DrawString Bags

I wanted some quick and easy gift bags and did an internet search for tutorials. I read over 5 or 6 but none were exactly like I wanted so I came up with my own. I’m writing it down here so I can remember how I made them for next time I need a gift bag.

Please note – the instructions for each step are BELOW the photo demonstrating it.

You can make these bags any size – for this bag I started with a rectangle that was 6.5 x 18.5 inches.

Please note – this fabric is non directional. If you are using a directional fabric you will have to cut 2 smaller rectangles for your bag or one side will be upside down!!
Measure and mark a 0.5 inch line 2 inches down on both sides, repeat on the other end of the rectangle and snip along that line.
Press in toward the wrong side
Fold down halfway, and then fold again down to your line. Press
Sew the fold down near the edge. I used about an 1/8 inch seam. Repeat this process on the other side.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
Line up the top folds right sides together and pin, sew along both sides using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Again, back stitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
Trim with pinking shears to prevent fraying. Don’t cut your sewing line!
Turn bag right side out and cut two ties. I used cotton yarn but you can use ribbon, string, or make ties from fabric if you choose.

I made each tie about 4x the width of the opening ; you can trim them shorter once you’ve threaded them if they’re longer than you want.
Using a safety pin, thread the first yarn tie from left to right through the top casing and around through the back casing from right to left. You will have two strings on the left.
You will repeat the process with second tie but this time starting from the right side.
Make a small knot near the end of the ties on each side.
You will pull on both ties to cinch the bag closed. The fabric for this bag was directional and the only changes to the above process was that I cut 2 rectangles 6.5 x 9 inches and sewed a seam on the bottom in addition to the sides.