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DIY Drawstring Bag

January 17, 2019

Beginner friendly Sewing Tutorial: The Drawstring Bag

DIY Drawstring Bag

This is drawstring bag of the easiest sewing projects out there and it is perfect for anyone beginner to sewing! Really, you can make this super simple drawstring bag which for me, doubles as a pouch to store my current knitting yarn. Rewind to the holidays where I was staring at the balls of yarn from my most recent haul just lying around. So, let’s just say I made this tutorial with a very specific use in mind –  to store  my yarn as I work through designing a new knit garment.

You can really make this bag out of any scrap fabric. I am currently trying to use up the fabric I currently have so that I can actually complete the projects that have been on my to-do list since last summer! I was in particularly need of a larger bag to store my yarn, so I did end up purchasing a fat quarter of fabric to make this particular project which came up to $5. You can use these bags for anything, for storing items or as a lunch bag! Have some fun with the print to make these drawstring bags extra unique!

 

Let’s get into it!

What You’ll Need:

  • Fat quarter of fabric or any size
    • Fabric used for the tutorial: Robert Kaufman- Essex Yarn Dyed Classic Woven – steel thick stripe(55% linen/45% cotton)
  • String (e.g. bias tape, yarn, cording)
  • Pins
  • Thread
  • Safety pin
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Sewing Machine

Step 1: You will need two equal sized pieces of fabric. For this tutorial, I cut my fat quarter fabric in half which allowed for two 11″ by 9″ pieces.

Step 2: Place the two pieces, right sides facing each other. Pin all the way along the edges, leaving a 2 1/4″ gap from the top. Sew along the three sides leaving that gap at the top of each side unstitched leaving a 3/4″ seam allowance.

Note: I opted to have a wide drawstring bag rather than a tall drawstring bag.  However, as a general rule the  drawstring bag tends to sit better when the height of the bag is longer than the width. 

Step 3: Fold over the both top edges by a 1/4″ and press using an iron. Remember pressing the seams down gives a more polished look and also makes it much easier to sew.

Step 4: Fold over unstitched sides (i.e. top 2 1/4″ top portion of the bag that was not sewn together) a 1/4″ and then another 1/4″ to 1/2″.  Press using an iron. Repeat for all the sides.

Step 5: Sew down the edge of the seam, across and then up for this portion of the bag in order to secure the edges (see picture below). Repeat for the other side.

Step 6: Fold the top edge over ~1″ or so and sew along the bottom edge. This will create the casing for the string. If you have a wider string, make sure the casing is large enough to pass through once stitched.

Step 7: Cut two pieces of string that is about double the width of the bag + ~ 5 inches long. Attach the safety pin to one of the strings and pass it through one side (e.g. right side) of the casing through to the other side. Tie the two ends together.  Then pass the second string starting on the opposite side (e.g. left side) of the bag through to the other side and tie the ends together. Now when you pull the two ends the bag will naturally close.

And you are done! Super simple and beginner friendly sewing project!

Follow along on Instagram @kukarudesigns.com or facebook at kukarudesigns. Tag me in your makes because I would love to see and share them over on Instagram!

Also check out some other easy beginner friendly projects:

  • How to make a scrunchie
  • How to sew a bow

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Hi I’m Kusala. I share how to make some of my favourite handmade items.  Anyone can become a maker. The key is to just get started and figure it out as you go along. Read more.

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Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! This time I decided to use the #MNjarrah to make a t-shirt using leftover striped cotton jersey fabric that I had purchased from @blackbirdfabrics last year. I am finally making my way through my fabric stash! This was a make it work moment with limited fabric and a stripped print ah! If you have sewn with stripes you know...getting those lines to match up is something else. This tee is far from perfect but I LOVE it so much!

The base was a sleeveless Jarrah Sweater. I altered the pattern by making two sleeves (check the blog for details) and shortened the hem all while trying my best to keep the stripes matched up... I would say 85% of the time it worked! Check my stories for the bloopers :)

Do you have any favourite tshirt patterns?
_____________________________
Pattern: Jarrah Sweater @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: Striped cotton jersey @blackbirdfabrics 

#mnjarrah #meganneilsenpatterns  #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew #sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #handmadeootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #blackbirdfabrics #kukarudesigns #memadeeveryday #retrofashion
It has been some time since I introduced myself. L It has been some time since I introduced myself. Let me know if you have anything in common!

