Patchwork Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Happy Wednesday! Last week I came to the realization that I had never made a patchwork version of my lined drawstring bags. For as much as I love patchwork, this is ridiculous! So, I had to remedy that immediately, and I took a few photos along the way so I could share a mini tutorial with you! Are you ready to make some patchwork drawstring bags?


*For additional sizes and custom sizing check out the pattern version here.


I'm going to show how to do this on the Everything Size bag (the tutorial size).

For my bag I used fabrics from my Color Me Retro collection and one of the new Squared Elements by Art Gallery Fabrics.


Sewing Level: Beginner
Finished size: Approx. 10" tall, 7" wide, 3" deep

Materials:
- (45) 2.5" squares for Exterior Main
- 1/3 yard of SF101 Woven Fusible Interfacing
- 2 fat quarters for Exterior Accent + Lining
- 2 yards of 1/2" twill, or 1/8 yd fabric for ties.

Looking for supplies? Check out my Pattern Supplies and Resources post.

Instructions:

*Use a 1/4" seam allowance unless otherwise noted.*

1. Sew squares together into a single piece, 5 squares wide by 9 squares tall.  Press seams in each row in a single direction, alternating direction every other row.  Piece rows together, press seams open.

2. Cut interfacing to the size of the piece and apply interfacing to the back according to manufacturer's instructions. Press well from the top.


3. Starting from one of the short edges, measure and cut a 9"x10.5" piece.


4. Starting from the opposite short edge, measure and cut a second 9"x10.5" piece.


5. Sew the accent pieces to the clean top edges and match up the trimmed edges.

Cutting the pieces this way ensures that the intact patchwork will be near the top, and the trimmed edges will be hidden on the bottom of the bag.


Refer to tutorial or pattern instructions to cut remaining needed pieces and construct your bag.


This patchwork variation is worked out in all the original pattern sizes plus instructions for custom sizing in my new Lined Drawstring Bag Expasion Pattern! It's the perfect companion to the original drawstring bag pattern.

Find the original pattern here: Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern
Find the expansion pattern here: Lined Drawstring Bag Expansion Pattern

Happy Sewing!