Making a drawstring backpack sounds fun, right? But when you try to sew your drawstring bag, things can get tricky fast. In this tutorial, we’ll go over important details. We’ll show you how to seam, where to stitch, and how to create a clean top edge. We’ll also explain how to make a strong casing. We’ll also talk about the right fabric, how to add a grommet, and even why a safety pin helps with threading. If you’ve struggled with confusing steps, weak straps, or wrong sizes, this guide is for you. Let’s make a drawstring backpack that’s simple, strong, and easy to love!
1. What Is a Drawstring Backpack?
A drawstring backpack is a lightweight bag. It closes at the top with a cord or string. It’s easy to sew, even for beginners. This bag is great for carrying small items, gym clothes, or books. A simple bag with a pull cord.
A simple bag with a pull cord
The main feature of this bag is the drawstring closure. Instead of zippers or buttons, you pull the cords to close it. The strings also act as shoulder straps, making it easy to wear on your back. To make the design, fold a rectangle of fabric in half lengthwise. Then, sew the sides together. Finally, add a casing for the drawstring at the top edge.
Why is it popular and easy to make?
People like to make this bag because there is no need for sewing experience. Sew the side seam. First, bend the fabric with the right sides together. Leave some seam allowance to shape the bag. Grab a few tools, like a safety pin for threading the string. Then, use a quick backstitch to secure it. You’ll have a functional bag fast! Plus, it’s great for learning how to handle corners like the bottom corner and how to pin in place before stitching.
2. Materials You’ll Need to Sew a Drawstring Backpack
It is important to collect the right material before making a drawstring backpack. Prepare everything ahead of time. This will help you follow the drawstring backpack tutorial without stress or delays.
Basic Tools and Supplies List
To start, here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric (cotton or canvas) – You’ll need one piece, usually cut into a rectangle, for the main part of the bag.
- Thread – Match your fabric for a neat look.
- Drawstring cord – This will open and close the bag and act as the straps.
- Scissors or rotary cutter – For cutting your fabric cleanly.
- Pins or clips – To hold the fabric in place while sewing.
- Sewing machine – Or you can hand-stitch if you don’t have one.
- Safety pin – This will help you pull the cord through the casing along the top edge of the fabric.
These are the core items for your drawstring backpack pattern.
Optional Items for a Pro Finish
If you want your bag to look more polished and last longer, here are some extras you can use:
- Grommets – For a clean hole where the drawstring comes out, especially around the top of the bag.
- Interfacing – To add thickness and strength.
- Iron – Helps flatten seams and creases for a smoother finish.
- Decorative patches or labels – For style and personalization.
If you want there to be a cleaner inside the bag, you can also add a lining. If you want it to function as a two-bag, you can adjust the handle or use wide straps. Remember to strengthen the corner of the bag and side of the bag for extra durability.. This is important if you plan to carry heavier items. With all these supplies in place, you’re ready to begin this fun drawstring backpack tutorial. Up next, we’ll talk about choosing the best fabric!
3. Choosing the Right Fabric and Drawstring
Picking the right fabric and drawstring is key when making a DIY drawstring backpack. It affects how your bag feels, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to sew.
What fabric works best?
For beginners, cotton or canvas is a smart choice. These fabrics are sturdy and easy to sew. You’ll be working with two main pieces of fabric, usually cut into rectangles. Thicker fabric makes your bag hold its shape. Lightweight options are great for a soft, foldable look, like a tote bag. Finish or fold your raw edges neatly to prevent fraying over time. Pressing the fabric flat helps when you topstitch near the casing or around the top edge. This gives you a clean finish. Also, remember to sew with the bag right side facing in, so the seams stay hidden on the inside of the bag when you turn it out.
Picking a comfortable and strong drawstring.
The drawstring should be soft to allow for easy pulling and strong to support weight. Cotton rope, nylon cord, or even thick shoelaces work well. Avoid anything too thin, as it may dig into your shoulders when you pull one drawstring to tighten the bag. If the ends of your cord might fray, tie a knot or use heat (for synthetic strings) to seal them. Some people topstitch the casing for the cord. This adds strength and helps prevent fabric wear. Pick the right materials for an easy project. You’ll love using the bag you created!
