Sewing a Small Drawstring Bag With Fancy Stitching

By Janna Halioris

Use fancy stitches to making a sewing project that is only one of its kind. And nothing is more satisfying than being able to create individual pieces for your home or as gifts for friends and family.

Here are the easy to follow instructions to make a small drawstring bag. Or by using quilting you can make it a beautiful little evening bag. The bag becomes thicker as a thin layer of cotton wadding is used and the stitching gives a decorative effect. Decorate the bag with either a French knot or a nice bead and you have a home sewing project to be proud of.

Although using fancy stitches may be time consuming, but the results can be stunning. Below are a variety of fancy stitches to make this small drawstring bag unique.

The instructions for a small drawstring bag are:

- Cut out piece 12 x 28 inch and lining piece 12 x 26 inch.
- Fold in half crosswise, right sides together, and stitch ½ inch from edge up two long sides on both pieces.
- Turn right side out and put lining in bag, wrong sides together.
- Pin together at side seams and bottom, and baste lining to bag at top to hold in place.
- Turn down 1/2 inch on top, baste, then turn down two inches, baste and stitch.
- Clip one stitch of seam on top hem on both sides and stitch two lines above and below opening 1/2 inch apart.
- Cut two strips of ribbon or tape 30 inches long. Insert one with bodkin or safety pin through one side and draw all the way through, pulling out on same side.
- Do the same with the other on the other side.
- Knot ribbon edges or fasten with decorative stitches, and pull to draw.

Some fancy stitches that make your drawstring bag unique.

Twisted running stitch: Outline the line of design with running stitches, and with contrasting thread go over and under stitches, using a blunt needle, but not through fabric, to get an effect like twisted cord.

Chain stitch: Bring thread out from wrong side, insert needle at same point and take a stitch, holding loop of thread with left thumb. For a different effect, whip over chains in a contrasting color. Used for stitching in a line especially on peasant type clothes.

Couching: this is actually sewing on a thread or cord for decoration. Fasten a heavy thread on wrong side, leave loose on right side. With a second thread, usually finer, tack it in place at regular intervals with small stitches. Used often to outline an edge.

Magic or checkered chain is made like chain with two contrasting threads in needle. Keep one color to left holding thread under thumb, make stitch with other color. Bring second color to the left for the next stitch and hold under thumb. Continue. Stitches of chain are in alternating colors.

Quilting: Baste fabric to cheesecloth or muslin with thin layer of cotton wadding between. Draw design on wrong side and stitch on wrong side. Do all the lines in one direction first, then the cross lines. Use long stitches and heavy, slightly loose bobbin thread for puffy effect. Machine quilter attachment may be used. Do not press.

French knot: Bring needle up from wrong side, wrap thread around needle one or more times, and insert needle close to point where it came out, keeping thread taut to prevent looping. Used to fill in spaces and to make centers of flowers. Or in case of quilting in the cross stitching.

These are only a few ideas of how fancy stitching can make your sewing projects only one of its kind. For more information about home sewing projects visit to buy this book. I can't recommend it enough.

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