How to Customize Drawstring Bags

A customized drawstring bag can make your kid the envy of the playground.

Help your kids keep their gear organized in a customized drawstring bag to take with them when they are on the go. Store-bought drawstring bags can easily be customized to fit your child’s personal style. With just a few craft supplies, you can create a trendy drawstring bag that your child will be proud to carry. Customized drawstring bags also make excellent and affordable gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of cardboard sized to fit interior of bag
• Masking tape
• Fabric paint in several colors
• Iron-on decal
• Puffy paint
• Black fabric pen
• Two small paintbrushes
• Waterproof fabric glue
• Small beads or sequins

Instructions

Method

1. Lay the canvas bag out flat on a hard work surface with the front side facing up. Insert the cardboard. Use the masking tape to create a frame around the border of the bag to keep the design neat and professional.

2. Dip a small paintbrush in the fabric glue and apply a thick layer to the back of the iron-on decal. Glue to the front center of the canvas bag. It will be the focal point of your design.

3. Use the fabric paint, in your choice of colors, to paint a border or background on the front of the bag using the other paintbrush. Use an applicator fitted bottle of puffy paint to add your child’s name to the lower portion of the bag for easy identification.

4. Glue small beads or sequins to the canvas bag to further customize.

5. Dry bag overnight. Check the manufacturer’s labels on the paints and glue for specialized setting and care instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a solid-colored drawstring bag instead of a patterned design so that your designs will show up.

• Use a black fabric pen to add important information onto the back of the bag to keep your child safe when away from home. Include emergency contact details or pertinent health information.

• Paint and glue can damage furniture. Protect your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect from paint.

References

• Trails: Decorating a Drawstring Backpack

Resources

• Ward Oliver: Fabric Painting Ideas