4. Cutting and Measuring the Fabric Correctly
Before you start sewing, getting the right fabric size is key. A good cut makes the following steps easier, especially for beginners.
Recommended Size for Beginners
If you’re just starting, go with a simple size: cut two bag pieces of fabric, each about 14 inches wide by 18 inches long. This gives you a nice medium-sized backpack that’s not too tricky to handle. Lay your fabric flat and fold in half if needed. Make sure to cut both short ends evenly to help with sewing later. Remember, you’ll be sewing the sides and the bottom of the backpack, so leave a little space for seam allowance.
Tips for Even and Accurate Cuts
Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark your lines. It helps avoid uneven shapes. Always cut on a flat surface to keep everything straight. When lining up your fabric, place the wrong sides together first, then flip them to the outer bag layer if needed. Mark the bottom corners of the bag if you plan to square them off later. Once everything is cut, you’ll be ready to sew. Later, you’ll turn your bag right side out and see how nice clean cuts make your bag look better. And don’t forget to fold the top later to make space for your drawstring casing! With neat cutting and measuring, your project will be smoother and more fun.
5. How to Sew the Side Seams and Bottom Seam?
This step gives your drawstring backpack its shape. You’ll sew the two sides and the bottom to form the base of the bag. Let’s keep it easy to follow.
Step-by-Step Seam Instructions
Here’s how to do it:
- Place the lining and exterior fabrics with the right sides facing in.
- Pin the edges to hold them in place.
- Sew along both side edges and the bottom edge.
- Use a ½-inch seam allowance for strength.
- Make sure to leave the top part open — this is where the drawstring casing will go later.
- Use a straight stitch and always backstitch at the start and end.
- After sewing, trim the threads and clip the bottom corners of the bag to reduce bulk.
🪡 Tip: If you add lining, first sew two bags. Then, put one inside the other before finishing the top.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Watch out for these simple errors:
- Wrong fabric sides: Always check that the lining and exterior are facing the correct way.
- Crooked seams: Use pins or clips to keep your fabric in place.
- Forgetting seam gaps: Remember to leave the top open for inserting the drawstring.
Helpful Tips
- To prevent fraying, finish your seams or use a zigzag stitch.
- If you use two cords, plan your casing. Sew a double channel: one for the casing and another for the back.
- If your drawstring is thick, consider using a tool like a grommet at the bottom edge.
Extra details for stronger bags
If your drawstring straps will act as shoulder straps:
- Reinforce the bottom of the backpack by stitching an “X” or box where the cords pull.
- You can even insert two straps through loops or grommets for more durability.
- Burn the ends of nylon cords to keep them from fraying.
✂️ Always check your seams at the top. Make sure they line up for the next step—adding the casing!
6. Making the Casing for the Drawstring
The casing is part of the top of your bag where the cord must pass. This step is important to ensure that your bag opens and closes with ease.
Folding and pressing the top edge
First, bend the upper edge of the fabric about ½ inch and press it flat. It hides the edges of the opening and gives a pure look. Then bend it again, this time about 1 inch. You’re now making space for the drawstring. Press this fold too. This step lets you press the seam allowances evenly. This keeps the casing looking neat. Make sure the fold runs straight across the top of your bag. You can pin it if needed to hold everything in place.
Stitching the casing in place
Now it’s time to sew the cover. Stitch near the lower edge of the fold to create a tunnel for the string.
- Some helpful points to keep in mind:
- When sewing, backstitch at both ends for strength.
- Keep your stitch line straight to allow the drawstring to move with ease.
- If you use fabric strips for your drawstring, first fold the strip in half lengthwise. Then, tuck the ends inside before sewing. This helps prevent fraying.
Once done, take a large safety pin and attach it to one end of the drawstring. This makes it easy to thread the string through the casing.
