Looking for a beginner-friendly DIY bag that stays organized and opens wide? This step-by-step circle drawstring bag sewing tutorial lays completely flat for full visibility, then tightens into a shoulder bag in seconds. Use it for toys and snacks, a makeup kit, or even as a portable project bag for sewing and knitting. Follow along to sew a versatile organizer you’ll actually use—flat when you need access, cinched when you’re on the move.
The finished measurements of this bag are approximately 13¾″(35㎝) W × 11⅛″(28㎝) H.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
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Seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise specified.
Let's get started!!
To make this you will need:
◆ Main Panel
① 30½″ × 30½″ (77㎝ × 77㎝) Outer layer
① 11⅞″ × 35⅜″ (30㎝ × 90㎝) Outer layer
① 26½″ × 26½″ (67㎝ × 67㎝) Lining
◆ Handle
② 15″ × 4″ (38㎝ × 10㎝) Outer layer
◆ Others
① 182″ (460㎝) Cotton String
① Plastic Snap Buttons
④ 1/2″ (1.2㎝) Wide Eyelet
Place the right sides together of the two outer layers and sew one side.
Open out, press the seam. Place the right sides together of the two outer layers and sew one side.
Place two pieces of outer layer together and sew both sides to make one circle.
Place the right sides together of the outer and lining and sew all the way edges.
Open out the outer layer and press pieces. Attach eyelets to the outer layer at 8″ intervals.
Place the right sides together of the outer and lining and sew with an allowance of about 3/8″, leaving an opening.
Turn it right side out through the opening and sew the lining border and the edge of the outer layer.
Attach a safety pin on one end of string and thread it through the first hole, going all around and coming out in the hole next to it. Attach a safety pin to your other string and starting on the opposite side, do the same thing. Insert the string into the handle and tie a knot in the string.
Attach the snap buttons to the center of the eyelet.
YOU ARE FINISHED!
Happy sewing!
