Kid Size

Adult / Teen Size

Kid Size

Upper Fabric: 9.5" (24.1cm)L x 15.2" (38.6cm)W. Cut 2
Lower Fabric: 9.5" (24.1cm)L x 15.2" (38.6cm)W. Cut 2
Lining: 34.5" (87.6cm)L x 15.2" (38.6cm)W. Cut 1

Adult / Teen Size

Upper Fabric: 9.5" (24.1cm)L x 15.2" (38.6cm)W. Cut 2
Lower Fabric: 11.5" (29.2cm)L x 15.2" (38.6cm)W. Cut 2
Lining: 38.5" (97.8cm)L x 15.2" (38.6cm)W. Cut 1

Adjust the Bag Height

To adjust the height of the bag decrease the length of the lower fabric pieces and the lining. For whichever measurement is taken off from the lower fabric, double that amount to take off for the lining.

Step 1: Cut the Fabric Pieces Out

Use the Bag Size Chart on the previous page for measurements.

Upper Fabric: Cut 2
Lower Fabric: Cut 2
Lining: Cut 1

Step 2: Attach the Bag Tops to the Bag Bottom Pieces

Place and pin the width of the upper bag pieces to each of the lower bag pieces, right sides together. Sew using a 1/2" seam allowance and backstitch.

Note: Before sewing consider if you are going to be adding trim or piping in between the seams or on the upper or lower piece. Add accents before sewing.

Step 3: Sew Lengths of Fabric Together

Align the length of the pieces together with right sides together. Make sure that the top fabric and seams are lined up with the other top fabric. Pin and sew each side of the lengths together and backstitch.

Step 4: Attach the Two Bag Bottom Pieces

Pin the width of the lower pieces together. Sew using a 5/8" seam allowance and backstitch. Turn inside out.

Step 5: Sew the Folded Length of the Lining

Fold the length of the lining in half, right sides together. Straight stitch both sides and backstitch with a 5/8" seam allowance.

Step 6: Draw a Triangle on the Bottom Corners

Place the lining inside the fabric. Match up the bottom corners and pin. Measure and mark 2"(5.1cm) vertically and 2"(5.1cm) horizontally from a bottom corner. Draw a diagonal chalk line to connect the two markings. Sew across the line. The needle will be going through all of the layers. Repeat this step for the other bottom corner.

Step 7: Add Grommets to the Bottom Corners

Measure 1" vertically and horizontally from the corner. Create a marking where the vertical and horizontal lines meet. Add a grommet on the marking. Repeat this step for the other bottom corner.

Step 8: Add Grommets to the Top Hem

Sew the lining to the upper fabric along the top raw edges using a 1/4" seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end.

Measure 1"-1.25"(2.5cm-3.2cm) (If the grommet size is large use 1.25"(3.2cm) and 1"(2.5cm) for a small grommet) from each side of the side seams, and 1.5" from the top opening stitch of the bag. Mark those two measurements with a dot.

Add grommets on those markings. Make these marking on the other side. There should now be four grommets total.

Step 9: Run the Trim Through Grommets

Cut the trim in half and run one of the trim pieces in through a grommet and out through the neighbouring grommet. Do this for both sides.

Step 10: Create the Channel for the Trim to Run Through

Pull the trim that you looped through the grommets and place it along the top open edge.

Fold the top raw edge towards the lining along the stitch line. Then fold another 1" (2.5cm) over the trim and pin it in place. Topstitch the channel in place with a zipper foot. Stitch 1/8" away from the opening of the fold. Be careful not to stitch on top of the trim.

Note: Be sure when pinning that the trim is running inside the seam and will not get caught when sewing.

Step 11: Weave Through the Bottom Grommet and Knot

The trim coming out of the neighbouring grommets should be running down the same side to the bottom grommet. Run both of the ends of trim in the same direction through the grommet.

Tie the trim ends in a knot to prevent them from slipping through the grommet.

Project Completed

Enjoy your custom drawstring bag! You can mix and match with many different fabrics while using this technique! Don’t be afraid to be creative!