You can sew a basic drawstring bag with just a needle, thread, and fabric scraps in under 20 minutes
A drawstring bag is one of the fastest sewing projects for beginners. You need two pieces of fabric, a needle, thread, and scissors—nothing else. The entire process takes about 20 minutes from cutting to finished bag. The technique is straightforward: cut two rectangles, sew three sides closed, fold down the top edge to create a channel, and thread a cord through it.
This project works with any fabric you have on hand—old t-shirts, cotton scraps, or quilting fabric all work equally well. The finished bag is useful for storing small items, carrying snacks, or organizing craft supplies. Once you understand the basic steps, you can make variations in size and add decorative touches.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two identical fabric rectangles (8 by 10 inches is a good starter size) and lay them with the pretty sides facing each other.
- Sew three sides closed with a running stitch or backstitch, leaving the top edge open and a 1-inch seam allowance on all sides.
- Turn the bag right-side out through the opening, then fold the raw edges at the top inward and sew them closed.
- Fold the top edge down 1 to 1.5 inches to create a channel, sew around the folded edge, and thread a cord through the opening.
- A needle and thread work fine for this project, though a sewing machine cuts the time in half if you have one available.
Gather your materials and cut the fabric
Start with two pieces of fabric cut to the same size. An 8-by-10-inch rectangle makes a small bag suitable for jewelry or snacks; a 10-by-14-inch rectangle makes a medium bag for a lunch or craft supplies. Lay both pieces on a flat surface with the right sides facing each other—this means the pretty, printed, or finished side of the fabric is on the inside, and the back side faces out. This positioning ensures the seams end up hidden inside the finished bag.
If your fabric has a pattern or color you prefer on the outside, make sure that side is facing inward before you start sewing. Use scissors to cut straight edges; slightly uneven cuts will not affect the finished bag, but straight edges make sewing easier.
Sew three sides closed with a running stitch or backstitch
Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Starting at one corner, sew along the left side of the fabric using either a running stitch (in and out, in and out) or a backstitch (pushing the needle backward through the previous stitch for extra strength). Keep your stitches about 1/4 inch from the edge and maintain a consistent distance from the edge all the way down. A backstitch holds better, but a running stitch is faster.
When you reach the bottom corner, turn and sew across the bottom edge. Then sew up the right side. Stop about 3 inches from the top—this opening is where you will turn the bag right-side out. Tie off your thread with a knot on the inside.
If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew at a medium speed. Machine sewing takes about 5 minutes for all three sides and produces stronger, more even seams than hand sewing.
Turn the bag right-side out and close the opening
Reach through the 3-inch opening at the top and grab the bottom corner of the bag from the inside. Pull gently until the entire bag turns inside out through the opening. The pretty side of the fabric is now on the outside. Use your fingers to push the corners out so they are sharp and square.
Fold the raw edges of the opening inward about 1/2 inch on each side, creasing them with your fingers. Sew the opening closed with a running stitch or backstitch, staying as close to the fold as possible. This seam will be hidden inside the channel you create next, so it does not need to be perfect.
Create the drawstring channel at the top
Fold the top edge of the bag down 1 to 1.5 inches and crease it firmly with your fingers. This folded section becomes the channel that holds the drawstring. Sew around the entire top of the bag, staying about 1/4 inch below the fold. This stitch holds the channel in place and creates a tunnel for the cord to slide through.
Leave a small gap (about 1/2 inch) in your stitching on one side—this is where you will thread the drawstring. If you forget to leave a gap, you can carefully cut a small slit in the channel later, but leaving the gap as you sew is cleaner.
Thread the drawstring through the channel
Cut a piece of cord, ribbon, or even fabric strips about 24 to 30 inches long. Attach a safety pin to one end of the cord and push it through the gap in the channel. The safety pin acts as a weight and makes the cord easier to push through. Slide the safety pin and cord all the way around the channel until both ends of the cord come out the same gap.
Remove the safety pin and tie the two ends of the cord together with a square knot. Pull the cord to cinch the bag closed. If the cord is too long, trim it to a comfortable length before tying.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common error is sewing with the fabric right sides facing outward instead of inward. This leaves visible seams on the outside of the finished bag. Before you start sewing, double-check that the pretty sides of both fabric pieces are facing each other.
Another frequent mistake is making the channel too narrow. If you fold down less than 1 inch, the cord will be difficult to thread through and may bunch up. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of folded fabric. If your first attempt is too tight, you can still use the bag—just pull the cord more gently.
Forgetting to leave a gap for threading the drawstring is fixable but annoying. If this happens, use small scissors to carefully cut a 1/2-inch slit in the channel on one side, thread the cord through, and sew the slit closed afterward.
Variations and next steps
Once you have made one basic drawstring bag, you can experiment with different sizes, fabrics, and finishes. Try using patterned fabric, adding a second color by cutting one rectangle from each of two different fabrics, or making a smaller bag for jewelry. Some sewers add a decorative stitch around the channel or use elastic instead of a cord for a cinch-top effect.
If you want to make multiple bags, cut all your fabric pieces at once and sew them in batches. This assembly-line approach is faster and helps you develop muscle memory for the stitches. After making three or four bags, you will likely finish each one in 15 minutes or less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a sewing machine instead of sewing by hand?
Yes, a sewing machine is faster and produces stronger seams. Set it to a straight stitch, use a medium speed, and sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Machine sewing cuts the total time to about 10 minutes. If you do not have a machine, hand sewing works just as well—it straightforward takes longer.
What kind of cord works best for the drawstring?
Cotton cord, paracord, ribbon, or even strips of fabric work well. Avoid very thin string, which can cut into your fingers when you pull it tight. A 1/4-inch-wide cord or ribbon is ideal. If you cannot find cord, you can braid three strands of embroidery thread together.
What if my fabric is stretchy or slippery?
Cotton and linen are easiest for beginners because they do not slide around while you sew. If you are using knit or stretchy fabric, sew more slowly and hold the fabric gently on both sides of the needle to keep it stable. Slippery fabrics like satin benefit from pinning the pieces together before sewing.
How big should I make the bag?
An 8-by-10-inch bag holds small items like jewelry or coins. A 10-by-14-inch bag fits a sandwich and snacks. A 12-by-18-inch bag works for a small project or storage. Start with the medium size if you are unsure—it is large enough to be useful but small enough to finish quickly.
Can I add pockets or decorations inside the bag?
Yes, but add them before you sew the three sides closed. Cut a small rectangle of fabric, fold the edges inward, and sew it to the inside of one of your main fabric pieces. Then proceed with sewing the bag together as normal. Keep decorations straightforward on your first attempt.