A sack bag is a drawstring pouch you can make in an afternoon
A sack bag is a rectangular fabric pouch with a drawstring closure at the top. It takes about two to four hours to sew by hand, or one to two hours on a machine, and requires only basic stitching. You need two pieces of fabric cut to the same size, thread, a needle or sewing machine, scissors, and a drawstring (which can be cord, ribbon, or fabric strips you make yourself).
The finished bag works for storing small items, carrying a lunch, or holding craft supplies. Once you understand the basic steps, you can adjust the size, fabric weight, and drawstring style to suit what you want to carry.
Key Takeaways
- Cut two identical rectangles of fabric, then sew three sides closed with a running stitch or machine stitch, leaving the top open.
- Fold the top edge down about half an inch on both sides and sew it flat to create a channel for the drawstring to slide through.
- Thread your drawstring through the channel using a safety pin or needle as a guide, then tie the ends together.
- Hand sewing takes longer but requires no equipment beyond needle and thread; machine sewing is faster and creates a stronger seam.
- Lightweight cotton, linen, or canvas work best for beginners because they are straightforward to cut and sew without fraying badly.
Choosing fabric and measuring your pieces
Start by deciding how large you want your finished bag. A small sack bag for jewelry or coins might be 4 inches wide by 6 inches tall. A medium bag for a lunch or small project might be 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall. A large bag for storage could be 12 inches wide by 16 inches tall. Write down your chosen width and height.
Cut two pieces of fabric to those exact measurements. Use a ruler or measuring tape and mark the corners with a pencil or fabric pen before cutting. Both pieces must be the same size. Cotton, linen, and canvas are good choices for a first bag because they hold their shape and are forgiving to sew. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits until you have more experience.
Sewing the three sides closed
Place your two fabric pieces with the right sides facing each other — the pretty sides should touch, and the back sides should face outward. Pin or hold them together so they do not slip.
Sew three sides closed: the bottom and both long sides. Leave the top edge completely open. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch about one-quarter inch from the edge. Push the needle through both layers, pull it out about one-quarter inch away, and repeat. If you are using a machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew slowly along the same line, keeping the edge even.
When you reach a corner, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot (if using a machine), turn the fabric, and continue. Backstitch a few stitches at the start and end to lock the thread. After you finish all three sides, turn the bag inside out through the open top so the right sides now face outward.
Creating the drawstring channel
Fold the top raw edge of the bag down about half an inch on the outside, all the way around. Press it flat with your fingers or an iron. Fold it down another half inch and press again. This creates a channel — a tube of folded fabric — that the drawstring will slide through.
Sew this folded edge flat to the bag body. Sew close to the inner fold (the one closest to the bag opening) so the drawstring can move freely inside. Use a running stitch by hand or a straight stitch on the machine. Sew all the way around, and backstitch at the start and end.
Threading the drawstring
Cut or prepare your drawstring. If you are using cord or ribbon, cut a piece about 24 to 36 inches long, depending on your bag size. If you want to make your own drawstring from fabric, cut two strips of fabric about half an inch wide and as long as you want the string, then sew them together end-to-end and turn them inside out to hide the seams.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring. Push the safety pin into the channel opening and slide it through the tube of folded fabric all the way around the bag until it comes out the same opening. Remove the safety pin. Tie the two ends of the drawstring together with a knot so it cannot pull all the way out.
If you do not have a safety pin, thread a needle with strong thread, tie the thread to the drawstring, and use the needle to guide the string through the channel the same way.
Finishing and reinforcing seams
Check all your seams from the inside. If you see loose threads, trim them with scissors. If any seam looks weak or has gaps, you can sew over it again by hand or run it through the machine a second time.
The corners of the bag take the most stress when you carry it full. If you want extra strength, sew a small square or X shape at each bottom corner on the inside. This is called box stitching and keeps the seams from splitting when the bag is heavy.
Pull the drawstring tight to close the bag and test it. The bag should hold its shape and the string should slide smoothly. If the string catches or the bag feels flimsy, you can add a second layer of fabric to the bottom or sides, or use a heavier fabric next time.
Adjusting size and style for different uses
Once you have made one sack bag, you can change the design to fit what you need. Make the bag taller and narrower for a pencil holder, or wider and shorter for a flat storage pouch. Use two different fabrics — a pretty one on the outside and a plain one on the inside — by sewing them right sides together before you assemble the bag.
Add a second drawstring channel by folding the top edge down three-quarters of an inch instead of half an inch, then sewing two lines instead of one. This lets you thread two strings and cinch the bag from both sides. You can also sew a small patch pocket on the outside before you close the sides, or add a label with your name embroidered or written on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sewing machine to make a sack bag?
No. A sewing machine is faster, but you can sew the entire bag by hand with a needle and thread. Hand sewing takes longer and the seams may not be as tight, but they will hold. Use a running stitch and go slowly to keep your stitches even.
What thread should I use?
Use all-purpose polyester or cotton thread that matches your fabric color, or a neutral color like black or white. Thicker thread shows more and breaks less often, but thin thread is easier to push through the needle. One spool is enough for several bags.
Can I use old fabric scraps or worn-out clothes?
Yes, if the fabric is still strong. Old cotton shirts, sheets, or pillowcases work well. Avoid fabric that is thin, torn, or stained. Test a scrap by pulling it hard — if it tears easily, it will not hold up as a bag.
What if my drawstring gets stuck in the channel?
The channel is probably too tight. Open a small seam at the top with a seam ripper or scissors, widen the fold slightly, and sew it closed again. Or pull the drawstring out, make the channel wider by folding the top edge down more, and thread it through again.
How do I make the bag waterproof?
Use waterproof fabric like oilcloth or canvas coated with wax, or sew a waterproof lining inside by attaching a second bag made of plastic or laminated fabric to the inside of your cotton bag before you close the sides.