How to Sew a Drawstring Book Bag for Kids
A drawstring bag is simple to sew. The hardest part is sewing the sleeve for the drawstring and working the cord through it. Even so, this is not a difficult project, and it could easily be done by an older child with minimal experience using a sewing machine.
Things You'll Need
- 1/3 yard fabric
- Thread
- 1 yard cord or ribbon
- Sewing machine
- Straight pins
- Large safety pin
- Iron
Instructions
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1
Decide how big the bag will be, and cut fabric for that size. For example, to make a rectangular bag that measures 10 inches wide and 12 inches tall, cut two identical rectangles 11 inches wide by 14 inches tall. Or if you want to save a bit of sewing, cut one long rectangle 27 x 11 inches. The extra dimensions are for a seam allowance.
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2
Fold two short ends over 1/2 inch so that the right side of the fabric is on the outside. Press with an iron. Then fold again at 1 inch, again with the right side out. Pin the fabric in place at intervals. Do this on one of the short sides of each rectangle if you elected to cut two pieces of fabric and on each of the short ends if you cut one long rectangle. You have just shaped the sleeve for the drawstring.
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3
Sew along the edge you folded first, about 1/4 inch from the fold. Sew straight across but not up and down the sides. Remove the pins as you sew or once you have completed the seam.
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4
Place the right sides of the fabric together and pin the pieces together along the edges. Sew up the sides, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. If you cut two pieces of fabric, sew the bottom (if you used one large piece, the bottom of the bag is a fold). Leave the edges open where the drawstring sleeve ends are located. Remove the pins.
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5
Invert the bag so that the right side of the fabric is facing out. Press the seams with an iron.
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6
Pin the safety pin to the end of a cord or ribbon. Put one end into one of the open ends of the drawstring sleeve. Work the sleeve to make the pin move through it, pulling the ribbon or cord behind it. Pull the cord or ribbon so that it circles through both sides of the sleeve. Remove the safety pin. It is up to you whether you leave only one tail on one side or a tail on both sides.
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7
Make a knot to hold the two ends of the cord or ribbon together.
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8
Decorate your bag by gluing or sewing on fun items that will appeal to kids, such as buttons and sequins. Or you can paint your bag with fabric paint.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a sturdy fabric that can carry heavy books.
