Sew a practical and pretty round bottom drawstring bag (free pattern)

Looking for an easy sewing project that’s both functional and adorable? Learn how to make a round bottom drawstring bag with this beginner-friendly tutorial and free pattern! In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a reusable, roomy bag that’s perfect for holding everything from toys and jewelry to makeup and travel essentials.

This DIY drawstring bag is not only quick to sew but also a great way to use up fabric scraps. Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about why this flat-bottom drawstring bag design stands out!

Why make a drawstring bag with a flat, round bottom?

What makes a round-bottom drawstring bag special? Here are a few reasons to love this design:

• Stands Upright: Unlike flat, two-dimensional bags, this one stays upright on its own, making it easier to see and access your items.
• Unique Look: The circular base adds a polished, professional touch to a simple bag, giving it a stylish upgrade.
• Secure Drawstring Closure: The drawstring sits 1.5 inches from the top, keeping your treasures snug and secure.

This bag is perfect for so many uses, from organizing items around the house to creating thoughtful handmade gifts.

What can you use a round bottom drawstring bag for?

The possibilities are endless! Here are just a few ideas for how to use your new circle-bottom drawstring bag:

• Gift Wrapping: Use it as a reusable fabric gift bag for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• Travel Companion: Keep your toiletries, socks, or small essentials neatly organized while traveling.
• Storage Solution: Store toys, craft supplies, or even candy. It’s a fun and functional way to keep clutter at bay.
• Jewelry or Makeup Holder: The secure closure makes it perfect for delicate or small items.

Materials you’ll need for a round bottom drawstring bag

One of the best parts of this project is how few materials it requires. You’ll need just a few small fabric pieces, making it an excellent scrap-busting sewing project:

• Fabric: Use 100% cotton for a lightweight, unlined bag, or try sturdier fabrics like canvas or denim for a more durable option.
• Circle Template: No need to search for the perfect size! Download my free pattern for a 5 7/8″ (15 cm) circle bottom (see below).
• Drawstring Cord: Choose a colorful ribbon, cord, or even a handmade fabric strip for the drawstring.
• Basic Sewing Supplies: Scissors, sewing machine, pins, and thread are all you need.

Related: Free drawstring dice bag pattern / Basic zipper pouch / Fabric gift bag pattern

Why you’ll love this project

This DIY round bottom drawstring bag is a fantastic project for sewists of all levels:

• Quick and Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need advanced skills to make this bag – just a little patience and a sewing machine.
• Great for Scrap Fabric: It’s a sustainable way to use up fabric scraps from previous projects.
• Cute and Practical: It’s not just pretty – it’s also incredibly useful for everyday organization or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Whether you’re new to sewing or looking for a quick and satisfying project, this drawstring bag is sure to be a hit!

Related Sewing Tutorials

Looking for more fun and practical sewing projects? Check out these tutorials:

• Free Drawstring Dice Bag Pattern
• Basic Zipper Pouch Tutorial
• Reusable Fabric Gift Bag Pattern

Ready to Get Started?

Grab your fabric scraps and download the free circle-bottom pattern to make this cute and practical bag. In the next section, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of sewing your own round bottom drawstring bag. Happy sewing!

Sewing supplies – flat bottom drawstring bag

• free PDF pattern – ad-free version. Download below
• fabric – cotton, canvas, denim
• ribbon or cord – 2 pieces, each one measuring two times the width of the bag, plus 2 inches
• sewing machine
• needle
• matching thread
• sewing pins
• sewing gauge
• fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• iron

Step 1 – cut your fabric pieces

Start by cutting three pieces of fabric:

• One circle with a diameter of 5 7/8 inches (use the free PDF pattern to trace this).
• Two rectangles each measuring 9 3/8 inches wide and 10 inches high.

Tip: If you’re using fabric with a design that faces a certain way, make sure to cut so the pattern will look right-side-up on your finished bag!

Step 2 – serge the edges

Next, serge the two 10-inch edges of your rectangle pieces. (This helps keep the fabric from fraying and gives it a nice finish.) If your fabric doesn’t have a clear top or bottom, lightly mark the top edge with pencil or chalk to avoid any mix-ups later.

Step 3 – sew the side seams and mark the drawstring casing

Pin the side seams: Place the rectangles with the right sides (the pretty sides) together and line up the serged edges.

Mark the drawstring opening: Place a couple of pins vertically to mark two points on each side of the bag. The first mark should be 3 1/2 inches from the top, and the second at 4 inches. This 1/2-inch space will stay unsewn to create the opening for the drawstring.

Sew the side seams: Sew down each side seam with a 3/8-inch seam allowance. Remember to leave that 1/2-inch gap open at the top for your drawstring.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to make it sturdy.

Step 4 – press and secure the seam allowances

After sewing the side seams, press the seam allowances open and sew around the small gap where the drawstring will go.

This keeps the fabric out of the way when you insert the drawstring later, so you don’t end up struggling with a stuck safety pin!

Step 5 – attach the circle bottom to the bag

• Pin the circle bottom: Line up the fabric circle with the bottom of the bag, making sure the drawstring opening stays at the top. Pin all around the circle to keep it in place.
• Sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance: Sew around the circle with a 1/2-inch seam allowance to secure it to the bag.

To keep your bag neat, finish this seam with a serger or pinking shears to prevent fraying.

Tip for sewing curves

Don’t stress about sewing a perfect curve! Think of it as a series of tiny straight stitches. Set your stitch length to about 2.0–2.5 mm to go slowly and keep control. Every few stitches, lift your presser foot and gently pivot the fabric, then continue sewing. This trick helps guide the fabric around the curve smoothly. If you’re new to curves, here’s a helpful YouTube tutorial for beginners!

Step 6 – create the drawstring channel

Serge the top edge: Start by serging the top edge of your bag to keep it neat and prevent fraying.

Fold over and check the opening: Turn the top edge down by 2 inches and double-check on the right side to make sure the small opening is in the right spot for your drawstring.

Sew the drawstring channel: Now, it’s time to make the channel for the drawstring! Sew two parallel lines around the folded edge – one above and one below the small opening.

The spacing between the lines depends on your cord’s thickness. For a thin cord, about 1/2 inch works great, but for a thicker cord, try 1 inch.

Step 7 – insert the drawstrings

• Thread the first cord: Attach a safety pin to the end of one drawstring cord, and use it to guide the cord all the way through the channel. Once you’ve pulled it through, tie the ends together with a knot.
• Thread the second cord: Repeat the same process with the second cord, starting from the opposite side. With two cords, you’ll get that nice, snug cinch when you pull them.

And there you have it – your very own round-bottom drawstring bag! It’s amazing how a few simple steps can turn fabric scraps into something so cute and functional.

Perfect for trips, gifts, or keeping things tidy, this bag is as handy as it is cute! Plus, now that you’ve nailed the basics, you can experiment with different fabrics, sizes, or even add a lining for extra durability.

So grab your favorite fabric and make a few more – you might just end up with a whole collection of these versatile bags. Happy sewing, and don’t forget to share your creations @icansewthis!

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