How To String A Drawstring Bag

See how to string a drawstring bag. One of the easiest ways to close a diy pouch, gift bag or basket - check it out!

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Last time, I showed you this cute drawstring bag diy. You're loving it, but some have asked me about additional details on how to put string in drawstring bag. Kinda slow-motion way to explain it. I'm happy to help! So I'm posting these additional step-by-step instructions - hope they make sewing your drawstring pouches even easier, and you can use it on all diy drawstring bags.

How To String A Drawstring Bag

NOTE: If you're looking for the entire tutorial, here's my diy drawstring bag tutorial. For installing drawstring only, follow the next steps.

Since drawstring bag designs will vary, you might also see this design (my gift bag pouch!) However, no matter how basic or detailed the drawstring pouch or bag design, there's one simple way to install the drawstring:

1. Usually, you'll guide your drawstring cord through two casings that are sewn into (or from) the top of your pouch, either separate pieces (here) or just part of the main piece (like with this pouch). Here, I used these two pieces:
   

2. The photo below shows you where we'll be inserting the cord (the rest of the tutorial - here). Let the decorative yellow lining part not confuse you, the actual 'casings' to install the drawstring into are navy blue:

   
3. Start by cutting two pieces of your cord, twine or rope. They need to be long enough: for a 7" wide bag - twice the width plus a few exrta inches. I used two 20" long cords. Be aware that you also need to count in the extra inch you need to tie the knot. Attach a safety pin to one end.
   
4. Guide the safety pin or bodkin with the first cord through the entire drawstring casing - first on one side, and then back through the casing on the other side of the bag:
   

5. Tie the ends together:

   
6. Once the first cord is installed and the ends are tied off, grab the second piece of the cord and attach a safety pin to it. Then start on the side where there is NO knot. Guide it through both casings so the ends will meet on one side of the bag. Knot them together. See RED arrow below:
   
7. You've ended up with two cords installed, each with a knot on the opposite side of the bag casing. It should look like this:
   
8. Done!
   

And if you feel ambitious, you can add pretty drawstring stoppers to your drawstring bag. Check them out here.

Want to insert drawstrings to make a drawstring backpack? 

It's very similar to the process I described, with one single change - check it out the how to in this pretty backpack pattern and make a drawstring backpack.

Make sure to save this tutorial for later, so you can find it when you need it: