How to Make a No-Sew Drawstring Bag

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Things You'll Need

  • Fabric

  • Measuring tape

  • Fusible tape

  • Iron

  • Cord

Image Credit: NA/Photos.com/Getty Images

Drawstring bags have many uses. They can be used for eco-friendly grocery bags, laundry bags, book bags or to carry sports equipment. Drawstring bags are also helpful when cleaning delicates in the washing machine. No-sew drawstring bags are just as efficient as their stitched counterparts without the hassle of a sewing machine. You can create the no-sew versions quickly with only a few supplies.

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Step 1

Lay your fabric on a flat surface with the wrong side up. Double the size you want the width of your bag to be and add 1 inch. For example, if you want a laundry bag a typical size is 36 inches wide by 42 inches long. Your fabric measurement will be 72 inches wide plus 1 inch for a total fabric width of 73 inches. Mark your fabric to this measurement.

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Step 2

Mark the fabric to the desired finished bag length plus 3 inches. In our example, a 42-inch long bag will have the fabric marked at 45 inches.

Step 3

Cut the fabric to these dimensions.

Step 4

Lay the fabric on a flat surface with the right side up. Cut a piece of fusible tape the length of the fabric. Align the end of the fusible tape with the edge of the bag fabric. Position the tape down the length of the fabric, lining the edge of the tape with the edge of the fabric. Press the tape down with an iron to fuse it onto the fabric. Remove the protective film from the tape. Fold the bag in half, with right sides together. This will place the opposite edge of the bag on top of the fusible tape. Press the fabric with the iron to fuse the two sides together.

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Step 5

Cut a piece of fusible tape 1/2 the width of the fabric. Insert the fusible tape between the fabric layers. Press the tape down with an iron to fuse it onto the bottom layer of fabric. Remove the protective film from the tape. Position the top fabric layer back down and press the fabric with an iron to fuse the two sides together.

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Step 6

Turn the top edge of the bag down 2 inches all the way around. The wrong sides of the fabric will touch. Measure the distance around the bag. Cut a piece of fusible tape to this measurement. Insert the fusible tape between the two layers of fabric, near the edge. Press the tape down with an iron. Remove the protective film. Place the top fabric layer back down and press in the position. This is the cord casing.

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Step 7

Cut a 1/2-inch vertical slit in the cord casing. Measure over 1/2 inch and cut a second 1/2-inch slit. Insert the cord through one slit and through the casing. Bring the cord out from the opposite side of the other slit. Turn the bag right side out.

Tip

Use denim or canvas fabric for laundry bags. Select loose weave cottons or netting for delicate washing bags.

Warning

Select only permanent fusible tape. Washable fusible tape will dissolve when wet.

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