What You'll Make and What You Need
A drawstring pouch is a small fabric bag closed by pulling a cord through a channel sewn into the top. You can finish one in an afternoon, and it uses fabric scraps you may already have. The finished pouch holds small items—coins, buttons, tea bags, jewelry—and the drawstring keeps contents from spilling.
You will need two pieces of fabric cut to the same size (a 6-inch square makes a pouch about 4 inches tall), thread that matches your fabric, a needle or sewing machine, scissors, a ruler, and a cord or ribbon for the drawstring. A 24-inch length of cord works for most pouches. If you don't have cord, you can cut a thin strip from matching fabric and sew it into a tube.
No special tools are required. Hand sewing takes longer but works perfectly. A sewing machine speeds the process but is not necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two identical fabric pieces, place them right sides together, and sew three sides closed, leaving the top edge open.
- Fold the top edge inward twice to create a channel for the drawstring, then sew this folded edge down to seal the channel.
- Thread your cord through the channel using a safety pin or needle, then tie the ends together so the drawstring closes the pouch.
- The whole project takes 30 to 60 minutes by hand or 15 to 20 minutes by machine, depending on your speed.
- Common mistakes include sewing the drawstring channel too narrow (it should be at least half an inch wide) and pulling the cord too tight when threading it through.
Cutting and Preparing Your Fabric Pieces
Start by cutting two pieces of fabric to identical dimensions. A 6-inch square is a good beginner size—it produces a pouch roughly 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide when finished. You can go larger or smaller, but stay within 4 to 8 inches for your first attempt.
Use a ruler and mark your cutting lines with a pencil or fabric pen before cutting. Straight edges matter because uneven cuts will show when you sew the sides. Cut both pieces at the same time if your fabric is thin enough to stack; otherwise, cut one, lay it on top of the second piece, and trace around it with a pencil before cutting the second piece.
Check that both pieces are exactly the same size by laying them on top of each other. They should line up on all four edges. If one is slightly larger, trim it to match the other.
Sewing the Three Sides Closed
Place the two fabric pieces with the right sides facing each other—this means the pretty sides are touching, and the back sides face outward. This is the standard way to sew fabric so the seams end up hidden inside the finished pouch.
Sew along three sides, leaving the top edge completely open. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew about a quarter inch from the edge. If you are hand sewing, use a running stitch (needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line) and keep your stitches small and even, about an eighth inch apart. Backstitch at the start and end of each seam to lock the thread in place.
Sew the bottom edge first, then one side edge, then the other side edge. Stop at the top corners and leave the entire top edge unsewn. This opening is where you will create the drawstring channel.
Once the three sides are sewn, turn the pouch right side out by reaching into the opening and pulling the fabric through. Push the corners out gently with your fingers so they are sharp and square. The seams should now be hidden inside, and the pretty side of the fabric should face outward.
Creating the Drawstring Channel
The drawstring channel is a folded edge at the top of the pouch that the cord slides through. To make it, fold the raw edges of the opening inward by half an inch and press them flat with your fingers or an iron. Then fold that edge inward again by another half inch, so the raw edges are now completely hidden inside a double fold. This creates a channel at least half an inch wide—wide enough for your cord to slide through without jamming.
Pin this folded edge in place if you want to, or straightforward hold it as you sew. Sew along the folded edge, staying close to the inner fold line. This stitching seals the channel and holds the fold in place. If you are using a machine, sew slowly and keep the line straight. If you are hand sewing, use a running stitch again, keeping stitches small and even.
Sew all the way around the top of the pouch, starting and ending at the same point. When you finish, the top edge should be a neat, finished channel with no raw fabric showing.
Threading the Drawstring Through the Channel
Cut your cord or ribbon to about 24 inches—longer is easier to handle than shorter. If you are using a thin fabric strip instead of cord, sew it into a tube first by folding it lengthwise, sewing the long edge closed, and turning it right side out.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the cord. The safety pin acts as a needle that slides through the channel without snagging. Push the safety pin into the channel at one point and slide it all the way around, feeding the cord through as you go. The cord will bunch up as it travels through the channel—this is normal. Keep pushing until the safety pin comes out the other side.
If you don't have a safety pin, thread the cord onto a large needle and push the needle through the channel instead. Work slowly so you don't poke a hole in the fabric.
Once the cord is all the way through, remove the safety pin or needle. You should now have both ends of the cord hanging out of the pouch. Tie these two ends together in a knot so the cord forms a loop. When you pull the loop, the drawstring tightens and closes the pouch.
Finishing Touches and Common Mistakes
Trim any loose threads sticking out from the seams. If the knot at the end of the drawstring is too small and slips through the channel, tie a larger knot or tie the two ends together twice. Some people melt the ends of synthetic cord slightly with a lighter to prevent fraying, but this is optional.
The most common mistake is making the drawstring channel too narrow. If the cord jams or won't slide smoothly, the channel is less than half an inch wide. You can fix this by carefully cutting open a small section of the top seam, folding the edge wider, and re-sewing it. For your next pouch, fold the edge a full half inch on the first fold and another half inch on the second fold.
Another frequent problem is pulling the drawstring too hard while threading it through the channel. This can bunch or tear the fabric. Feed the cord slowly and let it gather naturally. If the channel gets stuck, stop, gently work the cord backward a little, and try again.
Your finished pouch is now ready to use. The drawstring will loosen and tighten smoothly, and the seams should hold for years of regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a sewing machine if I've never used one before?
Yes. A sewing machine makes this project faster, but hand sewing works just as well. If you are new to machines, practice on scrap fabric first to get a feel for the speed and how to keep a straight line. Most machines have a quarter-inch presser foot mark to help you sew an even seam.
What kind of fabric works best for a beginner?
Cotton or cotton blends are easiest because they don't slip around and are forgiving if your stitches aren't perfect. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knit for your first pouch. Lightweight fabrics are easier to sew than heavy ones, but anything from quilting cotton to linen works.
What if I don't have a safety pin to thread the drawstring?
A large needle, a bobby pin, or even a straw can work. Thread the cord onto a needle and push it through the channel. If you have nothing else, tie a small knot at one end of the cord and push it through slowly—it will work, just more slowly than a safety pin.
How do I make the drawstring from fabric instead of cord?
Cut a strip of fabric about 1 inch wide and 24 inches long. Fold it lengthwise with right sides together, sew the long edge closed with a quarter-inch seam, then turn it right side out. You now have a fabric tube that works exactly like cord. Press it flat with an iron if you want it to look neat.
Can I make the pouch bigger or smaller?
Yes. Cut your fabric pieces any size you want, but keep them square or rectangular. A 4-inch square makes a small pouch for coins; an 8-inch square makes a larger one for a small project or snacks. Just remember to adjust your drawstring length—longer pouches need longer cords, usually about 28 to 30 inches.