Making your own drawstring bag is an easy, fun, and useful sewing project. This version uses French Seams, which give the inside of the bag a neat, durable finish with no raw edges showing. With my free printable pattern, you’ll have everything you need to get started, even if you’re a beginner.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make these simple bags that can be used in countless ways. You can get creative by changing the size, fabric, or type of drawstring cord.
While the construction is straightforward enough to do without a template, I’ve included a printable pattern in three sizes that you can download from my free library if you’d like a guide.
Let’s face it, life is just a bunch of obstacles preventing you from sewing.
– Norton House Quilting
Why You’ll Love This Project
You’ll love making your own drawstring bags with enclosed seams because they’re quick to sew, simple to use, and very functional. This is a great project for any skill level, since the steps are easy to follow but still give you a polished, professional result.
The thing that sets this project apart is the construction: it uses French Seams, also known as enclosed seams, which means the raw fabric edges are hidden inside the seam. This gives the bag a clean, finished look without needing a lining or extra edge-finishing techniques like a zig-zag or serger.
The French Seams also make the bag extra strong, so it will last through many washes and uses, while looking professional inside and out.
These bags are perfect for storing small items, gifting, or keeping things organized around the house. You can make them in different sizes, and easily customize the fabric and drawstring style to create bags that are both practical and unique.
Try an alternative DIY drawstring bag style or make another easy project with this free dog leash bag pattern.
🍒 Get the Free Drawstring Bag Pattern
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10 Ways to use Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags are endlessly versatile, and you can make them in any size or fabric to suit your needs. Here are some fun and practical ideas:
Reusable gift bags
Skip the wrapping paper and sew festive sacks for Christmas, birthdays, or other celebrations. Make an easy lavender eye pillow to put inside a gift bag for a thoughtful handmade gift!
Tooth fairy pouches
Stitch up a small bag in a kid-friendly print and add a pocket for an extra special touch.
Travel organizers
Use them to separate shoes, laundry, or accessories in a suitcase.
College laundry bag
A larger size is perfect for hauling clothes to the dorm laundry room.
Plastic bag storage
Keep your reusable grocery bags tidy in a drawstring caddy.
Linen storage
Sew oversized bags to hold pillowcases and sheet sets together.
Toy storage
Bright colors or themed prints make cleanup fun for kids.
Gym or activity bags
Great for kids’ sports gear or family outings.
Casual backpack
Add longer straps to a bigger bag and you have a lightweight carryall.
Special occasion purse
Choose a luxe fabric for an elegant evening pouch or handbag.
Materials
Here is a list of supplies you need for this easy sewing project! Some of the materials are not pictured above. Shoppable affiliate links are included below.
Fabric
Thread
Pins
Ruler or Tape Measure
Straight Pins
Sewing Scissors or
Rotary Cutter
Safe Cutting Surface
Safety Pin to thread the drawstring
Sewing Machine
Sewing Pattern subscribe for download access
Drawstrings ribbon, twill tape, cord, or
DIY Fabric Ties tutorial or
DIY Knit Ties tutorial
Iron and Ironing Board
Variations
There are so many ways to make this project your own.
Fabric choice Use patterned fabric for fun bags, solids for a classic look, or mix and match for contrast.
Size adjustments Scale the pattern up or down to create tiny gift bags or larger storage bags.
Personal touches Add applique, embroidery, or fabric paint for a personalized finish.
Drawstring options Try ribbon for a softer look, cotton cord for durability, or leather strips for a modern edge.
Free Pattern
This bag uses just ONE rectangular pattern piece. Easy peasy! Subscribe here to access the patterns in the FREE library.
Three Sizes
Below are the sizes for the pattern pieces of my three drawstring bag examples (pictured).
Most bags will require less than 1/2 yard of fabric.
You can buy a drawstring cord or ribbon or make your own easy DIY fabric ties or DIY Knit Ties. See these tutorials to show you how.
See more ideas below under “Drawstring”
Remember, you can make these bags and the drawstrings any size and length you desire.
First, I will show you what I did. Then you can adjust and customize it to your preferences.
Small Bag Pattern
Pattern Piece = 7.5 inches wide x 21 inches long
Finished Bag = 6 1/4 inches wide x 8 1/4 inches long
Buy or make 2 drawstrings, each with a finished length of approx. 22 inches long. (adjust to your preference).
Medium Bag Pattern
Pattern Piece = 11 inches wide x 28 inches long
Finished Bag = 9 1/2 inches wide x 12 3/4 inches long
Buy or make 2 drawstrings, each with a finished length of approx. 29 inches long. (adjust as desired).
Large Bag Pattern
Pattern Piece = 14.5 inches wide x 34 inches long
Finished Bag = 13 inches wide x 15 inches long
Buy or make 2 drawstrings, each with a finished length of approx. 36 inches long. (or your personal preference).
