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    Home » Sewing

    Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern & Free Cricut Cut Files

    Updated: Aug 6, 2021 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 18 Comments

    This lined drawstring bag sewing pattern & tutorial includes measurements to make the bags in 6 different sizes, one for each of your “travel necessities”. Plus the bags are all REVERSIBLE! You can even personalize them a bit with some fun sayings.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Every time I take a trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, I’m always scrambling for bags to hold all of my stuff. So for selfish reasons, I decided to create a bunch of drawstring bags to take with me when I travel.

    I’ve included a bunch of free Cricut cut files that are perfect compliments to your travel bags! Keep reading to find out more. This is sponsored content, and this contains affiliate links. I work as a Brand Ambassador for Cricut, I am thrilled to work with a company whose products I love to use.

    Table of Contents
    • Project Inspiration
    • How to Get the Sewing Pattern
    • How to Add the Vinyl Lettering
    • Lined Drawstring Bags – All the Details!
    • Supplies for the Bag
    • Cutting Directions
    • Instructions
    • How to Create the Iron On with your Cricut
    • Tips for Using the EasyPress for the Iron-On

    Project Inspiration

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Last weekend my husband and I were able to steal away to Chicago for a little weekend getaway, sans kids. We try to go each year in December.

    My husband attends a conference, and I tag along and hit the shops (and sometimes the museums) and eat as much pizza as I can fit in my stomach. Before we left, as I was packing for the weekend, I had to laugh a bit at myself.

    I was packing and stuffing charging cords in zip loc bags, and my flat iron in an old hotel laundry sack. I looked at myself and thought “surely I can do better than this”.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    I’m actually surprised, that with as much as I sew that I haven’t sat down and stitched a bunch of travel bags for myself earlier. You should see what a state my previous laundry bag was in. We got it for free at a hotel, and it was not nice when I got it several years ago.

    Many times I actually forget to take the bag altogether and end up using the plastic bag in the hotel closet (which I’m guessing you’re not supposed to do unless you are having your laundry done a the hotel).

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    When we got home I sat down and “brainstormed” a bunch of ideas for bags to take with me when I travel. Since Christmas is right around the corner I thought you guys might enjoy a tutorial to make these drawstring bags. They’d be fabulous gifts!

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    How to Get the Sewing Pattern

    Option 1:

    Buy the pattern in our shop! It includes instructions to make the bag in 6 different sizes including a fat quarter friendly pattern.

    Option 2:

    Read the directions off of this website.

    How to Add the Vinyl Lettering

    I used my Cricut Maker to cut out the iron ons for the bags. I had so much fun personalizing each one. I’ve included FREE Cricut cut files for you to make your own bags. I even added a few more “sayings” to the  cut file download included are:

    • To Wash
    • Unmentionables
    • Cords & Cables
    • Baubles
    • Hair Stuff

    I also think these would be ADORABLE personalized with a name or a monogram. How cute would they be stitched up in bright colors to hold Legos or Matchbox Cars?

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad
    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Lined Drawstring Bags – All the Details!

    The bags are gusseted, meaning they have a bottom that is flat and can “poof out” and hold lots of stuff! They are in varying sizes from 19″ x 22″ down to 5 ” x 7″.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    One of my favorite things about the bags, which I didn’t even realize until I made them, is that they are reversible.  So when you get tired of one print, you can just turn it inside out and have a new look.

    I was also thinking while I was making them that they would be great to make out of laminate fabric since it’s so easy to wipe clean. If you decide to do that make sure you read my “How to sew with Laminate Fabrics” post before you start.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad
    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Okay, are you ready to start?

    Supplies for the Bag

    Fabric for Bag Outside:

    ¼ – ½ yard per bag (depending on size, see chart below)

    Fabric for Bag Lining:

    ¼ – ½  yard per bag

    2 ½ yards ½″ – ¾″ ribbon

    Cricut Machine (I use the Maker – you can also use the Explore Machines)

    Cricut Iron-On Vinyl — I used:

    • Pink Foil Iron On
    • Gold Glitter Iron On
    • White, Iron-On Lite

    Cricut EasyPress

    Basic Sewing Tools

    Cricut Iron-On Cut Files – Download for FREE on the Cricut Downloads page

    Recommended:

    Seam Gauge

    Cricut Essential Tools Set (makes it easier to weed the iron on after you cut it out)

    Fabrics used are Wonderland Two, Safari Party & Bee Basics

    Cutting Directions

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    FYI: Bag finished dimensions are 1″ less than the bag pieces in width and the same height as the bag piece, including the bottom gusset. 

