Today's tutorial shows how to make a small, lined drawstring bag; one that's just the right size for gifting a bar of soap. Of course, it could be used for any number of purposes, as well as gift wrapping... jewellery storage when travelling, a makeup bag or even somewhere to keep sewing bits and pieces. Materials: 2 pieces 16cm x 18cm (6.25" x 7") - main colour for the exterior of the bag 2 pieces 16cm x 18cm (6.25" x 7") - contrast colour for the lining 2 lengths of cord 51cm (20") - drawstring cords Instructions: All seams are 1cm (3/8"), unless otherwise indicated. I didn't need to use any pins when I made this bag. If you find you need to pin the seams... pin baste (hand sew with a long stitch) remove pins stitch seam with machine remove basting Sewing the lining: With right sides together sew each side seam, continuing around the bottom corners. Leave a gap of 5cm (2"), across the bottom edge. Probably not necessary, but I neaten the edges. Open the bottom seam and sew separately, otherwise you will sew the opening shut. Sewing the exterior: On both long sides measure and mark 4cm (1.5") and 5cm (2") from the top edge. This will be the opening for the drawstring casing. The width of the opening will depend on the width of the cord. If in doubt, make the opening larger rather than smaller. With right sides together, sew from the top edge to the first mark. Backstitch to secure. Backstitch as you start and sew from the second mark to the bottom. Repeat Steps 2 & 3 for the other side. Sew across the bottom. Neaten each side of the side seams separately by opening out the edges. I wouldn't skip neatening the edges for this step, as it will prevent stray threads from coming out with the drawstring cord. Secure the drawstring opening, by sewing back and forth a couple of times at both ends of the opening. Stitch the seam on either side down. With steps 2 & 3, you are basically sewing a square around the opening. Attach the lining to the exterior of the bag: Place the bag inside the lining. ie: the right side of the bag is next to the right side of the lining. Line up the top edges of the lining and the exterior. Sew the top edges of the lining and the exterior. As you sew over the side seams, make sure the exterior and lining seams are facing in opposite directions to avoid bulk. Neaten the seam. Turn the bag right side out: Put your fingers through the hole in the bottom of the lining. Gently pull the right side of the bag out through the lining. Edgestitch the gap in the lining closed, or you can hand stitch if you would prefer. Topstitching: Push the lining back into the bag. Press the top edge of the bag. Topstitch 3mm (1/8") from the edge, around the top of the bag, using a slightly longer stitch. I set my machine to 2.8 Drawstring Casing: Stitching through both the exterior and lining, sew around the bag, starting and ending at the top of the opening for the drawstring. Line up the the edge of the bag with something on the machine to help keep the stitching straight. Repeat step 1, starting and ending at the bottom of the opening for the drawstring. Line up the second row of stitching with the first row. Cords: Using a safety pin, thread the first cord through the entire drawstring casing. Both ends of the one cord will come out of the same opening. Repeat with the second cord and the second opening. Knot the ends of each cord. The cord I used was a snug fit in the casing, so I used a bodkin (not threaded) to help. You could just as easily use a chopstick, tweezers or any long thin implement. Note the instructions at the beginning for sewing the exterior. The width of the opening will depend on the width of the cord. If in doubt, make the opening larger rather than smaller. The cords might be a little hard to pull the first couple of times. If you find this happens, just pull and loosen a couple of times. That's it. You've finished! This really is a quick and easy project, so I whipped up three little bags. The first little drawstring bag has made its way across the country and has been given as a birthday present, along with the crazy patchwork pouch. And what did I put inside the drawstring bag... lovely handmade soap I picked up at local markets. If you make a drawstring bag using this tutorial, I'd love you to add it to the Threading My Way ~ Sewn by YOU Flickr group. Feel free to add any projects made with Threading My Way tutorials. I'll be adding this bag to the Drawstring Bags link party here at Threading My Way. ... Pam Because of the drawstring cord, this bag is not suitable for children under 3 years of age. Tweet