Calling all moms! This one simple sewing project has not only helped me out, but also my kids. Today on Beginner Sewing Projects, I’m going to show you How To Sew A Drawstring Laundry Bag! This is a super simple project that you make for cheap. I found my fabric on sale and was able to get a deal. This laundry bag is quick to make. It only took me about 30 minutes to sew. I made one of these for each of my kids. I wanted them to start doing their own laundry and these bags help them keep up with their clothes. I picked out some fabric for each of them to match their personalities. The bags are big enough for a large load of laundry. As my older ones come home from college soon, I’m sure they will use them for all kinds of things, not just clothing. This project only requires a few supplies. I like the drawstring feature of this pack because it keeps items from spilling out while carrying it. I used some larger diameter cord for the drawstring to make it easier to carry as well.
Other than the fabric you choose, you’ll need some thread, some fabric scissors, a safety pin, and of course, your sewing machine. I recommend using a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler for this project, as this is one particular project where having your fabric squared up matters. Gather up your supplies from the list below and let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 yard of cotton fabric (I got mine on sale at Walmart)
- 1 yard of 3/8” or 1″ home décor cording
- Matching Thread
- Fabric Marker
- Scissors
- Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat, & Ruler
- Iron or heat press
- Thread Clippers
- Sewing Clips
- Sewing Machine
- Safety pin
How To Sew A Drawstring Laundry Bag
The first step in this how to sew a drawstring laundry bag tutorial is to fold your fabric in half with right sides together so the selvage edges are touching and pin or clip in place. Use your cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter if you need to even out any of the edges before sewing. If you need help squaring up your fabric, check out this helpful tutorial. Make a mark, either with a fabric marker or a pin, about 2” down from the top of the open side.
Starting from the bottom corner of the folded side, using a 1/2 “seam allowance, sew along the open bottom and up the open side, making sure to stop at the beginning of where your 2” mark is.
Next on this how to sew a drawstring laundry bag tutorial, you are going to make a boxed corner. This allows your bag to “stand up”. Lay your bag on a flat surface and using a fabric marker, mark a 1.5” square on each bottom corner and cut out the square.
Pinch the opening of each corner and line up the seams and press them together. Clip or pin and using a 1/2” seam allowance, close the opening. Trim the seams.
Open the 2” opening at the top so it makes a “V”. Fold each of the edges over ¼” and the ¼” more and sew each side in place, creating a finished edge.
Now on this how to sew a drawstring laundry bag tutorial, we will work on the opening for the bag. To make your casing for the drawstring, fold over the edge ½” and press with a warm iron. Next, fold it over 1” and press again.
Using a 1/4” seam, sew along the open edge of the casing, making sure to backstitch to reinforce at the beginning and end.
Attach a safety pin to one end of your cord and insert it into one of the open ends of the casing. Push the cord through until it comes out the other end. Tie a small knot at the end of each cord. To keep mine from coming unraveled, I wrapped the ends in masking tape. You can also use clear nail polish.
And that’s it! Now you how to sew a drawstring laundry bag! This super simple sewing project is a great way to keep all your dirty clothes in one place on your way to the washer. I made a few of these for each of my kids and they like having these to help them transport their clothes. Pick out some fun fabric and make yours!
If you liked learning how to sew a drawstring laundry bag, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!
How To Sew A Drawstring Laundry Bag
Sew your own hand drawstring laundry bag with this simple sewing tutorial. Perfect for keeping up with your clothes and cheap to make!
Tools
Instructions
- With right sides together, fold your fabric in half so the selvedge edges are touching and pin or clip in place.
- Make a mark, either with a fabric marker or a pin, about 2” down from the top of the open side.
- Starting from the bottom corner of the folded side, using a 1/2 “seam allowance, sew along the open bottom and up the open side, making sure to stop at the beginning of where your 2” mark is.
- Next, you are going to make a boxed corner. Lay your bag on a flat surface and using a fabric marker, mark a 1.5” square on each bottom corner and cut out the square.
- Pinch the opening of each corner and line up the seams and press them together. Clip or pin and using a 1/2” seam allowance, close the opening. Trim the seams.
- Open the 2” opening at the top so it makes a “V”. Fold each of the edges over ¼” and the ¼” more and sew each side in place, creating a finished edge.
- To make your casing for the drawstring, fold over the edge ½” and press with a warm iron. Next, fold it over 1” and press again.
- Using a 1/4” seam, sew along the open edge of the casing, making sure to backstitch to reinforce at the beginning and end.
- Attach a safety pin to one end of your cord and insert it into one of the open ends of the casing. Push the cord through until it comes out the other end. Tie a small knot at the end of each cord.
- Enjoy!