How to sew a simple drawstring bag

Two rectangles and a channel for cord.

Step by step

1. Decide the finished size; add 2.5 cm (1 inch) to the width and about 7.5 cm (3 inches) to the length (two 36 x 46 cm pieces make a bag about 30 x 38 cm).
2. Place right sides together and mark about 7.5 cm (3 inches) down from the top on both sides.
3. Sew round three sides from mark to mark with about 1.2 cm (1/2 inch) seam allowance, backstitching at each end.
4. Press the side openings back about 1.2 cm (1/2 inch) and stitch down one side of the V, across and up the other.
5. Fold the top raw edge over 6 mm to 1.2 cm (1/4 to 1/2 inch), then about 2.5 cm (1 inch) more; sew to make the channel on each side.
6. Neaten seams with zigzag, an overedge foot or pinking shears, trim corners and turn out.
7. Thread ribbon or cord about twice the bag width through both channels with a safety pin, from opposite sides, and knot.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Diane Rooney: Easy drawstring bag tutorial