How to sew a drawstring bag (free pattern)

To sew a drawstring bag, fold one piece of fabric in half so the fold is the bottom, sew up the two sides, fold the top down into a casing, then thread a cord through it. The free Sewzy pattern comes in three sizes, and a beginner can make one in about 30 minutes.

TL;DR

• The Sewzy Drawstring Bag is a free beginner pattern that takes about 30 minutes.
• Three sizes: Small (8 × 10 in), Medium (12 × 15 in) and Large (16 × 20 in).
• The fold becomes the bottom, so there is no bottom seam to sew.
• It includes a ⅜ inch (1 cm) seam allowance and a 2½ inch casing at the top.
• You need quilting cotton, linen or canvas, two cords and a safety pin or bodkin.

Why sew a drawstring bag first?

A drawstring bag is a classic first project, and for good reason. It is almost all straight stitching, the fold removes one whole seam, and there is nothing to turn through a tricky opening. You practice three core skills in half an hour: a neat side seam, a folded casing and threading a cord, which are the same moves you will use again on skirts, pajama waists and tote bags. It is also hard to get wrong in a way that shows, so it builds confidence fast.

What you need

• Fabric: quilting cotton, linen, canvas or a light denim. ⅓ yard for Small, ½ yard for Medium, ⅔ yard for Large. A contrast for the casing is a nice touch.
• Cord: ¼ inch cotton cord, ribbon or paracord, cut into two pieces.
• Thread: all-purpose, in a matching color.
• A safety pin or bodkin to pull the cord through the casing.

What size drawstring bag should I make?

Pick the size by what goes inside. Here are the three finished sizes with the fabric and cord each one needs.

How to sew a drawstring bag, step by step

1. Cut. Cut one rectangle in the size for your bag; the exact cut size for each is in the Sewzy app. If you want a contrast top, cut a separate casing band.
2. Side seams. Fold the fabric in half with right sides together and the fold at the bottom, then sew up both sides. Leave a small gap near the top of each side seam for the cord to come out.
3. Casing. Turn the bag right side out, fold the top edge down 2½ inches to the inside, press it, and stitch around to make the channel the cord runs through.
4. Cords. Pin a safety pin to one cord and feed it all the way around the casing and back out, then do the same with the second cord from the other side.
5. Finish. Knot the cord ends and press.

Want a flat bottom?

The Sewzy pattern has no boxed corners, so the basic bag has a soft, rounded base, which is fine for socks or toys. This is an optional extra, not part of the pattern. If you would rather it stand up on a shelf, box the bottom corners before you sew the casing: pinch each bottom corner into a point, measure a short line across it and sew, just like the boxed corners on a tote bag. A 1 to 2 inch box gives a small flat base; it uses a little more fabric, so cut the next size up if your bag is already snug.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sewing the casing shut at the sides. Leave the small gaps in the side seams so the cord can exit; without them the cord has nowhere to go.
• A casing too narrow for the cord. The 2½ inch fold leaves room for a ¼ inch cord to slide. Keep your stitching line clear of the channel.
• Fraying cord ends. Knot or whip the ends, or dab them with a little fray stopper, so they do not unravel.
• Forgetting the fold is the bottom. Cut one piece and fold it; you only sew the sides. See how much fabric you need if you are buying yardage.

More free beginner projects

A drawstring bag is one of the quickest first sews. When you are ready for more, the free Zipper Pouch adds a zipper, the Boxed Tote Bag adds boxed corners, and the Slouchy Hobo Bag adds a lining as well as boxed corners. For a whole list of starter makes, read easy sewing projects for beginners, and keep your offcuts for scrap fabric projects. Drawstring bags also make quick last-minute gifts.