Hey everyone! Today we're making a soft drawstring bag, and I'll show you how a fog-toned hexie batik can make a simple little bag feel calm, useful, and really really pretty.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is the Banyan Fog Hexies Neutral Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard from Northcott. It's by Banyan Batiks Studio, in the Hexies - New Colors group.
It's cotton, and the width is 44"/45". The colorway here is called Fog, and it's listed as a neutral. That matters for a bag like this. Neutrals go with just about everything. They don't fight with whatever you tuck inside.
The collection is built around intricate hexagon-inspired motifs. It blends geometric precision with the organic beauty of handcrafted fabric. It looks crisp up close. It looks soft from across the room. Just like that.
Hexies offers a modern twist on traditional batik, with lines in the design too. That pattern gives you a lot to look at, even on a small cut.
The project: a soft drawstring bag
We're making a drawstring bag that finishes at about 10" wide by 12" tall. That's a friendly size for knitting, notions, or a small hand project, and it finishes in one sitting.
Why does this fabric suit it? A drawstring bag is all outside, all the time. This print already has pattern and texture, so one simple shape still looks finished. The fog neutral hides everyday wear well too.
And listen, folks. This is a forgiving make. The gathers hide a whole lot of learning. It doesn't have to be perfect. You're your own worst critic. Take your time. It's not a race.
Materials
- 1/2 yard of Banyan Fog Hexies Neutral, 44"/45" wide — you'll cut the outside and have a little left over
- 1/2 yard of a coordinating cotton for the lining
- About 1 yard of cord, ribbon, or twill tape, cut into two 18" pieces
- Thread that blends with the fog tone
- A size 80/12 needle, rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pins or clips, and a safety pin for threading the cord
- Optional: lightweight interfacing for a little more body
Brief steps
First, cut two outside pieces at 11" by 13". Cut two lining pieces the same size. That gives you a 1/2" seam allowance and a finished bag close to 10" by 12". Press everything flat before you sew.
Second, place the outside pieces right sides together. Sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side, at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. Leave the top open. Do the same with the lining, but leave a 3" opening in the bottom seam for turning.
Third, if you want a flat bottom, box the corners. Pinch each bottom corner into a triangle, measure 2" across, and stitch on that line. Trim the extra away. Do that on the outside and the lining. Completely up to you, though. A flat bag works just fine too.
Fourth, turn the outside right side out. Slip it inside the lining, right sides together, and line up the side seams. Sew around the top with a 1/2" seam. Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening, stitch that opening closed, push the lining inside, and press the top edge well.
Fifth, make the casing. Topstitch 1/4" from the top edge. Then stitch another line 1 1/4" below that, leaving a small opening at one side. Thread the first 18" cord all the way around with a safety pin. Start the second piece at the opposite side and go around again. Knot the ends, cinch it closed, and admire those gathers. Super duper cute.
Practical tips
Slow down at the side seams. Those layers get a little thick. Slow down or the needle snaps, and nobody needs that excitement. A steady pace is plenty.
Press as you go, y'all. Pressing helps the casing sew straight. It also helps that top channel stay open for the cord.
If your cord won't slide, check your channel width first. A full 1" channel is easier than a tight one. Ribbon, cord, and twill tape all work. Completely up to you.
Made a wobbly line of topstitching? I have too. Leave it if it's close, or pick it out and sew it again slower. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today, folks. I hope this little bag finds a happy job in your sewing room. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Banyan Fog Hexies Neutral Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
