Today, we are breaking down how to make the ultimate one-handle drawstring pouch. It’s incredibly cute, functions perfectly as a stylish lunch bag or a daily grab-and-go tote, and best of all—it is shockingly easy to stitch together even if you’re just starting your sewing journey.
The finished measurements of this Drawstring Bag are approximately 8″(20㎝) W × 7⅛″(18㎝) H × 4¾″(12㎝) D.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
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Seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise specified.
Let's get started!!
To make this you will need:
◆ Main panel
① 11⅛″ × 19¾″ (28㎝ × 50㎝) Exterior
① 11⅛″ × 19¾″ (28㎝ × 50㎝) Lining
① 11⅛″ × 19¾″ (28㎝ × 50㎝) Mid-weight woven fusible interfacing
◆ String sleeve
② 9⅛″ × 4¾″ (23㎝ × 12㎝) Exterior
◆ Strap
① 11⅞″ × 3″ (30㎝ × 7.5㎝) Exterior
◆ Others
① Drawstring Cord 51⅜″(130㎝)
Fold both short ends of the string sleeve fabric inward by 1/4″ and press. Stitch down the folds.
Align the center of the string sleeve with the top center of the exterior fabric, matching the raw edges. Baste them together within the seam allowance to hold them in place.
Fold both the exterior and interior lining fabrics in half, right sides together. Sew down both side seams. When sewing the side seams of the interior lining, remember to leave a 4″ opening (turning hole) on one side for turning the bag later.
To form the base, flatten the bottom corners by aligning the side seam directly with the bottom fold line. Fold the sides and bottom so they meet, fold and secure them from both sides toward the center. Measure and mark a line 2″ in from the corner point on both sides. Stitch along the marked lines and trim the excess fabric.
Turn the exterior bag right side out. Position and pin both ends of the handle to the side seams at the top edge of the exterior fabric.
With the exterior bag right side out and the lining bag wrong side out, slip the exterior bag inside the lining bag (so they are right sides together). Align the top raw edges and sew all the way around the top circumference.
Pull the entire bag right side out through the turning hole in the lining. Tuck the raw edges of the opening inside and stitch it closed. Push the lining inside the bag.
Start inserting the string through one end of the casing, using a safety pin. Continue inserting the string into the casing on the other side. Next, take the other string and start inserting it through the casing from the opposite side. Continue as before. Tie the ends of the string in a knot and pull the ends to close the bag.
All done! If you hit a tricky spot or want more creative inspiration, head over to the [Sewingtimes YouTube channel] for the full video tutorial.
