This beginner-friendly DIY drawstring bucket bag sewing tutorial shows how to make a handmade tote bag with a wide, sturdy base and a secure drawstring cover. We’ll cut and stabilize the panels, stitch the wide base, and assemble the bucket body for extra storage and structure. The drawstring flap at the top prevents spills and keeps your essentials safe during daily errands or travel. A purse handle strap adds a professional, store-bought finish without complicated techniques. Choose canvas, denim, or cotton for a durable tote you’ll love to carry again and again.
The finished measurements of this bag are approximately 6⅞″(17.5㎝) W × 8″(20㎝) H × 5″(12.5㎝) D.
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
② 11¾″ × 8¾″ (29.5㎝ × 22㎝) Outer layer
② 11¾″ × 1⅝″ (29.5㎝ × 4㎝) Outer layer
② 11¾″ × 8″ (29.5㎝ × 20㎝) Lining
② 10⅞″ × 8″ (27.5㎝ × 20㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ String sleeve
② 11¾″ × 8″ (29.5㎝ × 20㎝) Contrast Color Fabric
◆Bottom panel
① 7¾″ × 5¾″ (19.5㎝ × 14.5㎝) Outer layer
① 7¾″ × 5¾″ (19.5㎝ × 14.5㎝) Lining
① 6⅞″ × 5″ (17.5㎝ × 12.5㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ Others
② 2⅜″ × 2″ (6㎝ × 5㎝) Outer layer
① 59¼″ (150㎝) Drawstring Cord
① Purses Strap
② 5/8″ (1.5㎝) Wide D-ring
Place the right sides together of the main panel and sew both sides with an allowance of about 3/8″.
Do this by marking the quarter of your bottom panel and the quarter of main panel. Using your quarter marks, start pining the bottom of your main panel around the perimeter of your bottom. Sew all the edges with an allowance of about 3/8″.
Place the right sides together of the string sleeve and sew both sides, leaving 1⅝″ opening on the middle.
Fold in half and sew 3/4″ down from the fold line.
Place the bottom of the string sleeve with the top of the main fabric lining. Place the outer layer (inner), right side down on top and sew with an allowance of about 3/8″.
Place and pin the lining of the bag over the top of the outer layer with the right sides together.
Sew with an allowance of about 3/8″, leaving an opening.
Turn it right side out by pulling the fabric through the opening. Topstitch all the way around of the top of the bag entrance.
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. Knot the two ends of ribbon on each side together.
Attach the purse handle strap.
YOU ARE FINISHED!
Happy sewing!
