How to make Drawstring Gift Bags, with Swiss Cross, Wide Stripe and Patchwork Stripe variations. Have fun!
For many creative folks, a gift’s packaging is often as important as the gift itself. Grab your favorite fabrics and present your gift in a thoughtful (and reusable) handmade bag, practically another present in itself!
Fabric & such (to make one)
1 fat quarter (45.7 x 55.9 cm) of red, green, or tan quilter’s linen
3 fat quarters (45.7 x 55.9 cm) of lining fabric
White, red print, or assorted fabric scraps
Extra-wide double-fold bias tape, in coordinating colors
Tools
Basic Patchwork Kit (more detail in book)
Large safety pin
Finished size: 9 3/4 x 11 inches (24.8 x 27.9 cm)
Seam allowance: 1/4 inch (6 mm) unless otherwise indicated
Get Started
The Swiss Cross Bag
1. Cut out the following pieces from the fabrics:
From red linen fabric:
4 squares, each measuring 2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm).
2 rectangles, each measuring 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches (6.4 x 16.5 cm).
1 rectangle measuring 2 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (6.4 x 26.7 cm).
1 rectangle measuring 4 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches.
1 rectangle measuring 10 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches (26.7 x 31.8 cm). (This is for the backing.)
From white fabric scraps:
2 squares, each measuring 2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm).
1 rectangle measuring 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches (6.4 x 16.5 cm).
From lining fabric:
2 rectangles, each measuring 10 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches (26.7 x 31.8 cm).
2. To form the Swiss cross:
-Join together the red and white 2 1/2-inch (6.4 cm) squares in rows, with the white square in the middle as shown.
-Stitch the white rectangle between the two rows. Press.
3. To piece the front of the bag:
-Join the 2 1/2 x 6 1/2¬-inch (6.4 x 16.5 cm) red rectangles to the left and right sides of the Swiss cross.
-Stitch the remaining 10 1/2-inch long rectangles above and below the cross as shown, and press.
4. Follow the Finishing Instructions to complete the bag (see below).
The Wide Stripe Bag
1. Cut out the following pieces from the fabrics:
From green linen fabric:
2 rectangles, each measuring 5 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (14 x 26.7 cm).
2 rectangles, each measuring 2 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (6.4 x 26.7 cm).
From red print fabric:
2 rectangles, each measuring 5 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (14 x 26.7 cm).
From lining fabric:
2 rectangles, each measuring 10 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches (26.7 x 31.8 cm).
2. For both front and back panels, lay out the fabrics using the project photograph as a guide, with the wide green rectangle at the top, the red in the middle, and the narrow green at the bottom. Stitch the rows together and press.
3. Follow the Finishing Instructions to complete the bag (see below).
The Patchwork Stripe Bag
1. Cut out the following pieces from the fabrics:
From tan linen fabric:
2 rectangles, each measuring 5 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (14 x 25.4 cm).
2 rectangles, each measuring 3 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches (8.9 x 25.4 cm).
From assorted fabric scraps:
20 squares, each measuring 2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm).
From lining fabric:
2 rectangles, each measuring 10 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches (25.4 x 31.8 cm).
2. To piece the bag:
-Stitch together five assorted fabric squares in a row to make a 2 1/2 x 10 1/2–inch (6.4 x 25.4 cm) strip.
-Repeat with the remaining 15 squares to create three more strips. You will have two strips each for the front and back of the bag.
-Pair up and join two strips together along the 10 1/2-inch (26.7 cm) sides. Repeat with the remaining two strips. You will have two pieced patchwork strips. Press all strips.
Lay out the front and back panels as shown, with the wider tan rectangle at the top, the pieced patchwork strips in the middle, and the narrow tan rectangle at the bottom. Stitch the rows together and press.
3. Follow the Finishing Instructions to complete the bag (see below).
Finishing Instructions for All Versions:
1. Make the lining:
-Pin the lining pieces with right sides together.
-Stitch around three sides, leaving the top 10 1/2-inch (26.7 cm) edge open. Backstitch to lock the beginning and end of the stitches.
-Clip the corners without cutting the seam. Do not turn right side out. Set aside.
2. Join the exterior panels:
-Pin the two exterior panels with right sides together.
-On the right and left side of one panel, mark a line 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) from the top and mark another 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the first mark.
-Stitch from the top of one side down to the first mark, backstitch, and cut the thread. Start a new seam at the second mark and stitch around all three edges, stopping the next mark on the other side. Backstitch and cut your thread. Start a new seam at the fourth mark, backstitch, and stitch to the top edge.
-Clip the corners without cutting the seam.
-Press the seams open for the top half of each side of the bag exterior. Turn right side out and use a turning tool to push out the corners.
-Topstitch around each hole, securing the hole and catching the seam allowance on each side.-
3. Construct the bag:
-Slip the bag exterior inside the lining with right sides facing. Straighten out the exterior panels and push the corners into the corners of the lining, nestling them together for a nice, cozy fit. Pin the top edges together.
-Stitch around the top edge of the bags to join, leaving a 4-inch (10.2 cm) opening for turning, and backstitching to lock the beginning and end of the stitches.
-Turn the bag right side out through the opening and push the lining into the exterior. Press the top of the bag, turning under and pressing the open part of the seam.
-Topstitch around the top edge of the bag to close the opening.
4. Create your drawstring casing:
-With a ruler and disappearing fabric marker, draw a straight line across the top of your bag directly underneath the holes on the sides of the bag. Draw this continuous line across both exterior panels so that they encircle the bag.
-Beginning on one of the side seams, topstitch along this marked line to create your drawstring channel. Be careful not to sew through all layers of the bag, but rather just the exterior and lining.
5. Create and insert the drawstrings:
-With the bias tape folded, use a matching thread to edge stitch the tape closed along its entire length.
-Cut the bias tape into two pieces, each measuring approximately 36 inches (91.4 cm) long.
-Attach a large safety pin onto the end of one piece of bias tape. Push the safety pin into the casing through one of the side openings and thread it around the entire bag until the safety pin reaches the same hole. Push through the opening and draw the bias tape evenly through the bag.
-Repeat this step using the remaining piece of bias tape, starting at the opening on the opposite side.
-Pull on the ends of the tape from both sides to gather the bag closed. Finish the tape ends with stitching or with knots.
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