1. My name is Kusala prounounced Ku-sa-la (it means good karma)
2. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was 2
3. I have lived in 4 Canadian cities including Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa
4. My first creative hobby was playing piano. I played until grade 9 royal conservatory at which point I did not want to be hassled to practice and promptly quit ha! 
5. When i was younger I took traditional Kandyan dancing lessons and even performed on Parliament Hill
6. I have killed many plants in my lifetime but still love to think I have a green thumb
7. I work in health research
8. I have naturally curly hair but hated the look growing up so I always straightened it. Sometimes  I would straighten it just to curl it again. I’m finally embracing the natural curls.
9. I live in loungewear and that is the majority of my wardrobe
10. I am a mama to two boys who are home with me while I’m on maternity leave. I’m thankful that I get this year with them and I know how lucky I am to be able to be at home for this length of time. They are my inspiration for my kids sewing patterns.
11. Sewing and diy is my creative outlet and has helped me through this pandemic.

I hope you got to know me a little better.  I’m excited you are all here and following along my chaotic journey.

#mnjarrah #jarrahsweater #imakemyownclothes #sewcialdistancing #isewlated2021 #sewistsofinstagram #ilovesewing #memade #memadeeveryday #ootd #diyfashion #sustainablefshion #isew #sewfashion #statementsleeves #heart #heartfashion #fashionsewing  #sewersofinstagram
#memadeeveryday #sew #sewcreative #fortheloveofsewing #memadevalentine2021 #diy #introduction #pigeonpinkredparty #pocwhosews
For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fu For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fun tulle skirt...

..and call it cozy high fashion ha!

I had been searching for weeks for a pattern to make with this beautiful dreamy pink leopard print terry fabric I purchased from @simplififabric and just could not settle on one. I finally decided to make the leap and use it to make the #mnjarrah– view  A.

Anyone else have anxiety trying out a new pattern?

Even after cutting into it, I questioned my choice but I am so glad I trusted the process. Since this fabric is not fleece-lined, it actually has the perfect amount of drape for a lightweight cozy sweatshirt for the Jarrah!

I had a lot of fun dressing up and wearing heels for #galentinesday ! I also wanted to participate in some online valentines day sewing community challenges this year which gave me the extra motivation to finish this make on time!

_____________________________

Skirt : Handmade by me - self drafted. Tutorial on the blog.

Pattern: Jarrah Sweatshirt @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: dusty pink organic French Terry Fabric @simplififabric 

#mnjarrah #memadevalentine2021 #pigeonpinkredparty #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #valentinesday #galentinesday #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #simplififabric #kukarudesigns #MNjarrah
Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popul Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popular pom pom pillow...

I was watching a video on @alexandragater channel recently and came across these super cute pom pom pillows. Since then I have seen them everywhere online. It is the perfect combination of the boho chic style that is all over Pinterest! 

These pillows retail at SUCH a high price point. I found one at @hm but they have been sold out for months! So I decided to DIY a pom pom pillow for the nursery to add that fun pop of colour to the room! 

The tutorial will guide you through sewing two different styles of pillows a simple zipper cushion cover AND a pom pom pillow BBC!

For the pom pom cushion I used a beautiful luxe velvet cotton that is so soft! The zipper cushion was made from a heavy weight linen in the colour canyon. As for the yarn, I used what I had in my stash but any thick yarn will work!

I love how this adds a fun pop of colour to the room!
________________________________

Throw pillows: handmade by me
Fabric: velvet cotton and linen @spoolandspindle
Let’s talk about loungewear... It seems like 20 Let’s talk about loungewear...

It seems like 2021 is starting off the same as 2020 in terms of fashion trends. Loungewear is still having its moment this year with loungwear sets and rompers trending. Seeing that I will be at home for the forseeable future, I needed a few more cozy pants and I knew I had to sew up another pair of Hudson Pants . 

