March 7, 2018 • Updated December 30, 2025
4 Steps to This Simple Drawstring Bag Pattern
If you’re looking for a functional and stylish way to transport small items, look no further than the DIY drawstring bag. It sews up quick and only uses 1 yard of fabric. We can’t stop making them in our Lightweight Cotton Twill! Check out the video tutorial below or jump ahead to the text and photo version if that’s more your speed.
Materials Needed
- 1 yard of Spoonflower’s Lightweight Cotton Twill We’re using Fernery Block Print Style by pinky_wittingslow
- 4 yards of drawstring (½” or less in diameter)
- Spoonflower’s free drawstring bag pattern
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Safety pin
Step 1. Cut out the pattern pieces
Begin by printing out Spoonflower’s drawstring bag pattern and taping together the pattern.
Next, cut out your fabric using the pattern. There should be 2 exterior bag pieces cut on the fold and two loop squares.
Finish the raw edges of your exterior bag pieces in your preferred fashion. A zig-zag stitch will do the trick!
Step 2. Assemble the loop squares
Take your two loop squares and fold them in half to create a crease down the center.
Unfold and press both top and bottom edges in toward the center crease, wrong sides touching. Fold in half again, matching up the folded edges, right sides touching.
Stitch the folded edges together with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Set aside.
Step 3. Sew the bag together
Take your two exterior bag pieces and make a small mark on the left and right sides 1 ½” down from the top edge of your bag.
Press a ¼” hem on the left and right edges. This hem is short in length, and should only measure from the top of your bag to the mark you made 1 ½” down from the top edge.
With right sides together, match up your exterior bag pieces. Fold your sewn loop squares in half (matching the raw edges) and with raw edges aligned, sandwich your two loops between your exterior pieces 3” from the bottom of your bag. Stitch the bag together beginning and ending at the top 1 ½” marks you initially made, making sure to catch the loop you’ve inserted.
Fold the top edge of the bag down on both sides, matching up the folded edge with the 1 ½” marks to create the casing for your drawstring. Press and pin into place and sew along the folded edge of the casing with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Once your casing is stitched in place, use a seam ripper or scissors to cut open the side seams of your bag from the top folded edge to the casing stitch line.
Step 4. Finish the bag
Cut your drawstring into two 2 yard lengths. Using a large safety pin attached to one end of a 2 yard drawstring length, feed the string through one side of the casing and then out the opposite casing. Repeat the same steps for the next drawstring, but enter through the opposite side of your first drawstring.
Thread one end of your drawstring through one of the side loops at the bottom of your bag and tie both edges of the string together with an overhand knot. Repeat on the other side. You should have two backpack straps that cinch the bag’s top closed when pulled!
A drawstring bag not only makes the perfect accessory, it also makes for a completely customizable gift! Sew one up for your favorite athlete in a fabric matching their sport of choice from the Spoonflower Design Library.
Want to make more versions of a drawstring bag?
Cut-and-Sew Easter Treat Bag
Make a small Easter drawstring bag using this cut-and-sew design by cynthiafrenette.
Violin Case Bag
Use Spoonflower’s Satin fabric to sew up a violin bag. It adds another layer of protection in addition to your violin case. Slipping a satin or silk bag between the instrument and the case prevents scratches, dust and protects from weather fluctuations (changes in temperature and humidity).
Whichever bag you stitch up, be sure to share it with your world and ours by tagging @spoonflower on your social media!
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