debra parker

Crafting is something I enjoy. There were many past days spent making bath salts, candles, and other interestingness. For some reason the desire has laid dormant for years only to return with a fever. A while back I found these amazing cloth napkins at Target. I enjoyed them to the extent of planning my Valentine’s Day picnic around them. The colors inspire me along side the Indian print. There is something soothing about this eggplant and grass color.

This backpack project is super easy and OH MY WORD cheap.

Drawstring Bag Supplies:

2 Cloth Napkins (close to the same size)

1 roll of ribbon, twine, or cording. (I used a whole 18 ft spool of ribbon)

1 Safety Pin

Seam Ripper

Sewing Machine (although you could probably heat bond this)

All-Purpose Thread

Iron

Directions:

Step 1: IRON. I find that ironing all the seams that will be sewn is very helpful. It keeps my lines straight. I measured out how I wanted this bag to look and ironed the seams accordingly. Iron a seam along the sides and bottom. With sides inside out pin together.

Step 2: SEW. Sew the sides that were pinned together. Leave at least 2 inches open on the top sides of bag.

Step 3: RIBBON HEM. I am certain there is a correct phrase for this step but for the life of me I don’t know it. Sew on a strip of ribbon on the top sides of bag. This is to create the “tunnel” that the drawstrings will run through.

Step 4: TRIANGLE. At the bottom left side of bag sew a line across the fabric creating a triangle shape. Do the same for the right side.

Step 5: BUTTON HOLE. Sew in a very small button hole in the center of each triangle. Use your seam ripper to cut the hole. (Be careful to cut slowly so to stay inside the button seams.)

Step 6: STRAP. Looking at bag run the ribbon from the front left side and continue to loop it through the right back side. Ribbon should go in and come out of the same side of bag. Do the same starting from the right side. Hint: It is tough to run the ribbon through the tunnel so I attach a safety pin to the top of ribbon to use as a way to push it through.

Step 7: Tie. With bag open wide measure ribbon sides. The sides should be the length of the bag (loosely). Bring both Ribbons through back side of button and tie off. I used a double knot. (Refer to picture under step Triangle.) Hint: When you cut the ribbon it will fray. To keep this from happening grab your clear nail polish and paint on the tip for a seal of sorts.