Custom Bag Sizes
You can create these bags in any dimension and proportions you want!
Below is the custom formula to determine what size fabric piece (pattern piece) to use to start your bag.
Finished Width of Bag + 1.25 inch = Pattern Piece Width
Finished Length of Bag x 2 + 5 inches = Pattern Piece Length
Instructions
Below are instructions to make your bag.
Prewash your Fabric
Once you have your fabric home, wash it. You want the fabric to shrink before you cut it out. This will prevent unwanted shrinking in the future.
Use the drying technique you plan to use going forward. (air-dry or machine-dry.)
I also recommend ironing the fabric, so it is easier to work.
Cutting your Fabric
Cut out the fabric piece. The bottom of the bag will be on the fold.
Confirm that your pattern is facing correctly before cutting the fabric if it has directional prints. Also, pay attention if there are pattern markings on the material you want to show up or center on the front or back, etc.
Sewing
Okay, now that your prep is done, let’s get started!
BAG BODY
1 With the wrong side of the fabric together, top edge aligned, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise.
Measure 2.5 inches from the top on both sides, and mark it with a pin, marking pen, or pencil.
Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch both sides of the bag, starting at the 2.5-inch mark, down to the bottom edge of the bag, leaving the top and upper sides open. (The top and upper sides will be the drawstring casing.)
2 Clip both bottom corners at an angle to reduce bulk. Be careful not to get too close to the stitching.
3 Next, press. I also like to iron the side seams open. Turn the bag wrong side out. Press again.
4 Now, the right sides of the fabric are together. Stitch a 3/8″ seam on both sides of the bag, starting from the bottom and going up to the 2.5″ point.
Drawstring Casing
5 Finally, turn the bag’s right sides outward again. Fold both of the side raw edges inward, towards the wrong side of the bag, approximately 1/4″ fold, and then fold, tucking 1/4 inch again. (A slight twist will be at the bottom of the fold, which is normal and will not show later.)
Topstitch, both side “hems” closed. Backstitch at the start and end to strengthen edges.
6 Fold down the top raw edges of the bag 1/4-inch and 1/4-inch again. Press with your iron.
7 Next, fold the top of that fabric inward to the 2.5-inch initial mark you made.
8 Finally, topstitch the casing shut at the bottom of the drawstring enclosure. The free arm on your machine may come in handy to stitch the top of the bag.
A free arm is a feature of your sewing machine that allows you to sew smaller openings, like small bags, sleeves, etc. It is a small base arm that can fit into these smaller projects.
Make a Fabric Drawstring
Purchase a drawstring or ribbon. Or you can make easy custom fabric ties out of any fabric you have.
See these tutorials to show you how. DIY fabric ties or DIY Knit Ties. Another option is to buy a 1/2-inch wide double-fold bias tape and sew the open sides together.
You’ll need two separate drawstrings. Adjust the drawstring length to suit the size of your bag proportionally.
Each drawstring should be two times the width of your bag and two times the tail length you want on both sides. I like to leave approximately 3-6 inches on each side to tie or grab but use your own preference.
Thread the Drawstring
9 Push the first drawstring through the casings from one side using a safety pin or drawstring threader.
Thread it all the way around back to where you started.
10 Then, starting from the opposite side of the bag, do the same with the second drawstring.
11 Finally, stack and then knot the two ends of the drawstring cord together on both sides of your bag.
12 Okay then, cinch your bag, and you are ready to roll!
FAQ
French Seams enclose raw fabric edges inside the seam, making the bag stronger and preventing fraying.
Cotton, linen, and lightweight canvas all work well for drawstring bags. Fat quarters work great too! Avoid very thick fabrics, as they are harder to sew with French Seams.
No, French Seams are done with a regular sewing machine, no serger required.
Tips and Tricks
Use a light to mid-weight fabric for easier sewing and threading of the drawstring.
Press your seams as you go for the neatest finish.
Trim carefully before sewing the second seam, if your fabric frays easily.
Cut your drawstring a little longer than you think you’ll need, so it’s easy to knot and pull.
Make several bags at once, assembly-line style, for gifts or organizing projects.
More Sewing Patterns
Discover how to make beginner sewing projects following the posts below.
Printable Free Hobo Bag Pattern
Easy DIY Dog Bandana (Free Printable Pattern)
Free and Easy DIY Crossbody Bag Pattern
Easy DIY Elastic Waist Skirt Pattern
DIY Easter Basket Liner Ideas (with Pattern)
DIY Drawstring Backpack Pattern or Lined Drawstring Bag
Tutorials
Learn how to make all kinds of fun projects with these sewing tutorials below.
How to Make an Easy DIY Basket Liner
How to Make Easy DIY Pillow Covers
This project is fun, fast, and rewarding, especially if you are new to sewing.
Please comment below on how your drawstring bag turns out! I’d love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!
xo,
Cindy
Did you try this project?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.