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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

Difficulty: • • • • •

Time: 20 mins

These simple, unlined drawstring pouches are perfect for so many different uses---storing trinkets, keeping works-in-progress, giving gifts, even for lunch bags.
I know there are a million and one drawstring bag tutorials online but I’ve found this to be the simplest way to make one or (especially) multiple bags quickly and still get a nice, neat look. The trick is to use a serger to make it speedy. However, if you don't have a serger, you could always use pinking shears or certain zigzag or hemming stitches but they might fray more with use or washing. This tutorial shows you how to make these bags, as well as how to customize for just about any size you want.

Posted by Liesl M. • Published 14th March 2016 • See Liesl M.'s 7 projects »

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Step 1
What Size?
Unless I have a specific use in mind for the bag, I tend to let the scrap of fabric dictate the size. But if you want you’re looking to bag something specific, here is a diagram that shows you how big of a piece of fabric you’ll need:
Step 2
Start by cutting your fabric using the guidelines in step one for measurements. If you want to add a strip of lace or other detailing, now would be the time to do.
After that, go ahead and serge all four raw edges. Mark a line from the top adding up all those top measurements (not including the bag height or bottom seam allowance.) I tend to mark 3” from the top edge of the bag which gives me ¼” for seam allowance x2 + ½” for casing x2 + ¾” for top ruffle x2. This tutorial will be done using these measurements. Fold so the top serged edge is lined up with that line and press.
Step 3
Stitch the bottom and side seam (stopping at the mark you made earlier, being sure to backstitch for a little stability.) Aime to go just inside the serger stitches, about ¼” - ⅜”. Use the dotted line in the photo for guidance.
Step 4
Now to secure the seam allowances at the top. Fold back the seam allowances and pin (if necessary) and stitch about ¼” down the one side, across and then back up.This step works best if bag is inside out. You can see in the right photo that I kind of folded the top in a little more the the bottom. This helps make things a bit neater later on.
Step 5
With the bag still inside out, fold the top serged edge along the mark you made earlier, wrong sides facing, and pin. Stitch about ¼” from the edge or along the serger stitches, back stitching when you get to the folded, opening ends. Then stitch to create a casing, about ½” up from the stitch you just did.
Step 6
Here is a detail shot of the stitching, from both the outside and inside.

Finally, using a safety pin or other preferred method, pull a string through the casing. (I like to braid a few scraps of yarn for a denser string.)