| Sabi Westoby |
|
"How did you make that?" is a question I have been asked many times. I shared lots of instruction over the years so, rather than giving them out on a piecemeal basis, I will post them here from time to time. Do let me know if you have any comments about the instructions and I would love to see your finished bags!
Drawstring Bag
These bags are quick and easy to make - in any size and with whatever fabrics you have to hand. These are the instructions for a bag with a finished size of 8" x 10" - I used contrasting thread here so that the seams can be easily seen:
1. Choose two fabrics in co-ordinating or contrasting colours. The fabric for the lining and ribbon casing should measure 24" x 9" and the fabric for the outer bag 20" x 9". Press.
2. Fold each fabric right sides together and place the outer fabric onto the lining, making sure that the sides and bottom are aligned.
3. On the lining, make marks 1" and 2" up from the edge of the outer fabric at the side seam edges. Stitch the side seams from the bottom to the 1" marks and secure with a lock stitch or a couple of backstitches. Stitch from the top of the lining to the 2" marks. You will have a gap of 1" in the seams for the the cord/ribbon.
4. Press open only the seams of the lining.
5. Turn the top layer of the lining - you will have the outer fabric encasing the lining with no visible seams inside!
6. Turn the casing over twice, adjusting to suit, and press.
7. Top stitch the casing in place with a seam allowance of 1/2" at the top and bottom.
8. Cut two ribbons or cord about 24" in length and thread each one through opposite gaps.
9. The finished bag.
The photographs below show each of the steps I have posted above:
1. Choose two fabrics in co-ordinating or contrasting colours. The fabric for the lining and ribbon casing should measure 24" x 9" and the fabric for the outer bag 20" x 9". Press.
2. Fold each fabric right sides together and place the outer fabric onto the lining, making sure that the sides and bottom are aligned.
3. On the lining, make marks 1" and 2" up from the edge of the outer fabric at the side seam edges. Stitch the side seams from the bottom to the 1" marks and secure with a lock stitch or a couple of backstitches. Stitch from the top of the lining to the 2" marks. You will have a gap of 1" in the seams for the the cord/ribbon.
4. Press open only the seams of the lining.
5. Turn the top layer of the lining - you will have the outer fabric encasing the lining with no visible seams inside!
6. Turn the casing over twice, adjusting to suit, and press.
7. Top stitch the casing in place with a seam allowance of 1/2" at the top and bottom.
8. Cut two ribbons or cord about 24" in length and thread each one through opposite gaps.
9. The finished bag.
The photographs below show each of the steps I have posted above:
You can use the same technique with different outer fabrics, in which case you will need to stitch the bottom as well as the side seams, leaving gaps for the closures.
You could also use leftover blocks, or make some small patchwork blocks for the front and back of the bags.
This bag was made fom two different outer fabrics and one lining:
You could also use leftover blocks, or make some small patchwork blocks for the front and back of the bags.
This bag was made fom two different outer fabrics and one lining:
