Things to Sew for Travel [Pt 2]: Drawstring Bags

Things to sew for travel...

In today's second post about what to sew for travel (first post here) — now that travel is tentatively becoming a thing again — the focus is on drawstring bags.

When it comes to the world of drawstring bags, I'm very much a latecomer.

While most sewers tackle a drawstring bag as one of their rites of passage projects, I didn't get around to making my first one until 2016, when I came up with the idea of the Bundled Up Bindle Bag.

It's based on the circular drawstring bag, which when made in different sizes can be functional as a jewelry pouch or a child's play mat.

My take on the idea was to incorporate multiple layers to form a variety of pockets. With the use of mesh and laminate, the pockets could also be made to be waterproof or see through.

My Bundled Up Bindle Bag...

I will admit that I had never used mine until this year. First, I found an unexpected use for it while pursuing one of my pandemic activities.

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Turns out it's handy for organizing puzzle pieces.

The three mesh pockets allowed me to do some colour sorting while I worked with the pieces in the main top compartment. (I often took my puzzles outside to work on and this bag was just the thing to keep everything organized.)

Sort, organize and carry your puzzle pieces...

For travel, however, it's perfect for day trips to the beach or for a float on the river as it can keep your sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, wipes, bathing suit, etc., all in one grabbable bag. It's also easily packable as it can be laid out flat or rolled up when not in use.

My bindle bag pattern sells for only $2, but if you're looking for a freebie to hack your own version, I'd suggest searching for "circular drawstring play mat" or "circular drawstring bag". You'll find no end of similar items, although it may be harder to find one that features pockets. (But hey, if you're somewhat skilled, you can add pockets, right?)

Here is a laminated version from Bernina's WeAllSew blog, presented by Melissa Mortenson.

image courtesy of WeAllSew...

It's an example of a mid-size version that's useful for carting around makeup. However you go about it, it's a fun project, infinitely useful for travel, and easy to do.

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The other kind of drawstring bag, of course, is the simple rectangular version that people commonly use as eco-friendly gift bags. Even before my sewing days (re)started, I would carry shoes in one of those whenever I travelled anywhere.

Four years ago, I discovered this terrific method for easily making drawstring bags of any size.

Simple drawstring bag is an indispensable travel shoe bag...

It's reversible, too. I found the method featured on a video tutorial by Laura Coia. (Refer back to my original post for the link.)

Some time later, I made a much smaller version — finished size about 4.5" wide by 5.5" high — out of some Robert Kaufman fabric scraps.

Mini version...

I use it to carry my kimono slippers. (What do you know, still a shoe bag!)

A carrying case for my hotel slippers...

Speaking of slippers, that's something else you can sew for travel. (After all we've been through in the past year and some, our aversion to germs may make more of us want to wear slippers in hotels.)

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While I swear by this method of making drawstring bags, there are situations where you might not need a lined or reversible bag. The fabric gift bag that I used as a shoe bag for years was just a single layer.

image courtesy of Erica Arndt...

If you'd just as soon make a simple drawstring bag that doesn't require two pieces of fabric, I highly recommend you check out Erica's Super Easy Drawstring Bag sewing tutorial on YouTube. True to its name, it's super easy and straight forward.

Do you use drawstring bags when you travel? If so, what for?

'Til next...