7. Inserting the Drawstring with a Safety Pin
This step helps your drawstring backpack open and close smoothly. It’s one of those simple projects people enjoy finishing because it’s quick and fun.
How to Use a Safety Pin to Thread the Cord
- First, attach a safety pin to one end of your drawstring.
- Choose one of the holes on the side of the casing.
- Push the pin through the tunnel while holding the fabric gently.
- Use your fingers to guide the pin and pull the fabric away from the seam if it feels tight.
- Keep feeding the safety pin through until it comes out on the other side.
- You can also put a safety pin on the other end of the cord to stop it from slipping through accidentally.
Adjusting and securing the drawstring
- Pull the cord so that the two ends are even.
- Make sure the bag opens and closes properly.
- To stop fraying, knot each end or tuck the ends to the inside and sew in place.
- If using the string as backpack straps, thread it through both sides and the bottom of the bag.
- Check the edge of one side to see that it’s neat and secure.
8. How to Stitch the Top Edge for a Clean Finish
The final stitching step makes your drawstring backpack look neat and polished. A clean top edge also keeps the casing strong and in place.
Tips for a Neat Look
- First, fold the 3 edges at the top of the bag inward for a tidy look. Press them flat with an iron.
- Ensure that you line up both layers of fabric — the inside and outside — in a straight line.
- Take the two sides of the top casing and fold them into a tidy shape.
- Now, sew around the top edge, keeping your stitches straight and even.
- This step helps the drawstring slide through easily without catching on loose threads.
- The bag should still open and close without any resistance after sewing.
Reinforcing for Extra Strength
- To make your backpack stronger, sew another line below the first one.
- This extra stitch keeps the casing firm even after many uses.
- Together, sew along the folded edge carefully to hold everything in place.
- Backstitch at the start and end to secure the threads.
Many people love to make their drawstring bags. This last step is simple and satisfying.
9. Troubleshooting Common Beginner Mistakes
Even simple sewing projects like this one can have small mistakes. Let’s fix the most common problems beginners face when making a drawstring backpack.
| Problem | Why It Happened | Easy Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Seams are not straight or strong | You sewed too fast or didn’t line the fabric up | Pin fabric together and sew slowly, press seams flat |
| String won’t move in the casing | The tunnel is too tight or twisted | Make the casing wide enough, and use a safety pin to help slide it |
| The bag looks crooked or uneven | The fabric was cut wrong or stretched | Cut it neatly, line up the corners, turn the bag right side up |
| The top of the casing is closed | You sewed the opening shut by mistake | Leave it open at the top so the string can go through |
| Fabric is ripping or fraying | Edges are not finished, or the fabric is too weak | Pick a stronger fabric or use a grommet to protect the holes |
| Missed sewing part of the casing | You didn’t sew the whole tunnel | Check the casing and then go back to fix any missed spots |
Conclusion
Making a drawstring backpack at home is a fun and simple project, even if you’re starting out. In this tutorial, we talked about what a drawstring backpack is and all the materials you need to sew one. You learned to choose the right fabric and string. You also learned to cut the fabric, sew side seams, and sew the bottom seam. Finally, you learned how to create the casing for your drawstring. We showed you how to use a safety pin to add the drawstring. We also covered stitching the top edge and fixing common beginner mistakes. If you follow each step with care and take your time, your backpack will turn out great! Now you’re ready to make your drawstring backpack with confidence. Happy sewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What materials do string backpacks consist of?
Drusting backpacks are usually made of cotton, canvas, nylon, or polyester. These materials are light, durable, and easy to sew.
2. What is the best material for pulling string?
The best material for a string backpack is canvas because it is strong, durable, and easy to sew. For a mild alternative, nylon is also a great option.
3. How long does it take to make a string backpack?
It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the speed and experience of the sewist.
4. What size should my fabric be?
A normal size is about two rectangles, 14 x 18 inches, but you can adjust it to all sizes.
5. Can I wash my string backpack?
Yes! Ensure that clothes and strings can be washed. It’s safe to wash cotton and canvas.