My daughter loves drawstring bags and thinks there is no such thing as having too many. We were recently looking for a fun, affordable gift to make for a classmate and decided on a DIY Cinch Bag. These bags are easily made in just a few minutes from a pillowcase and ribbon. They can be carried as a messenger bag, a backpack, or just over the shoulder. They drawstring shut so there is no need for installing zippers. Pillowcases come in so many sizes, colors, and patterns that make these bags so much fun to have!
DIY Cinch Bag Tutorial
Supplies:
- 1 pillow case
- 1 spool of ribbon
- sewing machine, needle, & thread
- scissors
- safety pin
How To Make A Drawstring Bag From A Pillowcase
Begin by folding the opening of the pillowcase down approximately 4″.
Use the sewing machine to stitch a seam 1″ in from the folded edge. If you need a no sew option, you can use some of that iron on seam tape for the same effect but it won’t be quite as sturdy and long lasting.
Stitch all the way around the opening leaving a 1″ space that will create an opening for the drawstring ribbon.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the ribbon and carefully feed the ribbon through the pocket you created in the pillowcase.
Pull the ribbon out of the opening when you’ve made your way all the way around.
Carefully pull enough ribbon through for the opening of the bag to be completely open with the two ends of the ribbon able to reach 8″-10″ past the bottom of the bag.
Smooth the ribbon out, laying the two pieces over each other, and carefully sew them to the bottom corner of the bag.
Once the ribbon is secured at the corner, tie a tight bow. You can tack the bow into place with a few stitches or simply leave it tied tight. Trim the ends of the ribbon on an angle or knot them to prevent fraying.
Pull the ribbon to cinch the top of the bag closed!
The two ribbons on this drawstring bag can be separated and the bag worn like a backpack, left together and put over the shoulder, or left together and worn as a messenger bag.
Full sized pillowcases are great for sleepover bags or for storing dress up clothes. Travel pillowcases usually come with a zipper and are a bit smaller for every day bags. If you’re daughter is like mine, she’ll want several in different sizes and colors and to make them for her friends too! For less than $5 per bag and only 20 minutes of time, you won’t mind making several of these DIY cinch bags.
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cute bag my daughter also loves bags , I was looking for ideas for a bag to put her small dolls and little dog toys she got for Christmas.This bag would be ideal for them and then she can take them to church or when out and about by carrying them on her back. thanks for sharing.