    Using the cutting guide above as a guide, cut out the pattern pieces for your bag. You will cut 2 pieces for the outside of the bag and 2 pieces for the bag lining from the measurement in the “Bag PIeces” column.

    Cut 2 casing pieces from the measurement in the “Casing Pieces” column.

    After you have cut out your pieces, you need to cut a square out of the bottom corners of the bag outside and bag lining pieces, refer to the illustration below if needed:

    Instructions

    Instructions are the same for ANY size bag. All seam allowances are ½″

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Begin by pressing the short ends of one of your bag casing pieces in ½″ on each edge. I recommend using a seam gauge for this step.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Next, fold the piece in half lengthwise and press. Repeat for other bag casing piece.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Pin the bag casing to the bag outside piece along the top edge. The raw edges will be flush and the casing should be centered in the bag outside piece. Stitch in place.

    Place the bag outside pieces together, right sides facing. Stitch along the two sides and the bottom of the bag. Do not stitch inside the square you cut out on the bottom of the bag. Press seams open. As you stitch the side seams take care that you do not catch the casing pieces in the side seams.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Pinch the bottom corner of the bag so that the side and bottom seams are on top of each other and the raw edges of the cut out square are even. Stitch in place. Repeat for other bag corner.

    Repeat for the bag lining pieces (you do not attach a casing to those pieces)

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Turn the bag outside piece right side out. Slip it into the bag lining piece, right sides facing. Match side seams and centers.

    Stitch around the perimeter of the bag, leaving a 4″ opening in one side.

    Turn the bag right side out through the opening.

    Press well. Topstitch around the top of the bag (on the bag, not the casing) making sure to catch the opening in the bag as you sew.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Cut two pieces of ribbon that are twice as wide as the bag plus 6-8″.

    Feed one piece through the casing of the bag and knot on the other side. Feed the other ribbon through the bag starting on the opposite side of the bag. Knot the ends.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    How to Create the Iron On with your Cricut

    Now for the fun part, personalizing the bags with fun sayings!

    You need to decide what size you want your iron on to be. Measure your bag, taking into account that it’s a big smaller when the drawstring is pulled.

    Download the cut file (link above in supplies) and import it into the Cricut Design Space.

    Click “ATTACH” to make all of the letters cut out at the same time.

    Size to the correct size.   Then click MAKE IT and follow the prompts on the screen. You will need the fine point blade and a standard cutting mat.

    Review of the new Cricut Maker Machine and answers to some of your frequently asked questions about the new cricut machine

    When you have your image cut out, peel away the extra vinyl (referred to as weeding). Place the iron on in the location that you’d like on your bag.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Move your project to a flat surface that is not heat sensitive. Place a folded towel down on the surface then place your bag on top of the towel.

    How to make cute Halloween t shirts with iron ons and a review of the new Cricut EasyPress machine. Includes free cut files inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion themed t-shirts for Halloween

    To read more about the EasyPress click HERE

    Tips for Using the EasyPress for the Iron-On

    Turn on the EasyPress, set the temperate and timer to the settings recommended on the machine based on your type of Iron-On Vinyl.

    When preheated, place the EasyPress on top of your image. Press the Cricut button. When it beeps, move it to another spot of your iron on. Repeat until you have set all parts of the iron on.

    How to make cute Halloween t shirts with iron ons and a review of the new Cricut EasyPress machine. Includes free cut files inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion themed t-shirts for Halloween

    (image from some Halloween shirts we made in October)

    Carefully remove the plastic covering from the iron on.

    That’s it! You’re done!!

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Now go make a bunch of them to give as gifts this Holiday season!!

    Cricut is running some FANTASTIC specials on bundles for both the Maker Machine AND the Easy Press.

    Just click on over to Cricut to check it out (buy yourself a Christmas present, so you can make a bunch of presents for everyone else *wink* *wink*

    Cricut Maker Machine
    Shop new arrivals from Cricut!
    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad
    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

     

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laurel says

      December 09, 2017 at 9:00 am

      These bags are adorable! I’m in the process of making shirts for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop to wear at cookie booths, so that EasyPress would come in really handy!

