When I learned to sew as an elementary school kid my very first sewing project wast a simple draw string bag. Drawstring totes just require a couple of quick straight lines so they are perfect if you are new to sewing or when you want to whip up something cute and quickly.
This one is on exception. The simple style can easily be embellished like I did with a burlap painted patch. The measurements can also be increased or decreased to create many very different looking bags of all shapes and sizes. You can use these same basic instructions for a cute kiddo bag for holding toddler treasures or something larger like this one that could tote around binders, food, or a number of other goodies.
Make Your Own Simple Drawstring Tote
basic bag
- Fabric (I used a piece of fabric 15X40 inches)
- 2 pieces of ribbon 1 yard each
burlap patch
- 1 piece burlap
- freezer paper
- fabric paint
- If you want to have a patch like mine prepare the patch first. I made myself a stencil on my Cricut and used fabric paint to create my design. I used designs from the “A Child’s Year” collection if you want to do one like mine. If you don’t want to do a patch I actually like the plain look a lot or an outside pocket would be really cute too.
- I pulled some of the vertical threads from the burlap to get the fringed look on the ends.
- After your patch is done fold your main fabric in half lengthwise this will be the front of your bag.
- Pin the patch to one layer of the fabric (make sure that the fold is below the patch so it ends up being right side up) and sew it onto your main fabric.
- Finish all four edges of the fabric so it does not unravel. I serged mine but you can do a zig zag stitch or use pinking sheers too.
- Then finish both long edges by rolling the edge under and stitching.
- Next make the casing. Fold over one of the short edges about 2 inches and sew near the bottom edge. Then sew a line parallel to that (a little wider than your ribbon). It should look like the picture to the left.
- Do this to both short edges.
- Then fold the fabric in half (fold positioned downward) with the right sides out so it looks like the finished bag.
- Starting at the lower line of stitching sew straight down parallel to the long edge. Do to both sides. (right bottom picture above)
- Now you should have something that looks like a pillow case with two flaps with a casing along the two flaps. Kind of like the second picture but without the ribbon.
- Seal your ribbon by running the ends over a flame.
- Next string the ribbon into the casing (the middle space you created in the top flap). One side of the string should go in each side with the ribbon middle/fold of the ribbon on one side and the tales of the ribbon on the other.
- Do this with the other piece of ribbon so that it’s tales are on the opposed side.
- Tie knots. If you pull on the strings you’ll be able to cinch you’re bag. And you’re done. You just made a drawstring bag.
If you are new to sewing and overwhelmed just think of it as sewing 6 straight lines. I know sometimes it gets a little hard to read directions but look at that second picture while your going through and that might help. Let me know if you have any questions.
Make Your Own Simple Drawstring Tote
Learn how to make an basic bag with this simple drawstring tote tutorial. Great for beginners.
Supplies
Basic Bag
- Fabric I used a piece of fabric 15X40 inches
- 2 pieces of ribbon 1 yard each
Burlap Patch
- 1 piece burlap
- freezer paper
- fabric paint
Instructions
- If you want to have a patch like mine prepare the patch first. I made myself a stencil on my Cricut and used fabric paint to create my design. I used designs from the “A Child’s Year” collection if you want to do one like mine. If you don’t want to do a patch I actually like the plain look a lot or an outside pocket would be really cute too.
- I pulled some of the vertical threads from the burlap to get the fringed look on the ends.
- After your patch is done fold your main fabric in half lengthwise this will be the front of your bag.
- Pin the patch to one layer of the fabric (make sure that the fold is below the patch so it ends up being right side up) and sew it onto your main fabric.
- Finish all four edges of the fabric so it does not unravel. I serged mine but you can do a zig zag stitch or use pinking sheers too.
- Then finish both long edges by rolling the edge under and stitching.
- Next make the casing. Fold over one of the short edges about 2 inches and sew near the bottom edge. Then sew a line parallel to that (a little wider than your ribbon). It should look like the picture to the left.
- Do this to both short edges.
- Then fold the fabric in half (fold positioned downward) with the right sides out so it looks like the finished bag.
