What You Need to Make a Drawstring Bag
A drawstring bag is a pouch that closes with a cord threaded through a channel at the top. You can make one with fabric scraps, a needle, thread, and a drawstring — no special tools required. The whole project takes about an hour for a beginner and produces a bag you can use for storage, gifts, or travel.
Gather two pieces of fabric cut to the same size (a 10-inch square makes a small pouch; 12 by 16 inches makes a medium bag). You will also need thread that matches your fabric, a needle, scissors, a ruler, pins, and a drawstring. A drawstring can be cord, ribbon, shoelace, or fabric strips you cut and tie together.
If you have a sewing machine, it speeds up the work and produces stronger seams. Hand sewing works just as well but takes longer. Either way, the steps are the same.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two identical fabric pieces and pin them with the right sides facing each other before you sew.
- Sew three sides closed, leaving the top open and a small gap in one side seam for the drawstring to pass through.
- Turn the bag right-side out through the gap, then fold the top edge inward and sew it closed to create a channel.
- Thread the drawstring through the channel using a safety pin or needle as a guide.
- Tie the drawstring ends together or attach them to the bag so they do not pull out.
Prepare Your Fabric and Cut the Pieces
Lay out your two fabric pieces on a flat surface. If your fabric has a pattern or a right side and wrong side, place the pieces with the right sides facing each other — this is called "right sides together." The wrong sides will be on the outside while you sew.
Pin the two pieces together around all four edges, spacing pins about 2 inches apart. Pinning keeps the fabric from shifting while you sew. Make sure the corners line up and the edges are even.
Sew Three Sides and Leave a Gap
Starting at one corner, sew along one edge using a running stitch (if hand sewing) or a straight stitch (if using a machine). Keep your stitches about one-quarter inch from the edge. Sew all the way to the next corner, then turn the fabric and sew the second side.
When you reach the third side, sew only partway along it — stop about 2 inches before the end and leave a 2-inch gap unsewn. This gap is where you will turn the bag right-side out later. Continue sewing the fourth side all the way to the corner.
You now have three sides sealed and one side with a gap. Do not sew the top edge yet — that stays open for now.
Turn the Bag Right-Side Out
Reach through the 2-inch gap and grab the fabric inside. Pull gently until the entire bag turns inside out through the hole. The right side of the fabric is now facing outward. Push the corners out with your finger so they are sharp and square.
Once the bag is turned, fold the raw edges of the gap inward by about one-quarter inch and pin them closed. You can sew this gap shut now, or leave it for later — either way works.
Create the Drawstring Channel
Fold the top edge of the bag down by about one inch all the way around, with the fold facing inward. This creates a tube or channel at the top. Pin this fold in place.
Sew along the bottom edge of this folded section, staying about one-quarter inch from the fold. This stitch closes the channel and traps the drawstring inside when you thread it through. Sew all the way around the bag.
If you left the side gap unsewn, close it now with a few stitches before you move to the next step.
Thread the Drawstring Through the Channel
Attach a safety pin to one end of your drawstring. Push the safety pin into the channel opening at the top of the bag and feed it through the tube you just created. The safety pin slides easily and guides the string along. When the pin comes out the other side, pull the drawstring all the way through until both ends hang evenly.
If you do not have a safety pin, thread a needle with strong thread, tie the drawstring to the thread, and push the needle through the channel instead.
find the Drawstring Ends
Tie the two ends of the drawstring together in a knot so they do not slip back into the channel. Pull the knot tight and trim any excess length.
Alternatively, you can sew the two ends to the inside of the bag at the channel opening, or tie them to a bead or button so they catch on the channel and cannot be pulled out. Test the drawstring by pulling it — the bag should close smoothly without the string sliding out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fabric works best for a drawstring bag?
Cotton, linen, and canvas are easiest to sew by hand or machine. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits unless you have sewing experience. Thicker fabrics like denim or upholstery fabric work but are harder to sew by hand.
Can I make a drawstring bag without a sewing machine?
Yes. Hand sewing with a running stitch is slower but produces the same result. Use a needle and thread, keep your stitches small and even, and follow the same steps. A hand-sewn bag is just as strong if your stitches are tight.
What do I do if my drawstring gets stuck in the channel?
Gently wiggle and pull the drawstring from both ends. If it is truly stuck, you may have sewn over it by accident. In that case, carefully cut a small slit in the channel seam, free the string, and sew the slit closed with a few stitches.
How do I make the bag waterproof?
Use waterproof fabric like oilcloth or laminated cotton, or explore a waterproof coating to finished cotton fabric. Waterproof fabrics sew the same way as regular fabric but may require a heavier needle and slower machine speed.
Can I add a lining to my drawstring bag?
Yes. Cut two lining pieces the same size as your outer fabric, sew them together leaving a gap, then insert the lining inside the outer bag before you sew the top channel. Sew the channel through all layers. This hides the seams and makes the bag more durable.