Handmade Doll Clothes and More

A drawstring bag is normally made of cloth and is closed at the top with a drawstring. Such a bag can hold many things, such as personal items, gifts, teas, or documents. For this project, Ms Clara used two different fabric selections that coordinate well together, as she did with the Easy Sew Flange Pillow. In the instructions below, these will be referred to as "selection 1" and "selection 2".

List of Materials:

• Two 12-inch x 15-inch pieces of fabric selection 1

• One 1-inch x 50-inch piece of fabric selection 1 (for the drawstring)

• Two 4-inch x 15-inch pieces of fabric selection 2

• Thread

• Scissors

• Safety Pin

Directions for Drawstring:

• Sew a 1/4-inch seam all the way up both sides of the drawstring strip of fabric. Then, sew a 1/4-inch seam on both ends of the drawstring strip of fabric.
  

• Fold the drawstring lengthwise in half. Then sew to secure, completing the drawstring.
  

Directions for Bodice of Bag:

• Sew one piece of fabric selection 1 to one piece of fabric selection 2. Repeat this with the other pieces of fabric selections 1 and 2. You now have two halves of the bag which will be sewn together.
  

• With right sides together, connect the two halves of the bag by sewing up one side seam. Then sew a 1/4-inch side seam up both remaining sides of the bag bodice. Also, sew a 1/4-inch seam along the top end of the bag bodice.
  

• Fold the top of the bag bodice over to create a 1-inch seam and sew, creating an opening for the drawstring.
  

• Fold the bag bodice in half with right sides together. Sew up the other side seam, remembering to leave the opening free for the drawstring at the top of the bag. Finally, sew up the bottom seam of the bag bodice.
  

• With the safety pin secured at one end of the drawstring, pull the drawstring through the drawstring opening of the bag. Remove the safety pin.
  

• Turn the completed drawstring bag right side out, and iron as needed. Fill the drawstring bag and pull the drawstring at both ends until securely closed. Tie the drawstring in a bow, as desired.
  

Review:

Ms Clara suggests that you decide how big the bag needs to be before cutting out the fabric. She also recommends that you iron the fabric as needed from step to step. And, for a more professional and finished appearance, try using a serger on the inside seams before sewing them together.

This project will prove to be useful again and again, as you continue to find things that can be stored in a drawstring bag. For a great gift idea, see Ms Clara's Recipe for Happiness Bag.