Tuesday 11 December 2012

Drawstring Bag...


Here's a drawstring bag I've just finished. It's large enough to be used as a shopping bag, has the convenience of shoulder straps and can be folded and put into a handbag when empty.

I have an old drawstring bag, that I use all the time, in addition to my handbag, to maybe carry a sweater, a bottle of water and some food. This latest bag is not for me, however. It's a VERY belated birthday present. Once I finished the bag, I ummed and erred over whether I'd gift it or keep it for myself.


I really like the combination of these two fabrics. The brown is Fluttering Wings and Colourful Things, Cynthia Coulter, from Wilmington Prints. The blue is Bits of Blue a... Yeah, I cut the selvedge off before I noted the name. After Christmas, I might try and source more of these fabrics, as I did part with the bag.

I've combined three tutorials from Threading My Way, to make this bag. The basic bag can be made using the Drawstring Bag tutorial, cutting the fabric as rectangles, 16" x 18", so much larger than the original and with square corners.

The casing for the drawstring follows the same tutorial, but was cut 3" x 14". Once the casing is folded and sewn, it ends up about 1.25", wide enough to give a splash of colour. Place the casing 2" from the top of the bag.

The drawstring itself is made from 2 pieces of fabric, 1.5" x 50".

To make the boxed corners, follow the Fabric Basket tutorial. The width of the bag ends up at 2", so measure 1" from the seams to make the corners.

Almost all my bags have shoulder straps, for ease of use. In my younger days, I had lots of clutches, handbags and totes with small or no handles. Along came children and I couldn't manage carrying a bag, unless it had shoulder straps. Even though my children are now adults. I still like the convenience of not having to hang on to a bag.

For the shoulder straps, cut 4 pieces of fabric 26" x 2" and follow the instructions for the Little Shopper Tote, attaching the straps 3.5" from the side seams.

I sewed a keychain tab into one of the inside seams, but the photos didn't turn out. Next time, when I make one for myself, I'll show you how I made it. Next time will be after Christmas, though, as I am WAY behind schedule for my handmade Christmas.

I'll be adding this bag to the Drawstring Bags link party, here on Threading My Way.

... Pam

16 comments:

  1. It looks great, no wonder you had a hard time giving it away!

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    1. Thanks, Kate. I will replace my old one with one like this after Christmas.

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  2. I pinned this, thank you for sharing!

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  3. One can NEVER have TOO MANY Bags. Thanks for all the Tutorial Tips in making this one. Love the colors and the HANDLES....a great gift idea, too! I am still gift sewing and the days are getting shorter. It will definately be after Christmas for MY Bag, too.

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    1. Totally agree.. a girl can never have too many bags!!!

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  4. I love this! I need to add it to my sewing que :) Traveling around with kids, bags are a necessity, especially ones that can fold and tuck away into other bags until you need them!

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  5. This is very pretty. I love the fabric combinations. It has given me an idea of what to do with some V & A Liberty fabric that I bought on line and really don't like very much. However, with another colour, it might make an acceptable bag.

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  6. I love this bag! Great fabric! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  7. Very cute bag. I've got to try this.

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  8. That's a fab bag! Love the fabrics

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  9. Nice bag! It looks like the perfect size.

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  10. This bag looks amazing! I love it, the colors are beautiful thanks for the tutorial. I pin it to my board on Pinterest.
    Marisa-

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  11. Great bag Pam, I can see why you were tempted to keep it!

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  12. Lovely bag! I've been trying to decide what to make for my kids to carry Bibles and books to church. Maybe I'll try this one! Thanks!
    Jessica @ A Humble Creation

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  13. It's gorgeous, I absolutely love brown and blue together.

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