 7.11. Starting at the mark made in step |
| than twice your bag's dimensions. So, if your | | | | 7, stitch around the bag close to the folded |
| bag will be 12" by 5", then you want fabric | | | | edge created in step 9. This will create the |
| that is at least 24" plus 1 1/2" by 5" plus | | | | pocket for your drawstring.12. Turn the bag |
| 1".You're also going to need some cord, | | | | right side out and press well.13. Slide your |
| ribbon, or whatever you plan on using for a | | | | drawstring through the pocket. You may want |
| drawstring. You will need the diameter of | | | | to use some wire and a safety pin to help |
| your bag plus at least 8". In the example | | | | pull the cord through the pocket.And your |
| above, I am making a bag that is 5" wide, so | | | | done! Pull the drawstring to gather the |
| the diameter will be 10". I will need 10" | | | | opening closed and tie.Once you have the |
| plus 8" of cord.Once you have your | | | | basics down, the possibilities are endless. |
| dimensions, cord and your fabric, follow | | | | You can sew sequins and beads to the fabric. |
| these easy step-by-step instructions below to | | | | So fringe around the top edge. Glue a |
| learn how to sew a drawstring bag... within | | | | glittery snowflake... handstitch a design, |
| minutes (yes minutes) !1. Cut your fabric so | | | | cut out fabric in shapes and press them to |
| that the length is twice the finished length | | | | the bag with web adhesive. Create the fabric |
| plus 1 1/2".Example: The finished width of my | | | | with a crazy quilt technique or a simple |
| bag will be 12". So I will cut my fabric to | | | | patchwork style. Use fancy fabrics like silk, |
| be 24" plus 1 1/2" long... 25 1/2".2. Cut | | | | velvet or lace.A drawstring bag is super easy |
| your fabric so that the width is the finished | | | | to make. The fun is making the design your |
| width plus 1/2".Example: The finished width | | | | own. Spend the time in the details and you'll |
| of my bag will be 5". So I will cut my fabric | | | | be sewing drawstring bags all the time.And |
| to be 5" plus 1/2" wide... 5 1/2".3. Serge or | | | | most importantly... have fun!Jennifer Thoden |
| overlock stitch the raw edges. If you don't | | | | has helped thousands of people just like you |
| have an overlock stitch, you can sew a | | | | to successfully sew home decor and to |
| zig-zag stitch along your raw edges.4. Fold | | | | decorate their homes beautifully. Click here |
| the fabric in half... right sides together... | | | | for more exciting projects like this. |