Draw String Bags Tutorial

These little bags I started making as Road Trip Bags but I find that we end up using them all the time for all sorts of things like board game pieces, kid puzzles and other toys that need a home.

They are great little bags that both stay closed well and are easy for little fingers to open.

To get started decided how big of a bag you want and draw it out... A curved bottom, long sides and a "fold line" about 1.75 inches from the top. This "fold line" will be the top of your bag once we're done. Cut out the pattern and fold the "fold line".

You're going to need 2 peices of liner fabric that is as long as the whole pattern, and two peices of outter fabric that reaches at least to the "fold line".

Next lay fabric down right sides together. Your liner fabric on the bottom and your outter fabric on top. Trace the pattern on the fabric, fold along the "fold line" and trace that line also.

Then pin all 4 layers together and cut around the outside line of all 4. Last cut along the "fold line" of the top two pieces of fabric ONLY.

Next sew a big "U" along the outside of all 4 fabrics. DO NOT sew the liners together above the fold line.

Next snip the liner fabric along the "fold line" stopping at the sewn line. Do this twice. Then sew the liner edge over stopping at the fold line. Do this 4 times. 

Flip one of the outter pieces of fabric inside out. Next you work on the ribbon pocket

Fold the liner down to the fold line. Then fold it over one more time, pin in place. Sew all the way around the bag (be careful not to sew the bag closed)

Pick out a ribbon/cord. Cut 2 lengths that are twice the width plus a few inches, for this bag I used two 19" lengths. Thread through pocket using a clothespin all the way around to where you started. Repeat on other side. Fill with stuff and cinch closed.