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Saturday 3 June 2023

Drawstring Bags With a Difference

drawstring bags with a difference
Not your average drawstring bag...
In part two of my things to sew for travel series that I put together in 2021, the focus was on drawstring bags.

They are a common starting point for beginner sewers, with some unlined versions being able to be sewn up very easily, in very little time.

Not having been a beginner sewer when I came back to this hobby over a decade ago, drawstring bags were something I mostly ignored until I created my own version.

In terms of any type of sewing project, I have a requirement that they be somewhat unique or different. You might think, well, how different can drawstring bags be?

A few months ago, while scrolling through one of my favourite YouTube channels (sewingtimes), I came upon several that could be categorized as such. And while I am not likely to make any of them, perhaps they might provide inspiration for you.




This first is probably the most traditional one of the bunch. As you can see from the inset photo, it's just a big, mostly circular pouch (the base is actually rectangular). However, as I've touched upon in the past, this is an example of a basic bag being made better through the addition of some handles and a pieced exterior.

With a limited fabric stash, I've always found it to be a challenge to pick fabrics for any given project. I've learned to "make do" and do the best with what I have — and so should everyone at a time when everything is going up in price — but this demonstrates perfectly that when something as simple as a bag's exterior is made out of two contrasting fabrics, the result is automatically elevated. The bonus part is that you don't need a lot of any one particular fabric. (I should also mention that this project doesn't involve any finicky piecing; a center template creates the part that you see in the middle.)

image courtesy of sewingtimes on Youtube
images courtesy of sewingtimes on YouTube...

This video was uploaded September 13, 2021; you can find it by searching for "DIY Drawstring Bag with Handle | Wide open Purse bag Cosmetic bag".

Project number two is a zipped up jewelry pouch, train case style. It's a clever reimagination of a popular type of zippered case (recall my pouch for hubby's electronics?) that may appeal to some younger fashionistas. Unfortunately, I am way past the age where I care to cart around any jewelry (real or fake) when I travel; what I'm wearing when I leave the house will have to do. (In fact, as a result of the pandemic, I have become ever more minimalist in every regard.)

That said, this would make a thoughtful wedding gift for the bride if you know that there is a fancy honeymoon in the offing. Or, if you're planning on giving away some heirloom pieces to the younger generation in your family, this might be a lovely way to make the presentation.

image courtesy of sewingtimes on Youtube
images courtesy of sewingtimes on YouTube...

This video was uploaded February 16, 2023; you can find it by searching for "DIY Jewerly Box Pouch Cute and Functional - Jewelry Storage Sewing Tutorial". (Yes, jewelry is actually spelled wrong in the title of this tutorial.)


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The next two projects have something in common: a floral theme. 

This first one is a tall rectangular pouch with an opening that cinches up to form a flower with six petals. As you can see from the inset photos below, there is a hanging loop on the back. The scalloped top edge of the bag is what forms the flower when the drawstring is pulled.

I see something like this being made for gift giving; i.e., as a gift bag to hold the actual gift. Most of us likely pass around the same paper bags these days when we exchange presents; having one made out of fabric that you can actually close is a nice change.

image courtesy of sewingtimes on Youtube
images courtesy of sewingtimes on YouTube...

This project was uploaded on May 10, 2021. You can find it by searching for "DIY Flower Pouch Bag | Drawstring Bag Tutorial Free Pattern".

I really like this next one because it's ideal for scraps. It's got a hexagonal shape to it and as you can see from the photos, the flower is formed by six leafy petals. Unlike the others, this project does involve some piecing, but she shows you every step as well as the sewing that's required. Trust me, she makes it look easy... which is not to say that it will be easy for everyone, but if you take your time, she gives you more than enough guidance to be successful.

image courtesy of sewingtimes on Youtube
images courtesy of sewingtimes on YouTube...

This video was uploaded on December 26, 2019. You can find it by searching for "DIY BLOSSOM DRAWSTRING BAG fabric scraps idea string pouch sewing tutorial".


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This last one is truly different with a wrap-around flap that is secured to a bottom center seam. It's an unexpected design element and inspires ideas for expanding on the concept. The red panel is actually a divided pocket. (On the inset picture in the lower left corner, you can see items in it.)

image courtesy of sewingtimes on Youtube
images courtesy of sewingtimes on YouTube...

The video was uploaded February 4, 2021. You can find it by searching for "DIY TRAVEL POUCH BAG Drawstring Pouch with Cover Sewing Tutorial".

By the way, if that's not enough, sewingtimes also has a YouTube video featuring her top seven drawstring bag tutorials as of October 3, 2022. I believe it includes two of the above projects.

One final observation: a few of these will be a lot easier to sew if you have a free arm machine... just sayin'. \_(-_-)_/

'Til next...

2 comments:

  1. This is a great post and it has given me a few ideas! I haven't been sewing much lately and this is working as an inspiration! Thank you, Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love to hear, Cheryl. These days, if I'm not so much finding the desire to make what I see, it's good to know that others might. Best of luck on your projects!

      Delete

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