A plastic bag just doesn't cut it when it comes to carting around soccer boots and all the gear that's needed when playing for a team sport - not in my world, anyway. What's called for is a sturdy drawstring bag, that keeps everything contained, is light to carry around and is easy to stuff into a larger bag.

I'm back!!!
Materials:
- 2 pieces 14" x 19" (36cm x 48cm) - main colour for the exterior of the bag
- 2 pieces 14" x 19" (36cm x 48cm) - contrast colour for the lining
- 2 lengths of cord 30" (76cm) - drawstring cords
30" is the length I made my cords and is the absolute shortest length you could use. If making this again, I'd add a couple of inches to the length of each cord.
Instructions:
Read all instructions before you begin.
All seams are ⅜"(1cm), unless otherwise indicated.
Basting (hand sewing with a long stitch), is a good way to hold seams together while sewing two pieces of fabric together. The fabric won't move, and you don't have to worry about keeping pins away from the machine needle. Another good alternative is wonder clips. If you do use pins, remove them as you sew - don't sew over them!
Sew Lining:

- With right sides together sew each side seam, continuing around the bottom corners.
- Leave a gap of 3" (8cm), across the bottom edge.
- Neaten edges if you wish. Open the bottom seam and sew separately, otherwise you will sew the opening shut.
Sew Exterior:

- On both long sides measure and mark 1" (2½cm) and 1½" (4cm) from the top edge. This will be the opening for the drawstring casing. The width of the opening will depend on the width of the cord. If in doubt, make the opening larger rather than smaller.
- With right sides together, sew from the top edge to the first mark. Backstitch to secure.
- Backstitch as you start and sew from the second mark to the bottom.
- Repeat Steps 2 & 3 for the other side.
- Sew across the bottom.
- Turn right side out.
The next step is a photo from another bag. Black on black stitching doesn't photograph well, and using a light coloured thread would detract from the look of the bag.

- Neaten each side of the side seams separately by opening out the edges. I wouldn't skip neatening the edges for this step, as it will prevent stray threads from coming out with the drawstring cord.
- Secure the drawstring opening, by sewing back and forth a couple of times at both ends of the opening.
- Stitch the seam on either side down. You are basically sewing a square around the opening.
Attach Lining to Exterior:

- Place the exterior inside the lining. ie: the right side of the bag is next to the right side of the lining.
- Line up the top edges of the lining and the exterior.
- Sew the top edges of the lining and the exterior.
- Neaten the seam if you wish.
Turn Bag Right Side Out:

- Put your fingers through the hole in the bottom of the lining.
- Gently pull the right side of the bag out through the lining.
Close Opening:

- Edge stitch the gap in the lining closed, or hand stitch if you would prefer.
Topstitching:

- Push the lining back into the bag.
- Press the top edge of the bag.
- Topstitch ⅛" (3mm) from the edge, around the top of the bag.
I would normally use a slightly longer stitch for topstitching, but in this case, the topstitching will form part of the drawstring casing, so leave stitch length as is.
Drawstring Casing:
The next step is a photo from another bag. Again, black on black stitching doesn't photograph well. The two rows of stitching will be further apart on the soccer boots bag.

- Stitching through both the exterior and lining, sew around the bag, starting and ending at the bottom of the opening for the drawstring. Line up the the edge of the bag with something on the machine to help keep the stitching straight.
Cords:
- Using a safety pin, thread the first cord through the entire drawstring casing. Both ends of the one cord will come out of the same opening.
- Repeat with the second cord and the second opening.
- Knot the ends of each cord.
That's all there is to it. Your drawstring bag is finished!

Finishing at just over 13" x 18", this is a very roomy bag. Vary the dimensions to make it smaller or larger to accommodate the boots of your little soccer player.
If you are new to sewing, this is a very EASY project. Little Miss made her own pink and black soccer boots bag this time last year. She's playing soccer again this year, but has decided she wants a different bag - nothing wrong with this one - it's held up well - she just felt like a change. Little Miss offered her old bag to Little Mister, but he declined.

He approves of his new bag, though, so I'm happy.

For more ideas and inspiration...
- Drawstring Bags Link Party
- 30 Reusable Fabric Gift Bags
- Patchwork Drawstring Bag
- Drawstring Bag with Divider
- No Zipper Pencil Case
Because of the drawstring cord, this bag is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
... Pam
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SO much better than a plastic carrier bag!
ReplyDeleteYay, some great sewing done! And such a handy bag... xx
ReplyDeleteThis is great! Thank you for sharing the tutorial at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa.
DeleteSew much better than inflicting more plastic on the planet! Thanks for sharing such a great tutorial xx
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's easy to not use plastic and this was one of those times. Thanks, Josie.
DeleteGreat post. Articles that have meaningful and insightful comments are more enjoyable, at least to me. It’s interesting to read what other people thought.
ReplyDelete