DIY Tutorial – Drawstring Travel Bag

In everyday life, I’m a very organized person (some might even say a neat freak). And when I go traveling, it’s exactly the same: I like everything to be in its proper place and neatly tucked away—okay, fine, I’m a neat freak! That’s why I made these super handy little bags to keep my shoes, undergarments, and makeup separate. Shall I show you how to make them? 

 

Tools and supplies:

1. Printed fabric
2. Thin cord
3. Sewing scissors
4. Pins
5. Sewing thread that matches your fabric
6. Wooden beads in various sizes
7. A large safety pin
+ A sewing machine (optional)

How to make it:

1. For the shoe bag, cut out a 48 x 62 cm rectangle. For the lingerie bag, cut out a 30 x 50 cm rectangle. The procedure is the same for both: Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, to create a 31 x 48 cm rectangle for the shoe bag (and 25 x 30 cm for the lingerie bag). Pin all the way around to hold the layers of fabric together. 

 2. Sew along three sides (the two long sides and one short side), 1.5 cm from the edge. Finish the edges (serge or zigzag stitch) to prevent fraying.

3. On the short, unsewn side, fold the edge over by 1 cm. 

4. Then, fold it over again by 2 cm. This creates a channel (casing) through which you will thread the drawstring. Pin in place. 

5. Sew along the edge, leaving a 2 cm gap open at one of the vertical seams. Turn the bag right side out.

6. Attach a large safety pin to one end of a drawstring (cord).

7 and 8. Insert the safety pin and cord into the opening, guide it all the way around the bag, and bring it back out through the same opening.

9. Thread on a few beads, then tie a knot at the end of the cord. 

If you do not have a sewing machine, you can sew the bags by hand using a simple backstitch.