Unlined Drawstring Bag

A drawstring bag without any lining is a simple yet versatile accessory that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you're heading to the gym, running errands, or just need a convenient way to carry your essentials, an unlined drawstring bag is a practical choice. The lack of lining gives it a lightweight and flexible feel, making it easy to fold up and store when not in use. Additionally, the drawstring closure allows for quick and easy access to your belongings while keeping them secure.

The bag’s finished size is approx 23cm x 32cm including the drawstring channel. (9” x 12.5”)

You will need:

• 1 piece of main fabric 49cm x 32cm (19.5” x 12.5”)
• 2 x contrast fabric 24cm x 10cm (9.5” x 4”)
• 2 lengths of ribbon or cord, each 76cm (30”)

Fold the main fabric wrong sides together so the shorter edges are together and sew around the side and bottom using a narrow seam allowance - about 1/2 cm (1/4”) or so.

Trim the corners and then turn the bag wrong sides out. Press. Sew the same seam again taking a slightly larger seam allowance, about 1cm (3/8”)

When you turn the bag back the inside seam will be all enclosed.

Now make the drawstring channels.

Take one of the drawstring channel pieces and create a narrow double hem at each short end and stitch.

Fold in the piece in half right sides together along the short edge, so the long edges are together.

Stitch along the long edge with a 1cm (3/8”) seam allowance.

Turn the tube right side out and press.

Repeat for the other drawstring channel piece.

Turn a narrow double hem on the top edge of the bag piece and press.

Position the drawstring channel pieces on top of the bag, on the outside, lining up the tube so it overlaps the top of the bag by about 1cm. Stitch along the top of the bag - hemming the main bag piece and attaching the drawstring channel “tube” piece at the same time.

Take 2 lengths of ribbon, each one 76cm and thread them through the channels in opposite directions. Tie the ribbon ends together in pairs and seal the ends with a lighter if necessary.

That’s it, boom! You’ve made a drawstring bag that’s all neat and tidy with no raw edges, as simple as that!

You can use this method to make a drawstring bag of any size, just scale it up or down to suit you. I wouldn’t make it to to small though, as stitching around the top to hem and secure the channel would be really tricky if the bag was too little. Scaling it up should be no problem at all.