How to Make Cinch Bags

You can sew up a cinch bag from almost any fabric.

Cinch bags, also know as drawstring bags, are not difficult to make. A cinch bag requires no special hardware or opening mechanism like a snap or zipper. Instead, the cinch bag features a fabric tunnel through which a cord passes. The cord gathers the fabric to close the bag. To open the bag, you push the gathered fabric smooth. With the use of a sewing machine, you can stitch up one of these bags in quickly and easily.

Things You'll Need

• Paper grocery bag
• Scissors
• 1 yard heavy fabric
• Ruler
• Sewing machine with a zigzag stitch
• 1 yard decorative cording (1-inch diameter)
• Large safety pin

Instructions

1. Draw a scaled template for the cinch bag on the paper bag. Cut the template out. Pin it to the fabric, which has been folded in half.

2. Cut around the template, adding 1/4 inch around the sides and bottom edges for a seam allowance, through the two layers of fabric. Cut an additional 3 inches at the top edge of the template.

3. Pin the two pieces of fabric together, right sides together. Sew a straight stitch around the sides and bottom edges, 1/4 inch from the edge.

4. Fold the top edge over 1 1/2 inches to the wrong side of the fabric and pin in place. Zigzag the bottom edge to create the cording tunnel.

5. Turn the bag right side out. Cut the cording to 24 inches. Insert a large safety pin into one end of the cord. Push the safety pin through the tunnel. Tie knots in each end of the decorative cord.

References

• "Sewing Projects in an Afternoon"; Susan Mickey; 2005
• "Make Your Own Purses & Bags"; Anna-Marie D'Cruz; 2009