Making Canvas Drawstring Bags

Zigpac is a manufacturer of a lot of products, among which is the drawstring bag. Also, different types of materials are used by Zigpac in making drawstring bags, among which are canvas (know more), cotton, tote, and polyester. Another important thing of note is that Canvas drawstring tote bags are fast gaining popularity for their affordability, easy customization, and flexibility.

Therefore, for wholesale drawstring bags, you can visit any of Zigpac’s online stores. If, however, you would rather make a few yourself, there is an easy way to do so.

Tools Needed to Make Canvas Drawstring Bags

  • Firstly, any durable material or fabric (depending on the purpose of the canvas drawstring tote bags or what you have available). You may need different types of materials for different parts of the bag
  • Secondly, a sewing machinerequest quote from zigpac
  • Thirdly, different colors of thread
  • Fourthly. tape rule
  • Fifthly, a pair of scissors
  • Also, sewing pins
  • Then, an iron
  • Lastly, cords, heat-n-bond adhesive and grommets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBJyil1IRl0&feature=youtu.be

How to Make Canvas Drawstring Bags

To make, the following steps, when followed closely, will show you how to make a drawstring bag.

Step 1: Cut and Prepare Your Pieces

  • Firstly, cut your durable material into two rectangles measuring 12 by 14 inches (30.48 by 35.56 centimeter).
    • This material can be made of canvas, cotton, twill, or linen. Canvas drawstring bags are usually more versatile and durable.
    • To get a larger bag, increase the measurement to two rectangles measuring 16 by 18 inches (40.64 by 45.72 centimeters).

  • Secondly, fold the two long edges of the rectangle and press them down. Also, fold one of the short edges of the rectangle by a ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters).
    • Take one of the material pieces, then turn it to make sure the wrong side faces you. Fold the two long edges and then fold one short edge by a ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters).
    • Then, use sewing pins to secure these edges for the canvas drawstring bags, then iron them to make sure they are flat.
    • Also, apply the same step to the two rectangular materials.request quote from zigpac

  • Thirdly, sew down the folded edges.
    • Sew along the edges of both sides of the material, as well as the bottom edge. Take off the pins while you sew.
    • Do this for each of the pieces of material.

Step 2: Fold and Cut More Pieces for the Canvas Drawstring Bags

  • Firstly, fold the top of the material twice, with its raw edge down. Do this for each of the pieces in order to create the casing.
    • Get one of the pieces of material and turn it to ensure the wrong side faces you. Fold the top such that the raw edge is down by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Then use an iron to press it flat.
    • Fold it down once more by 2 inches (5.08 centimeters). Use an iron to press it flat again.
    • Use sewing pins to secure the edges you folded for the canvas drawstring bags, if necessary.

  • Secondly, topstitch the edge of the casing down.
    • Sew the casing as close to the bottom of its folded edge as possible. You can use sewing pins to hold them down, but take them off while sewing.
    • The color of thread you use may match your canvas drawstring bags material or some other interesting, contrasting thread color.

  • Thirdly, cut two long cords measuring 58 inches (147.32 centimeters) each.
    • Choose cords that either match the color of your material, or contrast with it. Whatever appeals to you.
    • Do not use a cord that is too rough or too thin so that it will not hurt your shoulders when you wear it.

drawstring tote bags

Step 3:  Add an Applique (Optional)

  • Firstly, trace your design on your heat-n-bond adhesive’s paper side.
    • The smooth side of the canvas drawstring bags design is referred to as the paper side. While the rough side is called the adhesive side.
    • A heat-n-bond adhesive is also referred to as “iron-on” and “no-sew fusible web”.

  • Secondly, pin the heat-n-bond adhesive to the material you have chosen for your applique.request quote from zigpac
    • Be sure to pin the heat-n-bond adhesive to the material’s wrong side such that the paper side faces up.
    • Try using a contrasting color for the material. For instance, use a colorful print for your applique if your bag has a black color.

  • Thirdly, use the heat setting recommended on the package to iron on the adhesive.
    • Each heat-n-bond adhesive is a bit different. Start ironing the canvas drawstring bags with a very low heat setting if you doubt this.
    • Make sure the heat you use is not too much so that the glue will not harden and then stiffen.

  • Fourthly, allow the heat-n-bond adhesive to cool before cutting out the applique.
    • Cut along the lines you already drew without leaving allowances for the seam.

