How to Make a Drawstring Handbag

As many of you know I love to make handbags. This drawstring handbag is a super simple handbag project that anyone with basic sewing skills can make in no time. There are very few handbag projects that are easier than this one. It is super cute and just the right size too. If you would like more handbag making projects head over to my handbag page here or purchase one of my handbag ebooks.

For this project I used base cotton fabrics and Pellon 88 interfacing that I purchased at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but you could head to Amazon Fabrics or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you need for your drawstring handbag project. This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and are a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn fro qualifying purchases.

What you all Need: How to Make a Drawstring Handbag

• 1/2 yd outer and lining fabric
• 1/2 Yd Pellon 808 interfacing
• 64″ of 1/8″ rope
• Erasable pen
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1: Cut out Your fabrics

• From the outer, lining and interfacing cut one piece each that measures 13 1/2″ x 26″.
• From the lining and interfacing cut two pieces each that measure 2 3/8 x 15″
• Cut the rope in half

Step 2: Fuse the Interfacing

Following the manufacturer’s instructions and using a hot iron fuse the interfacing to the large outer fabric and the two smaller lining pieces.

Step 3: Create the Straps

From the two small lining pieces create the straps. To do this, fold the short ends in by 1/4″ and press. Then, fold the long raw edges to the center and press. Fold the handle in half lengthwise to enclose the raw edges and press again. Stitch along both sides to secure. Set aside.

Step 4: Stitch the Large Bag Pieces Together

Take the large outer bag piece and place it right sides together with the large lining piece. Using a 3/8″ seam allowance stitch the pieces together on the short ends. Press the seams open.

Step 5: Mark the Casing

Fold the bag so that the seams are in the center and the long sides are right sides together and the outer sides are right sides together. Pin the seams together. On the outer fabric side measure 1 1/8″ from the seam and make a mark. From that mark, measure another 3/4″ and make another mark. Repeat on the other end of the outer fabric.

Step 6: Stitch the Sides

Stitch both sides of the bag from the lining to the end of the outer fabric leaving an opening on one lining side for turning and leaving an opening on the outer fabric where you made the marks.

Step 7: Cut the Corners

Measure a 2″ x 2″ square and draw it at each corner of the bag starting act the seam line as shown. Cut out the corner squares.

Step 8: Box the Corners

Match the side seams to the bottom to create a straight line and closing the hole you created when you cut the corners. Stitch along the straight lines using a 3/8′ seam allowance.

Step 9: Turn Right Sides Out

Reach into the opening you left in the lining and pull the outer bag through it. Stitch the opening closed using your machine or ladder stitch. Stuff the lining into the outer bag. Press.

Step 10: Create the Casing

From the top at the side seams, measure 1″ and make a mark. Measure down another 3/4″ and make another mark. Draw lines to connect the marks on each side. The opening that you left in the side seam should be in the center. Stitch along the lines you just drew.

Step 11: Add the Handles

Turn the bag lining side out. old the bag so that the side seams match. Mark the center points on the non seam sides. Measure 2″ on each side of the center marks and Mae additional marks. Take the handles and measure up 3/8″ from the bottom. Place the handles on the marks that you drew lining up the 3/8 mark on the bottom line of the casing. Pin. Stitch the handles to the bag along the casing lines.

Step 12: Add the Rope

Using a safety pin or bodkin feed the rope through the opening in the side seam all the way through until it comes out the same side it went in. Feed the other half through the other side. Tie the ends together and you have finished your drawstring handbag.

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