So…I’ve been taking my sweet time getting this tutorial together. I had planned to finish it two nights ago but then my book hit it’s stride and I couldn’t help myself. I just had to finish it. So you’re getting this a bit late, but who really cares right? 🙂
This is a perfect little sack for all your “stuff.” It doesn’t have a real defined purpose. It just holds stuff. Like the ABC rocks I made for Reid.
Before we proceed, I have to put a disclaimer on this tutorial.Â
I was just making this up as I went so I don’t have all the measurements recorded, but I can tell you how I got them; and it could definitely look more finished with matching thread and such, but I wasn’t even sure it was going to turn out this well, so I used what I had. 🙂 I hope you like run-on sentences. There you go.
Let’s get going.
1. Cut your fabric.
I used the lid of an empty paint can, traced it and then cut out two circles – one of each color. Then I used this equation:
diameter X pi = circumference
…to get the length of the rectangle pieces. Just add 1/2 inch for seam allowance {1/4 of an inch for each end}. I was using scrap fabric so I had to cut two pieces for this part of the bag. I just divided the circumference in half and then added 1/4 inch seam allowance to each end {1/2 inch to each rectangle}.
Now cut a long strip of fabric that is about 5 inches in width and has a length that equals the circumference of your circle, plus about 1 inch. You can make it any width you want. Just be mindful that your finished top will be half of the width minus 1/2 inch for the seam allowance because you will be folding in half.
2. Sew the inner and outer layers of the main body of your bag.
 I had two rectangle pieces so I had to sew both sides. If you have one piece simply sew ends together to get your tube.
Pin the tube piece right sides together to the circle piece – for each color. Sew all the way around.
Clip triangles around the circumference being careful not to cut into the seam. This will help the bag turn right side out without puckering.
3. Add the casing/top strip piece.
First, prep your strip by ironing it in half. You also want to fold back the short ends about 1/2 inch and sew it down. Do not sew the strip’s ends together.
Then, with right sides together, pin and sew one side of the strip to one bag piece.
Now repeat with the other bag piece.
Which should give you this big ugly tube. 🙂
Turn it right side out.
Push one bag piece into the other bag piece, folding the top casing in half.
Your bag is almost complete.
4. Add the finishing touches by…
…pinning the two seams together and sewing parallel lines all the way around.
The next time I make this I’ll make my lines a little straighter. 🙂 Ahem. Or just use coordinating thread so you can’t tell!
Then take ribbon, or string, or some scrap knit to make the ties for the bag.
I used two lengths of T-shirt knit pulled into tubes and knotted them together. I then used a safety pin to string it through the openings.
And the bag is complete!
Use it this way…
or that. You choose.
Have a happy day!
That's pretty awesome. I'm not a proficient sewer, I dabble mostly, but this looks like fun. With your helpful tutorial I don't think even I could mess it up! Thanks so much. This is definitely going on my to make list 🙂
Awesome! This is definitely going on the list of things to do. My daughters love bags and this one looks like something fun we could make together. Thanks Delia! As always, YOU ROCK!
that is really cute and very easy! i am pinning it.
Cute little sack! I'm loving the t-shirt ties! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-drawstring-stuff-sack/2011/08/04/
–Anne
very cute delia, just lovely.
thats really cool and pretty easy!!! love the blog +follow
awesome sack! i love how you did it. 😉
Great idea. It would be perfect to hold all of my sons cars.
Delia!! I love this. Love that it's reversible. I need to make about a dozen for all those silly toy sets with small bits. Or just throw away all the toys…
very good idea !
ciao Pat
I just made this bag last night! It was super quick and easy. Today it is hanging by my desk at work holding all of my matchbox cars for my patients. Thanks for the great tutorial!
I absolutely LOVE this tutorial. It inspired me for my handmade Christmas this year. I made three for my niece and nephews. They are SO easy and perfect for using up my scrap fabric. I just hope my nieces and nephews love them as much as I do. You're brilliant by the way… :o)
I love this! I combined your tutorial and a gather fabric tutorial for the bottom to make my son's toy bag. Check it out on my blog.
http://thetrishfamily.blogspot.com/2011/09/getting-our-craft-on.html
Thank you for the great idea.
Thanks for the tutorial, Delia! I made a sack tonight to keep my knitting project in, so it doesn't tangle with the other things in my bag. No pictures, sorry — but it turned out cute. Your tutorial was very clear. Thanks again!
Love!!!
I just used your tutorial to make a stuff bag for my ErgoBaby! It was just what I needed, thank you!