  • Then, peel off the backing and pin the applique to the front side of the piece of the backpack.
    • Be sure to pin the applique with the adhesive side down.
    • Also, ensure that you pin the applique to the right side of your piece of the backpack.
    • Alternatively, you can pin the applique to a piece of pocket. However, you will have to do this before you sew the pocket on the bag.

Additional Step

  • Also, use the heat setting recommended on the package to iron the applique.
    • While doing this, do not use too much heat so that the glue will not harden and then stiffen.
    • Pull out the sewing pins as soon as the applique cools.

drawstring tote bags

Step 4:  Add Pockets (Optional)

  • Firstly, cut out your pocket or pockets for the canvas drawstring bags – one for the inside and another for the outside, if you like.
    • The color of your pockets may be the same as that of your bag or another contrasting color.
    • The following dimensions are recommended for the pockets:
      • For the pocket inside:  6 by 7 inches (15.24 by 17.78 centimeters)
      • For the pocket outside:  8 by 10 inches (20.32 by 25.4 centimeters)

  • Secondly, fold the two narrow edges and iron them. Fold one of the long edges by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters)request quote from zigpac
    • Turn the fabric to make sure the wrong side faces you.
    • Fold the two short edges and one long edge down by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters).
    • You can use sewing pins to hold the material in place, if necessary.
    • Allow one of the long edges to be unfolded. It will be folded differently.

  • Fold down the remaining long edge twice.
    • First, fold the long edge by ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters), then use an iron to press it flat.
    • Fold it a second time by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Use an iron again to press the edge flat. This will be your pocket’s top edge.

  • Topstitch the top with its folded edge down.
    • Try stitching as close to the bottom fold as you can.
    • Use a thread that has the same color as your fabric, or use a contrasting one.

  • Pin the pockets on the backpack.
    • Get the big pocket and pin it to the right side of the first backpack.
    • Get the small pocket and pin it to the wrong side of the other piece of the backpack. Try pinning this pocket close to the top of the piece of the backpack.

how to make a drawstring bag

Step 5:   Assemble the Canvas Drawstring Bags

  • With the right sides of each backpack facing in, pin the two backpack pieces together.
    • Ensure these pieces are properly aligned.

  • Sew the part around the bottom edge and also the part around both of the side edges. Use a seam allowance of 5/8 inches (1.50 centimeter).
    • Start your sewing right below the casing and finish up right below the casing. Sew the backpack back and forth a couple of times over the beginning and end of the sewing. This will prevent unraveling.request quote from zigpac
    • Do not begin sewing the backpack from the top of the bag to avoid sewing the casing shut. This will make you unable to use the bag.

  • Pull the cording to pass through the casing.
    • Attach a safety pin to of the long cords measuring 58 inches (147.32 centimeters).
    • Start from the bag’s front-left side to push the cord through the front and back casings. Make sure it comes out through the canvas drawstring tote bag’s back-left side.
    • Do the same thing with the other cord, beginning from the bag’s right side.

  • Set a grommet ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) into your bag’s bottom corners. Avoid the edges.
    • Mark the material where you intend to put the grommet, then use a craft blade to make a little hold with an “X” shape.
    • Use the manufacturer’s instructions for the canvas drawstring bags to set the grommet.
    • Do not make a hole that is too big. The material has to stretch around the grommet’s base for the canvas drawstring bags while you push it through. A big hole will make the grommet fall out.

how to make a drawstring bag

Final Step

  • Make the cords pass through the grommets, then knot each end of the cords.
    • Hold the two cords at the left-hand side and pull through the left grommet. The cords should come out of the bag’s front.
    • Tie the cords’ ends into an overhand knot that is secure.
    • Repeat this entire process for the cords that are on the bag’s right side.
    • The knot won’t hold the cords in place securely if the grommet is large or the cords too thin. As an alternative, pull only one of the cords through the grommet, then knot the two ends of the cord.

Making a drawstring bag may be a little tedious on your first try, but can be perfected with practice. You can try using one of the drawstring tote bags from Zigpac’s stores as a sample while making yours.request quote from zigpac

Some people still find this method a bit stressful even after a few tries. Feel free to place an order to Zigpac’s stores for canvas drawstring bags or any other drawstring bag you prefer.