How to Make a Cotton Drawstring Bag
Supplies Needed
Two fat quarters (18x22-inch pieces) of cotton fabric Scissors Sewing machine (like this Brother XM2701 Lightweight, $130, Walmart) Thread 6-inch sewing gauge Iron Ironing board Two yards of cotton cording
Step-by-Step Directions
With a few basic sewing skills and these how-to instructions, you can create your own drawstring bag. You should be able to complete this sewing project in under an hour.
Step 1: Form the Bag
Cut two 10-1/2x8-inch rectangles and one 6 1/2-inch-diameter circle from each fat quarter. Join the short ends of one pair of matching rectangles, stopping each seam 1 inch from the same (top) edge, to make a tube. Sew a matching circle to the tube’s bottom edge to make a bag. Join the short ends of the two remaining rectangles, leaving a 3-inch opening in one seam. Sew the matching circle to the tube to make the lining.
Step 2: Thread the Cording
Turn the bag right side out. Insert the bag into the lining with the right sides together. Sew around the upper edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, then turn right side out through the opening in the lining. Sew the opening closed. Use an iron to gently press the top edge and sew 3/4 inch and 1 3/4 inches from the edge to make a casing. Starting from opposite sides, thread two 1-yard pieces of 3/16 inch-diameter cotton cording through the casing; knot the ends of each cord and pull to gather the fabric. We used white cotton cording to create our bag with drawstring but try customizing your bag with a colored option (try this Drawstring Cotton Cord Trimming, $15 for 15 yards, Etsy). Make the most of your leftover fabric scraps and sew a DIY fabric bunting garland.
