homepage: Dr. Carol JVF Burns

See the Sewing/Crafts section of my main Table of Contents for other sewing projects!

Sturdy, Simple, Lined Drawstring Bag

Here's a good drawstring bag tutorial on YouTube (8:47).
I've altered her method:
I want it lined with no raw edges on seams;
I use embroidered labels;
I want finished edges for the drawstring openings;
I use fabric ties.



(1) Cut cover and lining fabric:
I often use burlap for the outside (cover) fabric, and cotton for the lining.

Cut two rectangles each from cover and lining fabric:
desired size,
plus 1¼" on sides and bottoms (for french seams),
plus 4" on top (for the drawstring closure).

Use a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and self-healing mat.
Burlap ravels like crazy, so I keep my vacuum close by!
cut two rectangles each
from cover fabric and lining


→ → → →
use these tools


(2) Make and attach labels (as desired):
You may want to make the labels a day ahead;
depending on your design, they might take a long time to stitch out.

I use a Janome Memory Craft 350E Embroidery Machine.

I use Embrilliance software:
I have AlphaTricks, Thumbnailer, Essentials, and Enthusiast.

I get lots of my embroidery patterns from embroiderydesigns.com.

I use Sulky invisible thread in the bobbin for multi-colored designs.
I use tear-away stabilizer.

For this project, I stitched the letters out on high-quality wool felt.
Pin them to the cover fabric; zigzag in place.
Be careful! Remember to allow for the french seams and top drawstring closure!
embroider labels (optional)
pin to cover fabric;
zigzag in place
(3) Attach cover to lining:
Pin cover pieces to lining pieces, WRONG sides together (right sides out).

Sew around the perimeter, very close to the edge.
(If you're using burlap, then use a ZIG-ZAG stitch (burlap ravels furiously).

Once sewn, they act as a single piece of fabric in subsequent steps.
pin cover pieces to lining pieces,
wrong sides together;
sew/zigzag around perimeter, close to edges


(4) French seam sides/bottom:
Sew front to back with french seams along sides and bottom, as follows:
  • line up rectangles with WRONG sides together; pin generously
  • starting (and ending) 4" from the top, sew side/bottom seams with a 1/2" seam
  • clip bottom two corners; trim any raveling edges
  • turn inside-out, so that RIGHT sides are together
  • press the side/bottom seams, pushing out as much as possible;
    also press the 4" top sections (that aren't sewed)
  • as before, sew side/bottom again, starting/ending 4" from top:
    but this time, use a 3/4" seam;
    slightly round the bottom corners
  • check that all raw edges have been completely enclosed:
    if not, re-stitch a little farther in
  • re-stitch, for extra strength
  • press open, pushing seams out;
    also press the 4" top sections (that aren't sewed)
At this point, you have beautiful enclosed seams inside the bag!
wrong sides together;
pin generously;
starting/ending 4" from top,
sew with 1/2" seam
turn inside-out;
push out and press seams;
sew again as before,
but with 3/4" seam
turn right-side out;
push out and press seams
(also press 4" top sections)


(5) Make drawstring closure:
Press about 1/2" to inside on top seam.
(The 4" side sections are double-folded and pressed;
keep them folded as you press down the top.)

Zigzag close to both top and bottom of pressed seam;
also zigzag the ends.
The ends are thick—be careful!

Turn down the top until it meets the side seams.
Zigzag the bottom, thus making a casing for the drawstring.
Zigzag the bottom again, for extra strength.
Do NOT zigzag the ends closed—this is where the casing gets inserted.
press about 1/2" to inside
on top seam;
zigzag all around
this pressed part
turn down top
until it meets side seams;
zigzag the bottom
(twice, for strength);
this is the casing
for the drawstring
the completed
drawstring ‘tube’
(6) Make and insert drawstrings:
I used extra lining material for the drawstrings.
(Any strong, non-stretchy material should work fine.)

Cut two strips, each 2" wide;
the length should be twice the (current) top width, plus at least 6".
Piecing is fine!

Iron about 1/4" on each long edge of strips.
Then, fold in half and iron again.

Zigzag all around the strips.
Fold in the ends to hide the raw edges.

Insert the drawstrings as shown here (starting at 6:05).
Done!
cut 2" wide strips
for drawstring;
piecing is fine
press under 1/4"
on each long edge;
then, fold in half
and press again
zigzag all around strips;
fold in ends to hide raw edges