Handmade-with-Love: Drawstring Bags

Are you a crafter? Do you like to sew? If you answered “Yes!” then we have your next Handmade-with-Love project: This fabulous Drawstring Bag! 

Whether you use a simple needle and thread or a modern sewing machine, making a drawstring bag is simple and fun! Every time our troops pull out this bag, they will know they are not forgotten, and that we here at home appreciate their daily sacrifices!

What is a drawstring bag used for? For carrying things, of course!

The bags will be filled with the small important items our troops need at a moment’s notice. And because of your time and effort, those items won’t be scattered at the bottom of their backpack!

This bag made-with-love can be tied to the outside of their pack, on their belt, or simply carried by hand so they always have their items quickly within reach!

How to Make a Drawstring Bag

Great News: You can sew this bag by hand–you do not need a sewing machine! A simple needle and thread works just fine!!

Supplies Needed:

• 9” x 15” square of Heavy Duty Nylon, Ripstop Nylon or a Cotton/Polyester blend fabric.
• Please choose fabric that has a “camo” pattern or muted colors like tan, brown, or a shade of military green.
• Needle and thread to match the fabric. We suggest a heavy duty quilting thread!
• Thimble to push the needle through multiple layers.
• One 24″-long piece of 550 paracord with sealed ends. (If you don’t have paracord, a strong piece of lightweight rope works.)

Get Started:

Step One
-Begin by laying your fabric face down.
-Create and pin 1/2″ seams on both of the 9″ sides of the fabric.
-Sew seams.
Step Two
-Lay the paracord at the of the fabric along the 15″ edge.
-Fold the fabric over the paracord by making a 3/4″ seam.
-Tie a good knot on each end of the paracord so it can’t be pulled through the pocket by mistake.

Step Three
-Pin seam before seam before sewing to keep it even.
-Sew seam, making sure to not catch the cord in the stitches!

Step Four
-Fold the fabric in half and turn inside-out.
-Pin along the edges before sewing to keep your edges even as you sew.
-Sew around the bottom and side, using a “whipstitch” to keep your stitches close together. -Remember, your seam needs to be as strong as the material you are using to make the bag…and make sure to not to sew the cord pocket closed.
Step Five
–Turn the bag right-side out and you’re done!

TIPS:

-Prefer to sew using a machine? Feel free to take advantage of that time-saver!

-We suggest that you double thread your needle for strong seams! (To double thread your needle, simply thread your needle and pull the thread through until the ends meet. Tie both ends of your thread together making it a double thread!)

-You can make 8 bags out of just ½ yard of material! Fold the fabric to make an 18” x 30” rectangle, fold again to make a 9” x 15” rectangle and cut along the folds. You will end up with 8 pieces that are ready to be made into bags!

-Use 550 paracord for the drawstring. By doing so, they can use that piece of cord in case of an emergency.

-Put some extra stitches in the corners to reinforce them.

-Send the bags to us using our Donation Form — once you fill out the form you will receive shipping instructions. (Please use the “Other Product Items” box to write in the number and description of the drawstring bags you are sending.)

That’s it! THANK YOU for your support!

Do you have additional questions or need help? Send us an email: Kelly@OperationGratitude.com

Want more ideas? Learn about our other Handmade-with-Love Progams here.

Last but not least: Is your loved one deployed? Request an Operation Gratitude Care Package today.

Thank you again for all your generous support! “Busy Hands, Happy Heart!”

 

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