- Starting at the lower line of stitching sew straight down parallel to the long edge. Do to both sides. (right bottom picture above)
- Now you should have something that looks like a pillow case with two flaps with a casing along the two flaps.
- Seal your ribbon by running the ends over a flame.
- Next string the ribbon into the casing (the middle space you created in the top flap). One side of the string should go in each side with the ribbon middle/fold of the ribbon on one side and the tales of the ribbon on the other.
- Do this with the other piece of ribbon so that it’s tales are on the opposed side.
- Tie knots. If you pull on the strings you’ll be able to cinch you’re bag. And you’re done. You just made a drawstring bag.
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Our Pinteresting Family says
Such a cute tote! Thanks for sharing this tutorial. Megan
Stone Cottage Adventures says
This bag is SUPER CUTE! The burlap I’ve tried has funny strings and twizzles flying all over the place. Do you have any advice for keeping that under control? -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Summer Rumsey says
This turned out so cute! Great tutorial.
Debra Hawkins says
Cute! You are kind of fabulous. Have I mentioned that lately?
Kassi Mortensen says
I love your easy to follow tutorials!!!
Kelli Grace says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sara SHOEmaker says
ahhh chevron! so cute. I love it!
The House of Shoes
Jeni IGOTTHISMARTHA says
I love this little bag!
happyandharried says
This looks so cute and easy to make. I just might try it ;)
Anjana @ http://happyandharried.wordpress.com/
Amber *SaltTree* says
Love the patch on it! Looks fantastic!
Chrissy + Nate says
So cute, I definitely want to try this one day! Pinning!
Chrissy
http://www.everydaywiththejays.blogspot.com
Jamie -Better With Age says
So cute! You did a great job! I’m going to copy this {one day} ;)
Jamie ~ Better With Age
Rachel says
That is so cute, especially love the design on the hessian. Great job.
Amy Rea says
Thanks for sharing this tutorial! I love the patch you added to the tote too!
Would you mind if I featured it on my craft blog (www.andsewwecraft.com)
Amy x
Katie @ Creatively Living says
So cute! The perfect little sack!
Thanks for sharing.
Emily Thompson says
oooo fun! I’ve been making a few of these too. Thanks for sharing, super cute. I like the burlap in the front :o)
I host a Tasteful Tuesday Link Party and I would love for you to join if you get a chance. http://www.nap-timecreations.com
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
So fun! Thanks for sharing this at my Pin Me Linky Party.
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
This is great! Not a big burlap girl but this bag is so stylish and looks really easy to make. I am pinning now!
Mackenzie says
Seriously loving this bag! Great tutorial! You are a Featured Favorite this week on Cheerios and Lattes! Thanks for sharing this last week, we can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to this week! Have a great weekend!
Mackenzie :)
Monika Baptista says
Love it, pinned it! Thanks for sharing! -Monika
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Congrats on having this bag featured all over blogger-land, Marissa!! It’s AMAZING and so CUTE! I don’t even sew and I just had to click on it to see who the creator was while I was linking up somewhere. I’m not the least bit surprised that it’s YOU! Super fun!! Keep the fab projects coming!! :)
marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says
Oh thanks so much Kristi that’s so nice of you to say :)
Isabelle Thornton says
This is awesome! I love the chevron. I love all your creations. You are so talented!
I would love if you link this post to my linky party. It’s up for a month so you get the max views on your posts.
Xo
Isabelle
http://www.lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
Lookiewhatidid says
Such a cute tote and I am loving that fabric. Found you over at Under the Table and Dreaming! Where did you find that fabric? Great Job….
Drawstring jute bag says
yes it’s really good. thanks for sharing.
sewing mama says
Hey – this would be a great tutorial if you updated the photos… thanks!
marissa says
ummm thanks? yeah it’s sucks when a company that’s provided a free service for years and years and years suddenly decides they are going to charge and make it so tons of people’s photos disappear and would require hours of work to update each and every post. I’m so thankful I only used it for a very short amount of time