Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs (24 page)
Read Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs Online
Authors: Lexie Barnes
CUT YOUR FABRICS
HOW MUCH STRING?
Whether you’re making a fabric drawstring (
see page
42
) or using ribbon or a cord, you’ll need to figure out the length. Simply double the width of the bag and add a few extra inches for finishing and knotting the ends.
3.
STITCH THE SIDES
. With right sides together, stitch down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side, stopping 2" from the top. Backtack and cut the thread. Leaving a 1½" gap, stitch the last ½" to the top edge, backtacking on both ends. Press the seam open and stitch about 2" down the seam
allowances on either side of the opening. Clip the bottom corners and trim the seam allowance.
4.
MAKE THE CASING
. Press under ½" of the top raw edge, then press under another 1½". Edgestitch along the bottom of fold. (
See page
44
).
5.
INSERT THE DRAWSTRING
. Using a safety pin, thread the ribbon or cord through hole and around to the other side. (
See page
45
). Knot the ends.
DOO-WAH DITTY
The drawstring bag is ideal for gift giving. Make a bag to suit someone’s special needs, or use it as the gift wrap! Some suggestions:
Who wants to haul around a big, ugly laundry bag? A homemade drawstring laundry sack makes a wonderful gift for students and campers.
SKILL LEVEL
pro
Cute and practical, this drawstring backpack can be made to fit your body, the contents of the pack, or both. Try different sizes for different needs, such as gym gear, sleepover supplies, or a school bag. You can also use rope or ribbon for the straps. Just cut them to the desired length and thread them through the casing as described, instead of using fabric straps.
OUR FINISHED SIZE:
13" × 18", two 60" straps
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
see page
18
)
WHAT YOU’LL DO