What You Need to Make a Flat-Bottom Drawstring Bag

A flat-bottom drawstring bag is a rectangular pouch with a reinforced base that sits flat when you set it down. The flat bottom is created by folding and stitching the bottom corners inward before you close the sides, which gives the bag structure and makes it stand upright. This design works well for storing small items like dice, buttons, or jewelry because the bag won't tip over.

You will need two pieces of fabric cut to the same size — typically 8 inches by 10 inches for a small bag, though you can adjust these measurements. Cotton or linen works best because it holds its shape and is straightforward to sew. You also need thread that matches your fabric, a needle or sewing machine, scissors, a ruler, and two pieces of cord or ribbon for the drawstring (each about 24 inches long).

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two identical rectangles of fabric and sew them together on three sides, leaving the top open for the drawstring channel.
  • Create the flat bottom by folding each bottom corner into a triangle and stitching across it before you close the sides completely.
  • Sew a channel at the top of the bag by folding the fabric down twice, then thread the drawstring through this channel using a safety pin or needle.
  • The flat bottom is formed by the corner folds, not by a separate piece of fabric, so the entire bag is made from just two rectangles.

Cut and Prepare Your Fabric Pieces

Start by cutting two rectangles of fabric to the same size. For a beginner bag, cut pieces that are 8 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Lay one piece on top of the other with the right sides facing each other — this means the pretty side of the fabric is on the inside, and you will see the back of the fabric on the outside as you work.

Pin the two pieces together along three sides: the bottom and both long sides. Leave the top edge unpinned because that is where you will insert the drawstring later. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch about one-quarter inch from the edge. If you are using a machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew along the same line. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the thread.

Create the Flat Bottom by Folding the Corners

Turn the bag right-side out through the top opening so the pretty fabric is now on the outside. Use a pencil or the blunt end of a needle to push the bottom corners out so they are sharp and square. The flat bottom is created by folding each bottom corner inward to form a triangle, then stitching across that triangle.

Lay the bag flat on your work surface with the bottom edge facing you. Pinch one bottom corner and fold it up so the side seam aligns with the bottom seam, creating a triangle. The point of the triangle will stick up toward the top of the bag. Measure about one inch down from the point and draw a line across the triangle with a pencil or chalk. Sew along this line with a straight stitch, going back and forth a few times to reinforce it. Repeat this step on the other bottom corner.

Trim the excess fabric from each corner triangle, leaving about one-quarter inch of fabric beyond your stitching line. This prevents the corner from being too bulky. Turn the bag inside out again and repeat the corner fold and stitch on the inside seams as well — this double-stitching makes the flat bottom durable and prevents the corners from unraveling.

Sew the Drawstring Channel at the Top

Turn the bag right-side out one final time. Fold the top edge of the bag down one-half inch toward the inside and press it flat with your fingers or an iron. Fold it down another one-half inch and press again. This creates a channel — a tunnel that runs around the top of the bag where the drawstring will sit.

Pin this folded edge in place all the way around the bag. Sew along the bottom edge of the fold with a straight stitch, staying as close to the fold as you can. This seam holds the channel in place and creates the tunnel. Sew all the way around the bag, stopping just before you reach where you started, and backstitch to find the thread.

Thread the Drawstring Through the Channel

Cut two pieces of cord or ribbon, each about 24 inches long. Attach a safety pin to one end of the first cord. Push the safety pin into the channel at one side of the bag and feed it through the tunnel, working it around the entire bag until it comes out the same side. Remove the safety pin and tie the two ends of the cord together with a knot.

Repeat this step with the second cord, but start on the opposite side of the bag. When you pull both drawstrings, they will tighten the bag from opposite directions, which closes it evenly. You can also use a single long cord threaded through both sides if you prefer — just tie the ends together after threading.

Reinforce Seams and Trim Loose Threads

Check all your seams, especially where the drawstring channel meets the side seams. If any stitches look loose or uneven, go back and sew over them again. Pay special attention to the corners where you created the flat bottom, because these areas take the most stress when you fill and use the bag.

Trim any loose thread ends with scissors. If you used a sewing machine, you may have small loops of thread on the inside of the bag — these are normal and do not affect how the bag works. If you want a cleaner look, you can weave these thread ends back through nearby stitches with a needle before trimming them short.

Test the Bag and Adjust the Drawstring Length

Pull both drawstrings to close the bag and see how it sits. The flat bottom should hold its shape and the bag should close smoothly without bunching. If the drawstring is too long, you can trim it and tie a knot at the end, or wrap the excess around the outside of the bag and stitch it down.

Fill the bag with a few small items to test how it holds up. The flat bottom should keep the bag upright even when it is full. If the corners feel weak or if the stitches start to come loose, add another row of stitching along the corner seams for extra strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a flat-bottom bag without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand sewing takes longer but works just as well. Use a running stitch or a backstitch, keeping your stitches small and even — about one-eighth inch apart. The flat bottom corners and drawstring channel are the same whether you sew by hand or machine.

What size should I cut the fabric rectangles?

Start with 8 inches by 10 inches for a small bag that holds dice or buttons. For a larger bag, try 10 inches by 12 inches or 12 inches by 14 inches. The width becomes the width of the finished bag, and the height becomes the height before you fold down the drawstring channel.

Why do I need to fold the corners twice?

Folding and stitching the corners on both the outside and inside seams prevents the fabric from fraying and makes the flat bottom strong enough to support the weight of items in the bag. A single fold can come loose with use.

Can I use a single drawstring instead of two?

Yes. Thread one long cord through the entire channel and tie the ends together. Two drawstrings close the bag more evenly, but one works fine and is simpler to thread.

What fabric works best for a drawstring bag?

Cotton and linen are easiest to sew and hold their shape well. Canvas is thicker and more durable for heavy items. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits because they are harder to sew straight and the bag will lose its shape over time.