Better Lined Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Here's a nice little bag that is constructed in a different way.  It has a lining and no exposed seams, so it's great for long term use.

 

( I am going to go ahead and give measurement for this one because it is easier to explain the technique.  If you are new to sewing, you should make one this size first, then try another size and see if you can adapt the pattern.  It's fun!)

1.  Cut your outside fabric 16x7 inches.  Cut 2 pieces of your lining fabric 6.5x7 inches.  Lay down the outside fabric face up and place the two lining pieces, as shown, face down with the ends lined up.  Pin and sew a 1/4 inch seam.

2.  Press the seam towards the lining and open up.  You'll have the above photo.

3.  Fold the bag in half, right sides together, making sure to line up the seam in the middle and keeping the excess fabric in the seam towards the lining side.  Pin sides and open end together.

4.  Measuring from the folded end, mark a 3/4 inch gap for the casing starting 5 3/4 inches from the fold.  The gap is marked with double pins in the photo above.

5.  Using a 1/4 inch seam, sew from the folded end, up the sides, stopping at the gap and backstitching.  Start again on the other side of the gap, backstitching, and sew up the rest of the side and turn the corner to sew part of the end (bottom of the lining).  Don't sew the bottom all the way, cause you need to flip it through there.  Repeat on the other side.

6.  Now flip it right side out and poke your corners square with a pencil or something.

7.  Fold and press the end of your lining that didn't get sewn so the seams lay even.  Pin.

8.  Finish the lining bottom by top stitching from one end to the other, making sure to close the open part of the seam in the middle.

9.  Now for the magic.  Hold on to the bottom of the lining and shove it inside the bag!  The lining is shorter than the outside, so fool with it until you get it pushed down into the bottom of the bag and the corners are all laying flat.  Press the bottom and sides, and especially the top to create a crisp fold for the top edge of the bag.

10.  You'll notice, if all has gone well, that your gap that you left in the side seam will show up about 1/2 inch down from the top of the bag.  This will be the gap for your casing.

11.  Starting at one side seam, sew two lines of stitches around the bag:  one below the gap for the casing and again above it.  You should probably backstitch a little as you go over the side seams where the casing openings are.

12.  Insert cording.  You are done!

Isn't that a nice little method?  The top and inside seams look very finished.