For this make, I used a beautiful brushed french terry from European Import that I purchased from @simplififabric last year. 

This fabric is honestly the most cozy material I have ever worn! It has a stunning muted touch on the outside and warm, ultra fuzy inner lining.

These pants pair well with a t-shirt and zip up hoodie :) I chase two kids around all day, and cozy pieces just make it easier to play with them.

Also I used my new @babylocksewing serger for these pants! I have to say the serger does a beautiful job in finishing off the knit seams and I KNOW it will withstand lots of stretch. However, the sewing machine is super simple to use since I know it so well. It still made a beautiful pair of pants which ultimately is what you want at the end.

________________________________

Pants: Handmade by me
Fabric: European import brushed French terry in khaki @simplififabric
Pattern: Hudson pants by @truebias 

#hudsonpants #truebias #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #isewedpants #loungewear #handmadeootd #sewcialists
Let's talk about window treatments... I definitel Let's talk about window treatments...

I definitely had some mild anxiety when I fully understood how expensive home ownership can be! From adding storage units everywhere in the house, furnishing additional spaces and ….

…the cost of window treatments.

I wanted to add some hygge vibes into the nursery. It was a bit lack luster on the comfort side of things. These DIY custom curtains were less than $130 to make and install. I was able to get the look, length and quality that I envisioned for the space. 

You guys! This was the first time I hung up this #ikea racka curtain rod all by myself. Yes it may be only a curtain rod but I am so dang proud of myself.  I now have this new found confidence for using power tools ha!

The details on how I got this look are up on the blog! 

________________________________

Fabric: Cotton/linen blend from @lensmillstore 
Curtain rod: Racka @ikeacanada 
Curtain hooks: @ikeacanada 

#lensmill #localfabricstore #kwawesome #kwcraft #sewersofinstagram #crafting #canadiansewer #customcurtains #customdrapes #curtains #roommakeover #nursery #nurserydecor #sewcreative #sewist #sewingblogger #craftsastherapy #sewialdistancing #isewlated2021 #ilovesewing #customwindowtreatments #interiordesign #handsewn #custommade #ikeahack #ikeadecor #ikeabedroom
I’ve had a weekend full of failures... If you w I’ve had a weekend full of failures...

If you were following along this weekend I thought I could finish my Hudson Pants. Turns out I could not get my serger to cut through three layers of fabric and it kept getting jammed and I ended up with broken thread as well as broken needles. After adjusting the machine, I found it a bit better. The project did come to a halt as I am now waiting on some needles ha! Any helpful tips for the serger/over locker?

Then onto sewing a curtain. I used the wrong pleating tape and the Ikea hooks I bought were too small! So, last night I had to order more supplies. It’s surprising how a couple items add up. Anyone else feel this way?

Oh and today when I tried to install one of the curtain rods that I bought nearly a year ago, it ended up being too short! 

Sewing is never perfect and it can be pretty messy sometimes. This weekend just ended up being more messy. I guess that’s part of the ride. 

#sew #sewingproject #sewersofinstagram #sewceative 
#memadeeveryday #sew #sewcreative #fortheloveofsewing #sewist #sewingblogger #sewing #handmadewardrobe #imadethis #ilovesewing #homesewn  #createmakeshare #etsy #etsyseller #makerstrong #craftsastherapy #sewingmakesmehappy#creativelifehappylife #sewallthethings #diyfashion #serger #overlocker #sergertips
I have been quiet this week.. I took a break from I have been quiet this week..

I took a break from sewing and creating this week. It has been a heavy week in more ways than one. Personally there has been some major life decisions in the background that are exciting but also emotionally heavy.

And now a fresh new year and we are back into a state of emergency and stay at home order. Of course this has not changed much for me since I’ve been following the same guidelines for nearly a year now. Yet, there are still so many feelings around the loss of normalcy, loss of connection and loss of routine.

I know many of you are in a similar position or having similar feelings. I have found that taking a moment to process all of those feelings and sit with them has been has been a such a game changer both physically and emotionally. Know that this moment in time is not going to last forever. 

I will be starting some new projects this week to focus my energy. I find sewing and crafting a way to channel those feelings. 

How are you all doing?

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