A straightforward pouch takes two pieces of fabric and one seam

A drawstring pouch is a rectangle of fabric folded in half, sewn on two sides, and finished with a channel at the top for the drawstring to slide through. You can make one in under an hour with fabric scraps, a needle, thread, and scissors. The whole project uses basic running stitch — the same stitch you would use to sew a button back on a shirt.

The pouch works because the drawstring cinches the opening closed. You do not need a zipper, snaps, or any hardware. This makes it one of the easiest sewing projects for someone learning to sew by hand.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two identical rectangles of fabric — a 6-by-8-inch rectangle makes a pouch about 3 inches wide and 4 inches tall when finished.
  • Sew the two pieces together on three sides using running stitch, leaving the top edge open for the drawstring channel.
  • Fold the raw edge at the top down about half an inch, then sew it down to create a tube the drawstring can slide through.
  • Thread a drawstring (cord, ribbon, or fabric strip) through the channel using a safety pin or needle as a guide.
  • Tie the drawstring ends together so the pouch closes when you pull it tight.

Cutting your fabric pieces to size

Start with two pieces of fabric cut to the same size. A 6-by-8-inch rectangle is a good beginner size — it makes a pouch roughly 3 inches wide and 4 inches tall when sewn and folded. If you want a larger pouch, cut 8-by-10 inches. If you want a smaller one, cut 5-by-7 inches. The width becomes the width of the finished pouch, and the height becomes the height.

Use scissors to cut straight edges. If your fabric frays (cotton does; felt does not), cut a quarter-inch larger than your target size so you have room for a seam allowance. Lay one piece on top of the other so they match exactly. You now have a stack of two identical rectangles.

Sewing the two sides and bottom together

Place the two rectangles with the sides you want to show on the outside facing each other — this is called sewing with right sides together. This way, the seams end up hidden on the inside of the finished pouch.

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Start at the bottom left corner of the stack. Push the needle through both layers from the back, coming out at the corner. Use running stitch to sew along the left edge, going about a quarter-inch from the edge. When you reach the bottom left corner, turn and sew along the bottom edge. When you reach the bottom right corner, turn again and sew up the right edge until you reach the top right corner. Stop there. You have now sewn three sides. The top edge stays open — that is where the drawstring will go.

Tie off your thread on the inside by pushing the needle through the last stitch a few times, then trim the thread close to the fabric.

Turning the pouch right-side out

You now have a fabric tube that is still inside-out. Reach in through the open top and grab the bottom corner from the inside. Pull it out through the opening. Keep pulling gently until the whole pouch flips right-side out. The seams are now hidden on the inside, and the outside shows the fabric you chose.

Use your fingers to push the corners out so they are sharp and square, not rounded. Lay the pouch flat on your work surface.

Creating the drawstring channel at the top

The channel is a tube at the top of the pouch that the drawstring slides through. To make it, fold the raw edge at the top down about half an inch toward the inside of the pouch. Press it flat with your fingers or the edge of a ruler. This folded edge is now the opening of the channel.

Thread your needle again and tie a knot. Starting at one side seam, use running stitch to sew the folded edge down to the body of the pouch. Sew all the way around the top, staying about a quarter-inch from the fold. When you come back to where you started, tie off the thread on the inside.

You now have a tube running all the way around the top of the pouch. The drawstring will slide through this tube.

Threading the drawstring through the channel

Cut a piece of drawstring material — this can be cord, ribbon, a strip of fabric, or even a shoelace. Make it about 24 inches long. Tie a small knot at one end so it does not slip through the channel.

Attach a safety pin to the other end of the drawstring. Push the safety pin into the channel at one of the side seams and slide it all the way around the inside of the channel until it comes back out at the same spot. The drawstring is now threaded through.

Pull both ends of the drawstring so they are even. Tie them together in a knot or a bow. When you pull the knot, the pouch cinches closed.

Finishing touches and variations

Your pouch is now complete. If the fabric edges fray and bother you, trim any loose threads. If you want the pouch to last longer, you can sew a second line of stitching around the channel, about a quarter-inch closer to the fold. This reinforces it.

Once you have made one pouch, you can experiment. Use patterned fabric instead of solid. Make the pouch taller or wider. Use two different fabrics — one for the outside, one for the lining. Add a second drawstring so you can pull from both sides. Sew a small patch or embroidery on the outside before you sew the sides together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of fabric works best for a beginner?

Cotton quilting fabric or cotton canvas are easiest because they do not fray much, hold their shape, and are straightforward to sew through by hand. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits — they are harder to control. Felt works well too because it does not fray at all.

Can I use a sewing machine instead of sewing by hand?

Yes. Set your machine to a straight stitch and use the same steps — sew three sides with right sides together, turn it out, fold and sew the channel. Machine sewing is faster and the seams are stronger, though the pouch looks less handmade.

What if my drawstring keeps slipping out?

Tie a larger knot at each end of the drawstring so it cannot slip through the channel opening. You can also sew the channel closed at the opening — just leave a small gap on one side for the drawstring to come out, then sew that gap shut once the drawstring is threaded.

How do I make the pouch waterproof?

Use oilcloth or laminated cotton instead of regular fabric. These materials shed water and are still straightforward to sew by hand. You can also line the inside with plastic sheeting, though this is more advanced and requires careful stitching so the plastic does not tear.

Can I add a lining to make it look nicer inside?

Yes. Cut two more rectangles the same size as your outer fabric. Sew them together on three sides the same way, turn them out, and slide the lining inside the outer pouch before you sew the channel. Then sew the channel through all layers. This hides all the raw edges and seams.