Looking for a quick, satisfying sewing project that's incredibly versatile? A drawstring pouch is your answer! These handy little bags are perfect for organizing small items – from makeup and jewelry to craft supplies, toys, or even as charming gift bags.
This detailed, step-by-step tutorial will guide you through creating your very own easy drawstring pouch at home. Let's get stitching!
1. Why Sew Your Own Drawstring Pouch?
These little bags offer a world of benefits:
Beginner-Friendly: Uses straightforward seams and a simple casing technique, perfect for those new to sewing.
Versatile: Endless uses for organization, travel, or gifting.
Customizable: Choose any fabric you like – from sturdy cottons to pretty prints, or even upcycled materials like old jeans or tablecloths.
Quick Project: You can whip one up in an afternoon, or even an hour once you get the hang of it!
Eco-Conscious: A great way to use up fabric scraps or repurpose old textiles.
2. Planning Your Pouch: Key Decisions & Materials
A little preparation ensures a smooth sewing experience and a great result.
Choose Your Fabric:
Cotton fabric is highly recommended for beginners. It's easy to cut, doesn't stretch, and presses well. Quilting cottons come in a huge variety of prints!
Linen, chambray, or light canvas also work well.
Avoid very thick or slippery fabrics if you're a beginner.
Decide on a Size:
Think about what you want to put in your pouch. Common sizes range from small (e.g., 6x8 inches finished) to medium (e.g., 8x10 inches finished).
This tutorial will guide you through the general process, allowing you to easily adjust the dimensions for your needs.
Gather Your Supplies:
Fabric: Two rectangles of fabric for the outer pouch (or one larger piece if you want a seamless bottom).
For an approximately 8x10 inch finished pouch, you'll need two pieces each 9 inches wide x 12 inches tall (this includes seam allowances and casing).
Drawstring Material: About 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) of cord, ribbon, or fabric strip.
Cord: Paracord, macrame cord, or thin rope.
Ribbon: Grosgrain, satin, or twill tape.
Fabric Strip: Cut a strip about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, fold the raw edges in, press, and topstitch to create your own fabric tie.
Sewing machine and matching thread.
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and mat.
Pins or fabric clips.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric chalk or an erasable fabric marker.
Safety pin (for threading the drawstring).
Iron and ironing board.
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3. The Easy Pouch Transformation: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Let's turn your fabric into a functional drawstring pouch!
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric Pieces
Cut Fabric: Cut two identical rectangular pieces of fabric.
Example (for 8x10 inch finished pouch): Cut two pieces that are 9 inches wide x 12 inches tall.
The width (9 inches) includes 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance on each side.
The height (12 inches) includes 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) for the bottom seam allowance and about 2.5-3 inches (6.3-7.5 cm) for the top drawstring casing.
Iron Flat: Give your fabric pieces a good press to remove any wrinkles and make them easier to work with.
Step 2: Sew the Side Seams
Place Right Sides Together: Lay one fabric piece flat with the right side facing up. Place the second fabric piece directly on top, with its right side facing down. Align all edges.
Pin: Pin along the two long side edges and the bottom edge.
Mark Casing Openings: Along each of the two side edges, measure down 2 inches (5 cm) from the top raw edge. Place a pin horizontally to mark the start of your stitching. Measure down another 1 inch (2.5 cm) and place another horizontal pin. This 1-inch gap is where your drawstring will exit the casing.
So, you'll stitch from the bottom of the fabric up to the first pin, leave a gap, then continue stitching from the second pin up to the top raw edge.
Stitch Side Seams: Using your sewing machine and a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance, stitch the two side seams.
Important: Start stitching from the bottom of the fabric, sew up to your first horizontal pin, backstitch to secure, LIFT YOUR NEEDLE AND PRESSER FOOT, skip the 1-inch gap, place your needle down at the second horizontal pin, backstitch again, and continue stitching to the top raw edge. Repeat for the other side seam.
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Stitch Bottom Seam: Stitch the bottom seam with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance.
Finish Raw Edges (Optional but Recommended): To prevent fraying, zigzag stitch or serge all raw edges of your side and bottom seams. Press seams open.
Step 3: Create the Drawstring Casing
Prepare Top Edge: At the top raw edge of your pouch opening, fold the edge down by 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) towards the wrong side and press firmly.
Fold Again for Casing: Fold it down again by 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press firmly. This creates your casing. Pin it in place all the way around.
Stitch the Casing: Stitch the casing in place, sewing close to the bottom folded edge of the casing (about 7/8 inch or 2.2 cm from the very top raw edge). Go all the way around the pouch. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Step 4: Thread the Drawstring
Cut Drawstring: Cut your chosen cord or ribbon to about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm). (Longer for bigger pouches, shorter for smaller ones).
Thread: Attach a safety pin to one end of your drawstring.
Insert Drawstring: Carefully thread the safety pin (and drawstring) through the opening you left in one of your side seams. Push it all the way around the casing until it comes out the same opening.
Knot Ends: Tie the two ends of the drawstring together in a secure knot.
4. Final Touches & Customization
Weave in Ends: If you used fabric for your drawstring, weave in any loose thread tails for a clean finish.
Final Press: Give your new pouch a good press with an iron to make all the seams crisp and professional-looking.
Ideas for Customization:
Lining: For a super clean interior, cut and sew a lining identical to your outer pouch. Then, insert it before forming the casing and attach it neatly.
Embellishments: Before sewing, you could embroider a design, stitch on a patch, or add fabric paint to your fabric pieces.
Two Drawstrings: For a more secure closure, you can add a second drawstring. Thread the first drawstring as described above. Then, starting from the opposite side opening, thread a second drawstring all the way around until it comes out its starting opening. Knot these ends together. To close the pouch, you pull both drawstrings
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You've now successfully sewn a handy, easy drawstring pouch! This simple project is a great way to start your sewing journey or quickly create personalized storage solutions and gifts. Enjoy your handmade creation!
Video Tutorial :
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