Sew a lined drawstring storage bag

Before you start

Measure the items you plan to store and allow room to get a hand into the open bag. Pick an outer fabric and lining that can be washed together. Test a buttonhole on folded scrap from the outer fabric and check that the chosen cord slides through it.

Tools and materials

• Outer fabric and lining
• Sewing machine and thread
• Scissors and pins
• Cord and safety pin

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Cut four matching rectangles

   For a bag about 24 cm wide and 32 cm tall, cut two outer and two lining pieces 26 × 34 cm using 1 cm seams. Adjust the height to leave space above the contents for the drawstring channel.

2. 2

   Make the cord opening and sew both bags

   Mark a short buttonhole on one outer panel within the planned casing, below the 1 cm rim seam allowance. Finish and open the buttonhole before sewing the panels. Sew each pair right sides together along the sides and bottom, leaving a hand-width turning gap in the lining.

3. 3

   Join the outer bag and lining

   Turn the outer bag right side out and slide it inside the lining so the right sides touch. Match the side seams and stitch around the rim. Turn through the lining gap, stitch it shut and tuck the lining inside.

4. 4

   Stitch the casing

   Press the rim flat. Sew around the bag just below the buttonhole, catching both layers and keeping the mouth open. The rim seam forms the top of the channel. Measure the full rim circumference and cut a cord long enough to go around it with ends to tie.

5. 5

   Thread and test

   Feed the cord through with a safety pin. Knot the ends together and test that the bag opens fully and gathers smoothly.

Check the result

Pull the cord until the mouth gathers and then open the bag fully. The casing should stay flat and the lining should stay seated as you remove the contents. Check the cord ends cannot slip through the buttonhole.