If you're after a drawstring bag sewing pattern that's a bit more special than a plain pouch, this is the one I'd make. It's a little gift bag with a flat base and a big fabric bow across the front, and it comes in five sizes. It's easy to sew and beginner friendly, and there's a full video tutorial so you can sew along with me.
About this drawstring bag pattern
I designed this as a gift bag that's worth keeping. The present goes inside and the bag becomes part of the gift. The XS sits in the palm of your hand and suits jewellery or a gift card. The X Large is big enough for a candle or a bundle of treats.
It's handy well beyond gifting too. Used as a drawstring pouch bag pattern, the smaller sizes are good for makeup, sewing notions or travel bits.
How it goes together
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It lines itself. One piece folds in on itself to make both the outer and the lining, so there's no separate lining to cut.
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Flat base. The bottom corners are boxed, so the bag stands up by itself.
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A proper bow. The bow threads through a stitched fabric band above the drawstring channel. It stays in place, and you can take it out or adjust it.
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Two drawstrings. One runs from each side, so the top gathers evenly when you pull.
If you can sew a straight line, you can make this. It's a simple drawstring bag pattern at heart, and the bow is what makes it look like more work than it is.
Finished sizes
Height x width x depth, all approximate.
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XS: 3 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 in (9 x 12 x 6 cm)
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Small: 4 1/2 x 6 1/8 x 3 in (11.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 cm)
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Medium: 5 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 3 1/2 in (14.5 x 18.5 x 9 cm)
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Large: 7 x 9 x 4 1/2 in (17.5 x 22.5 x 11 cm)
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X Large: 8 1/8 x 10 1/4 x 5 1/8 in (20.5 x 26 x 13 cm)
Fabric you'll need
Each bag takes one piece of main fabric, one piece of bow fabric and two drawstrings. Fabric sizes are height x width.
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XS: main 10 1/4 x 12 1/4 in (26 x 31.2 cm), bow 5 1/4 x 17 3/4 in (13.2 x 45 cm), two drawstrings of 17 3/8 in (44 cm)
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Small: main 13 x 15 3/4 in (33 x 40 cm), bow 6 3/4 x 24 3/8 in (17 x 62 cm), two drawstrings of 22 in (56 cm)
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Medium: main 15 3/4 x 18 7/8 in (40 x 48 cm), bow 7 7/8 x 29 1/8 in (20 x 74 cm), two drawstrings of 26 3/8 in (67 cm)
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Large: main 18 7/8 x 22 7/8 in (48 x 58 cm), bow 9 1/2 x 34 5/8 in (24 x 87.8 cm), two drawstrings of 31 1/2 in (80 cm)
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X Large: main 22 x 26 3/4 in (56 x 68 cm), bow 11 x 40 1/8 in (28 x 102 cm), two drawstrings of 37 3/8 in (95 cm)
Plain weave cotton is easy to sew and easy to find, so start there if this is your first bag. Linen gives a relaxed, earthy look and is lovely with a silk satin bow. Saree fabric works beautifully too, because the woven decoration makes a wonderfully intricate little bag.
You don't need a contrast at all. A tartan, chintz or ditsy floral used all over looks great, and so does a change of texture, like black crêpe de chine with a black satin bow. For the drawstrings, use seam tape, a shoelace or string, or make your own from folded strips of fabric.
What's in the download
- PDF pattern pieces for all five sizes
- Print at home files for A4 and US Letter
- Just 3 pages to print, with each pattern on its own page and no taping
- Step by step illustrated instructions
- A full video tutorial on the House of Kimono YouTube channel
There's no A0 or copy shop file with this pattern. The pieces are small enough to print at home, so it isn't needed. This is a digital sewing pattern, so nothing is posted to you.
Selling what you make
You're welcome to sell the bags you make from this pattern at markets, craft fairs or online. The pattern itself can't be resold, copied or shared.
Alex x
