How to Make a Fabric Drawstring Gift Bag

A fabric drawstring gift bag is a beautiful and reusable way to present a special gift. This tutorial will guide you through the simple steps to sew a drawstring bag, with optional instructions to add a layered heart design using red and white HTV. Plus, sign up to unlock the exclusive free cut file for the heart design!

Materials Needed:

• Fabric (cotton or linen works well)
• Matching thread
• Ribbon or cord for drawstring
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine (or needle for hand sewing)
• Iron and ironing board
• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) in red and white (optional)
• Cutting machine (e.g., Cricut or Silhouette) for HTV (optional)
• Heat press or iron (optional)

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Decide on the size of your bag. Cut two rectangles of fabric measuring 12″ x 14″ (which includes a ½” seam allowance).

Step 2: Prepare the Drawstring Casing

1. Fold the top edge of each fabric piece down by ½” and press with an iron.
2. Fold it down again by 1″ and press.
3. Sew close to the lower folded edge to create a casing for the drawstring, leaving a small gap at each side seam for the drawstring to pass through.

Step 3: Sew the Bag

1. Place the two fabric pieces right sides together.
2. Sew around the three open sides with a ½” seam allowance, stopping just below the casing on both sides.
3. Trim the corners and turn the bag right side out. Press neatly.
4. To finish the casing edges neatly, fold the raw edges of the casing opening inward and press. You can also hand stitch to secure.

Step 4: Insert the Drawstring

1. Cut one piece of ribbon or cord, each about 24″ long.
2. Attach a safety pin or use a tapestry needle on one end and thread it through the casing from one side to the other. Repeat on the opposite side.
3. Knot the ends of each drawstring to prevent fraying.

Optional: Add the Layered Heart HTV Design

1. Download the exclusive free heart cut file by signing up at the bottom of this post.
2. Cut the heart layers from red and white HTV using your cutting machine.
3. Weed the design and press the white base layer onto the front of the bag at 320°F for 15 seconds.
4. Layer the red heart on top, aligning it properly, and press again for another 15 seconds.
5. Let cool and peel the carrier sheet.

Gift Idea: What to Put Inside

This handmade gift bag is perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries. Consider filling it with the WILD Red Heart Deodorant Case with Love Potion Deodorant Refill or the Red Heart Lip Balm Case with Love Potion Lip Balm Refill. Get 20% off using the discount code WILDCRAFT at checkout through this link.

Want the free layered heart cut file?

Sign up now to unlock access!