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| Not your average drawstring bag... |
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.
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This project was uploaded on May 10, 2021. You can find it by searching for "DIY Flower Pouch Bag | Drawstring Bag Tutorial Free Pattern".
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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.)
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.)
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| 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.
|
| 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.)
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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".
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.)
|
| 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...
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
ReplyDeleteLove 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!
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