Sewing Reusable Drawstring Gift Bags in 5 Sizes

Published by NannetteD on 11th Jul 2025

Looking for a sustainable and stylish way to wrap gifts? These DIY fabric drawstring bags are the perfect reusable alternative to paper gift wrap. Use your favorite custom fabric from The Textile District to create gift bags in sizes that suit everything from small trinkets to large laundry bags.

Supplies You’ll Need:

Custom-printed fabric from The Textile District (see below for recommendations)
Coordinating sewing thread
Drawstring cord, ribbon, or twill tape
Safety pin or bodkin
Scissors or rotary cutter/cutting mat
Pins or fabric clips
Sewing machine (or hand needle for small bags)

Fabric Recommendations: quilting cotton by the yard or in fat quarter assortments, cotton sheeting/poplin, cotton duck, cotton twill, cotton sailcloth, or linen blends work well.

Cut Fabric Dimensions — includes ¼" seam allowance on all sides.

Bag Use	Cut Size (inches)	Finished Size
Jewelry / Favor	6" x 8"	~5" x 6.5"
Small Gift	8" x 12"	~7" x 10.5"
Medium Gift	12" x 16"	~11" x 14.5"
Shoe Bag	14" x 18"	~13" x 16.5"
Laundry Bag	20" x 28"	~19" x 26.5"

Cut 2 rectangles per bag (front and back).

Instructions:

1. Cut Fabric

Select your fabric design from The Textile District and cut two rectangles to the size needed for your project. Press if needed.

2. Mark Drawstring Channel

From the top edge of both fabric pieces, mark 1½" down. This is the top fold-over where your drawstring channel will go.

3. Sew Side & Bottom Seams

Place fabric pieces right sides together.
Starting below the drawstring mark, sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side.
Leave a 1½" gap unsewn at the top sides for the drawstring opening.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of seams for strength.
For larger bags, finish seams with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.

4. Press & Create Channel

Press open side seams.
Fold the top raw edge down ¼" and press, then fold down again to meet the drawstring mark (about 1" total).
Stitch around the top edge, sewing close to the lower fold to form the drawstring casing. Avoid stitching over the side openings.

5. Insert Drawstring

Cut two lengths of cord (each 1½–2x the bag width).
Use a safety pin to thread one cord through the front and back casing, exiting where you started.
Repeat with the second cord, starting on the opposite side.
Knot ends together. Tug gently to test the drawstring closure.

Tips for Customization:

Add boxed corners for depth: fold and stitch across corners after sewing side seams.
Use coordinating designs from The Textile District for lining or color blocking.
Personalize with fabric labels, heat transfer vinyl, or hand embroidery.
Adjust the placement of your channel to create a small ruffle at the top of your bag (as shown).

Why Make Reusable Fabric Gift Bags?

Reusable drawstring bags are eco-friendly, elegant, and endlessly useful. Whether you're gifting, organizing, or traveling, they're a beautiful alternative to paper gift wrap and plastic bags. Made with custom fabric from The Textile District, each bag becomes a unique keepsake your recipient can use again and again.

Featured Fabric:

Bellbloom - Floral Fabric by the Yard

Meet The Artist: Masha Litvinova

Meet Masha Litvinova, the artist behind the "Cosy" and "Meadow" fabric collections now available on The Textile District! Conversational and floral designs are Masha's favorites, as she believes they can perfectly reflect your personality and add a little spark to your day. Masha has a love of color psychology and believes that the right color combination can change your mood! We invite you to explore Masha's fabric collections in exquisite colorways that are perfect for apparel to home decor!

Shop Custom Print Fabrics by Masha Litvinova

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How To Order Fabrics on The Textile District:

Each colorway image represents 27" of printed fabric and clicks through to the product page for easy ordering:

Choose any base fabric (15+ options)
Select the color way you wish to print (click the icon)
Enter the quantity you need (yards)
Add to cart to order

Note: All natural fiber substrates are steamed, washed, and dried to lock in our vibrant colors, and to deliver a superior wash and wear performance. If you need help choosing a base fabric option that is best for your project, please send us a note or give us a call. We are

Not sure which base fabric is most suitable for your next project?

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All designs are the licensed property of the featured artist.

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