Free Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern | Beginner Sewing Series
Mar 30, 26
This is the very first project in my Beginner Sewing Series, and we’re starting with this simple, chic drawstring bag.
Designed with beginners in mind, this pattern is the perfect introduction to sewing bags. It’s practical, approachable, and teaches you foundational techniques that we’ll build on in the next projects.
My favourite feature is the interchangeable straps, you can switch between a chic handbag style and a more relaxed shoulder bag just by tying them on. You can also wear it open for an effortless look, or cinch it closed for a bit more security.
About the pattern
This drawstring bag is designed to be approachable and achievable, even if you’re just starting out.
There are:
- no zips
- no metal hardware
- no complicated construction
Just clean, thoughtful design and techniques that will help you build confidence at the machine.
We’ll cover skills like:
- block fusing
- sewing and turning ties
- topstitching and edge stitching
- bagging out
These are all foundational techniques that will carry through the rest of the series.
Fabric Requirements
• 1 metre / 1 1/8 yards of fabric (112 cm / 44” wide or wider)
• Lightweight iron-on interfacing (86 cm x 25 cm / 34” x 9.5”)
• Optional base insert (22.5 cm x 6 cm / 9” x 2.5”) – EVA foam, thick felt, or leather
• Loop turner or 150 cm / 60” of string (for turning ties)
• Safety pin or bodkin for threading the drawstring
Optional base insert
You can also add a base insert if you’d like the bag to hold its shape more.
Materials that work well:
- EVA craft foam
- felt
- leather
This step is completely optional and depends on the look you’re going for and the structure of your fabric.
A fabric that presses well will make a huge difference in how clean your final bag looks.
Fabric Suggestions
I recommend using a light to medium-weight woven fabric with a bit of structure.
Fabrics that work well:
- cotton sateen
- cotton blends
- polyester cotton
Try to avoid anything too:
- slippery (like very silky satins)
- stretchy (especially if you’re a beginner)
- thick or bulky (this makes turning the ties difficult)
A fabric that presses well will make a huge difference in how clean your final bag looks.
You can watch the step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through the entire process - from cutting your fabric to sewing the final bag.
I’ve included both metric and imperial measurements throughout, so it’s easy to follow no matter where you’re sewing from.
(Print at home, assemble, and you’re ready to cut.)
A few helpful notes before you start
If you’re completely new to sewing, I recommend watching my Foundation Sewing Series first. It covers:
- sewing machine basics
- essential tools
- how to read and cut a pattern
This will give you a bit more confidence before jumping into the project.
Also, this bag includes quite a few ties. They’re not difficult, just a little time-consuming. Put on your favourite show, take your time, and enjoy the process.
If you’d prefer a quicker option, you can absolutely substitute the ties with store-bought cord.
I’d love to see your version of the drawstring bag, it’s always so inspiring to see how different fabrics and styling choices completely transform the design.
Tag me on:
or send me a DM so I can see your creations
What’s Next?
In the next project, we’ll be sewing a sun hat, where we’ll build on the same techniques you learned here, with a few new skills added in.
If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss it.
Tess X
