How to Make a Drawstring Bag

Measure and cut two 16″ x 18″ rectangles on the wrong side of the cotton fabric. Cut out the rectangles with the pinking shears. Using pinking shears will help prevent the fabric from fraying.

At the top of both rectangles, fold and iron the fabric ¼” over to the wrong side of the fabric. Then fold over 1″ and iron. Stitch across the folded seam with a ¼” seam allowance on both rectangles.

Place the right sides of the rectangles together and pin along the sides and bottom. Attach the safety pin to one end of the piping and insert the piping through the top loop, using the safety pin as a guide. Once the piping comes out of the other end, insert it back into the other side and out the opposite end. Now you’ll have the piping coming out both ends of the top. Take the ends and insert them inside the bag and along the edge. The piping should be sticking out about a ½” and 4″ up from the bottom on each side. Pin in place.

Starting from the top, below the loop, back stitch and sew with a ½” seam allowance along the bag. Stop once you’ve reached the other side of the loop and back stitch. You can make the straps any length you want. The recommended amount of piping is between 2 and 3 yards. Snip off the extra piping, fold the bag to the right side and your drawstring is now complete!