Draw-string bag
You may make a draw-string bag to review what you learned last year. This may be any size. It can be used for your sewing, swimming suit, as a hand bag, or for many other purposes.
Materials needed
Fabric: Percale, sail cloth, denim, terry cloth, or towel. If you use a towel, select one approximately 14 x 23 or 18 x 28.
Lining: Plastic bag.
Cording: Cotton or nylon cording.
Make your bag
First decide how long and how wide you would like to have your bag. Make it just large enough for the purpose you plan to use it for. Don’t make it too large.
Follow these suggestions
1. Pull threads to straighten material and cut on these lines.
2. Cut two pieces of cloth for the bag, the size you want your bag to be. If you have enough cloth, you may cut one piece twice as long and eliminate the bottom seam. When a towel is used, remove the hems at both ends.
3. Place the two pieces with right sides together or fold through the center if one piece is used.
4. Pin or baste sides leaving the top open.
5. Measure from the top or open end of the bag ½-inch and mark with chalk.
6. Take another measurement from the top, this one 4 inches down and mark.
7. Stitch a ½-inch seam from top to first mark, and fasten or back tack thread. Stitch below second markings. Leave the space between markings open on both sides of bag.
8. Make a ¼-inch slash in the seam at lower markings and finish openings with ½-inch hems.
9. Make a 2-inch hem at top. Stitch through the center of the hem to make a 1-inch wide casing and heading. If you are making a swimming bag, why not line it with plastic. Either use a sheet or plastic bag. Make it the same size as your bag.
At this point place the plastic under the hem. Pin or baste into position. Turn right side out. Stitch hem. Use long stitches 6 or 8 to an inch when sewing plastic. Small stitches will cut it.
10. Make or buy the cords for your bag. Make two cords ¾ inch wide finished, 1 yard each in length. (See apron sashes—Phase 2.) You may buy cotton or nylon cord. For a small bag use size 100; use size 150 for a large bag.
11. Run cords through casing. Start each cord at opposite ends. Sew ends of cord together or tie a knot.
12. Box the bottom of the bag. Fold from corner so that side and bottom seams are together. Mark and stitch across triangle.