Beginner sewing? Make this elegant drawstring tote bag anyway 💟, by Misaki Sewing on YouTube. 12 min 31 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 31 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Cut your main fabric, lining fabric and interfacing pieces to the same size. Cut two strap lengths from the webbing, long enough to sit on your shoulder.
Fuse the fleece interfacing to the wrong side of the main fabric pieces with a hot iron. Press firmly and let the pieces cool flat.
Fuse the mid-weight interfacing to the lining pieces. Keep the iron moving so the fabric does not scorch.
Spray a light coat of fabric adhesive on the batting and press it onto the main panel. Smooth out any wrinkles by hand.
Pin or clip the webbing strap ends to the top edge of the main panel where the handles should sit. Baste them in place.
Sew the main bag panels right sides together along the sides and bottom with a straight stitch. Repeat for the lining, leaving a gap in the bottom.
Sew the zipper into the top opening using a zipper foot. Clip the zipper in place first so it stays straight.
Turn the main bag right side out and slip it inside the lining, right sides facing. Sew around the top edge, then pull the bag through the lining gap.
Fold in the raw edges of the lining gap and stitch it closed. Press the top seam flat.
Thread the drawstring cord through the casing or channel at the top. Knot the ends and test the bag on your shoulder.
Tips and common mistakes
Press every seam as you go, since flat seams make the finished bag look neat.
Use a size 18 needle for thick layers of fleece and webbing so the machine does not skip stitches.
Sew slowly over the strap joins and zipper to avoid breaking the needle.
Keep fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the needle.
Questions
Do I need a special sewing machine for this bag?
No. A basic machine with a straight stitch and a zipper foot is enough. The video uses a Singer computer model, but any similar machine works.
What fabric should I use?
Use 100 percent cotton for the main fabric and lining. It presses well and holds the bag shape with the fleece interfacing.
How do I stop the interfacing from bubbling?
Use a medium-hot iron without steam and press in sections. Let each section cool before moving on.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