      Reply
    2. Sonya says

      December 12, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      These bags are great! I’ve been wanting to make drawstring bags for our shoes when we travel. I normally use Jeni Baker’s Lined Drawstring Bag tutorial, but this is a bit simpler, so I’m going to give it a try! I’m thinking I would need to make the XL size?

      Reply
    3. Phyllis Barton says

      December 13, 2017 at 1:15 am

      How large a square do you cut out of the corners?

      Reply
      • Polly Clements says

        December 15, 2017 at 8:01 am

        Depends on the size bag. Look at the chart that was provided. XL. 2″x2″, L. 1.5″x1.5″
        These are listed in the last column on the right in the chart!

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          December 15, 2017 at 1:39 pm

          Thanks for answering that for me. I was away from my computer for a day or two and couldn’t get to it!! 🙂

          Reply
    4. Debby Q. says

      March 21, 2018 at 9:27 pm

      Do you pre-wash the fabric before cutting? Also, what kind of ribbon did you use for the drawstring? Love these. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        March 24, 2018 at 4:08 pm

        I don’t pre wash the fabric. But that’s a “hot topic” and many people have a lot of different opinions about what’s best. I just used grograin ribbon I got at JoAnn’s.

        Reply
    5. Kim B. says

      April 23, 2018 at 2:34 am

      These bags are just adorable. I somehow missed this post at Christmastime, so I’m so glad you posted this again!! the Cricut labels just take them to the NEXT level! Definitely going to make some of these for my nieces (and for me!).

      Reply
    6. Rory says

      December 09, 2018 at 3:42 pm

      My Grandmother and I (im her grand-daughter) were trying to sew this adorable bag, when we ran into a problem. When were ready to turn the fabric inside out, we ended up with two separate bags that had been sewn together, but not a lined bag. Can you answer this dilemma?

      {P.s i really love this bag, and desire to wear it on my proud back}

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        December 10, 2018 at 6:20 pm

        I’d go back over the tutorial step by step again. It looks like you missed a step… it will yield one lined bag, not two.

        Reply
    7. AMANDA BERNAL says

      September 08, 2019 at 1:39 am

      I made the small size so I can separate my jewelry for each outfit when I travel. It works great! I also made a number of them for my shoes, so I can keep them neat and not get them scuffed or get anything on my clothes. I use Vera Bradley cosmetic bags and made one set to match my pink luggage and another set in Minnie Mouse prints to match my Disney luggage. These bags help me stay organized and tidy when I travel, and when I’m packing to go home I can immediately tell if something isn’t packed. Great pattern, thank you so much for sharing it!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 09, 2019 at 12:18 pm

        So glad you like it!

        Reply
    8. Susan Kelley says

      November 03, 2019 at 9:24 pm

      Hi Melissa: I just tried to download the cricut files for the drawstring bag tutorial. When I click on the “download”, it takes me to a picture of the saying and when I clicked on the “Drawstring Bag” title above the downloads, it took me to a page to download, but again, it just took me to the picture of the saying. I also got a few other cricut files while I was there and they downloaded just fine. Thought I’d let you know. Thanks for your great tutorials.

      Reply
    9. Susan Kelley says

      November 04, 2019 at 7:20 pm

      Went back today with a clearer head and was able to download the drawstring bag cut outs finally. This time I was able to download all of them in one download as opposed to individually. It was user error on my part. Thanks.

      Reply
    10. Sarah says

      August 14, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      So adorable! What font did you use for the vinyl? The links are not working.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        August 19, 2020 at 1:16 pm

        You can download the words in our Cricut Library. I’m not sure what the font was, it’s a few years ago.

        Reply
    11. Kim Russo says

      November 23, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      Hi is this pattern available in a pdf? I love the tutorial, but having the directions/pattern in a print out option would be helpful!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        December 03, 2020 at 9:16 am

        Yes, you can get a PDF in our shop: https://shop.polkadotchair.com/collections/pint-sized-pattern/products/reversible-lined-drawstring-bag-in-6-sizes-digital-pdf

        Reply

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    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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