Draw String Bags Tutorial

A couple months ago, I wrote about making seasonal felt puzzles with my embroidery machine....the designs come from My Fair Lady.  Any how, a couple of them do not have pockets big enough to accommodate the puzzle pieces, party because I add an extra piece of felt on the back to make them heftier.  So I decided to make small draw string bags to keep part of the pieces in...so hopefully they won't get lost.

These are so easy to make and have a ton of applications for use.  They can be made in any size too.

I selected two different novelty fabrics to go with their appropriate monthly puzzles and ribbons to match.  I like grosgrain for this application for sturdiness.  Cut out 2 pieces of fabric the size you want your bags to be plus 1/4" seam allowance around each piece.  Also allowing an extra 1 " at the top for the casing, if using 1/4" ribbon.

Press the top of each raw edge under, then press the edge down again a little larger than the width of your ribbon...probably about 1/2" .  Take some seam sealant and go over the drawstring openings.

Edge stitch along the casing edges on both the front and back of your bag.  Then stitch the bag together around the outside edge with right sides together.  Starting just below the drawstring opening and back stitching to secure, continue to the other side and back tack at that drawstring opening....otherwise you won't be able thread the ribbon through the casing.

  Then I did a zig-zag stitch around those seam allowances just to strengthen them and keep them from raveling, also starting below the casing and stopping before the next casing on the other side.

I have laid the ribbon out to show you how it needs to be threaded in both directions to make a drawstring.   To determine your length, just lay out some ribbon and allow for some extra to tie a knot in the end.

Turn the bags right side out and use a bodkin to thread the ribbon through and then tie a knot in both ends to keep them from being pulled out.

Here are the bags with each puzzle.