Progress Menu
x
Home / Bags / Accessories, Bags, Home and Decor
This pattern is copyrighted 2021 to Rebecca Page by app.youmakehq.com
Please feel free to make garments from this pattern to sell. If you do, we would love you to include a credit to app.youmakehq.com as the pattern designer, but it is up to you.
The finished product may only be sold by crafters. It may not be mass produced. You can only sell the finished product; you cannot sell the pattern or these instructions.
Best of luck and happy sewing!
14
![]()
![]()
Drawstring Pouch Sewing Pattern
Member Rating
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Equipment Needed
Description
Perfect for tidy storage, the Drawstring Pouch Sewing Pattern comes together in less than an hour. Fully lined, the multi-function pouch features a customizable flap, secure fastening, optional internal pocket, and optional drawstring toggles.
Not a member yet? Click here to sign up
- +Preparation
- Drawstring – ¼ inch wide cord, ribbon, or a strong trim. Elastic cord is also possible however use a sturdy weight or it will stretch but not actually pull the opening closed.
- Small size – approximately 2 ¼ yards maximum
- Large size – approximately 3 ¼ yards maximum.
- OPTIONAL Toggles – 2x toggles to fit the above cord or ribbon. You will need the type that have two holes (where the cord goes in one hole and out the other), not the type with just one hole.
- OPTIONAL Pocket – 1x 7-inch-long zipper for the Small pouch, or 1x 8-inch-long zipper for the Large pouch
- OPTIONAL Bias Binding – we have included pattern pieces for creating the Flap Bias Tape and the Drawstring Casing. However, you can use shop bought binding if you prefer. You will need 0.75 of ½ inch wide double fold:
- Small size – approximately 2 yards of 1 inch
- Large size – approximately 3 yards of 1 inch
- ¾-inch-wide Sew in hook and loop tape – 1 ½ inch long strip
- TIP – Using adhesive backed hook and loop tape is not recommended. The adhesive will cause your needle to become sticky and can cause harm to your sewing machine.
- OR 1x Snap. This can be used in place of the hook and loop tape.
- Light or medium weight iron on interfacing – 1 piece approximately 10×30 inches for either size
- Thread to match
- Flap Bias Tape – Fabric cut 1 (on the bias)
- Flap – Fabric cut 1, Lining cut 1, Interfacing cut 2
- Pouch – Fabric cut 1, Lining cut 1
- Drawstring Channel – Fabric cut 2 (on the bias)
- OPTIONAL Pocket – Lining cut 2, Interfacing cut 1
- 1x Drawstring – see cut chart above
- 1x Hook & Loop Tape – Cut 1.5 inches long
Project OverviewDrawstring Pouch
Difficulty Level = Beginner
This is a multi-function drawstring pouch pattern. It is a double-sided circular pouch that pulls tight with a drawstring either side with an optional toggle. A flap with hook & loop tape then holds it closed. An optional pocket is perfect for small items such as jewellery or tiny toys.
There are two sizes – small and large. The small size is perfect for makeup, small tools, a pencil case and all kinds of little treats. The large size makes a fantastic tidy-all for toys, buttons, zips, cookie cutters, toy trains or anything else you can imagine! Decorate the flap to personalise it as a wonderful gift.
Our Facebook group is a great place to get help, share your tips and creations! We are a friendly bunch, and we love to help and see what you have made.
Please read the full instructions before getting started.
Wash, dry, and press your fabric before starting your project. A bit of prep now prevents shrinking and means your garment will stay the same size you made it.
Never leave a child or baby unattended or allow to sleep in a garment made from one of our patterns with ties, snaps, buttons, or anything they could remove, choke on, or get caught on. Always use caution if you are unsure. We love our patterns, but we love your bundles of joy more!
SizingSize Range
S, L
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Circumference laying flat
S
21.0
L
31.0
When the drawstring is pulled tight, the size will depend on how much is inside it.
Materials and ToolsSuitable fabrics are medium-weight woven fabrics (e.g. 100% cotton, cotton blend, quilting cotton, rayon).
If you wish to have the pouch wipe clean, you could use a shower or water-proof fabric such as PUL, nylon, goretex, softshell, or ripstop for either the main fabric (exterior) and/or the lining (interior). In the photos in the tutorial we have used a wipe clean fabric for the lining, and a quilting cotton for the main fabric.
* Do not use a knit/stretch fabric
Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)
Main
Lining
Bias Tape
S
0.75
0.75
1.00
L
1.00
1.00
1.25
Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Main
Lining
Bias Tape
S
0.75
0.75
1.00
L
1.00
1.00
1.25
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
Tools needed are, sewing machine, pins, scissors, tape measure or ruler and an optional zipper foot. A serger/overlocker is optional but not required. You will also need a safety pin, bobby pin or similar to thread the drawstring through the casing
Printing Your PatternSettings
The pattern is a separate download. Choose either the US letter paper, A4 paper, or A0 paper size based on the printer you wish to use. If you are in the US or Canada then your printer will likely use US letter paper. Other regions normally use A4 paper. Some people prefer to print their patterns at a print shop: A0 is best in this case.
Print at 100%.
On the second page, you will find a 1-inch and a 3-inch square test box. Print this page first, on its own, and measure these squares.
Once you are happy that the test box is accurate, print the rest of the pattern pages.
Please follow this video for information and assistance on assembling this pattern.
Also, please note that some Rebecca Page patterns and projects also come with cut files and a printable design page which you can use to plan your project if you wish. These are provided in a separate section below to avoid any confusion!
+US Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the US Files
Pouch OPTIONAL Pockets Small 2-4, 7-15, 17-22 5-6 Large 2-5, 7-24 5-6 +A4 Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the A4 Files
Pouch OPTIONAL Pockets Small 3-5, 8-13, 15-23 6-7 Large 2-5, 8-25 6-7 Cutting InstructionsCut each of the pieces according to the directions on the pattern piece. Seam allowances are all included so just cut them as is.
Cutting fabric on the bias can take up a lot of fabric. To save fabric, you can cut the Drawstring Casing pieces in 2 sections. To do this, fold the pattern piece in half and add ¼ inch to the length. For each of the 2x Drawstring Casings, cut this pattern piece twice. Place the fabric right sides together, stitch the short end using a ¼ inch seam allowance, press it open, open the fabric out and check it is now the correct length of the original pattern piece.
Cutting Charts – All pattern pieces are included, however if you prefer to cut using a cutting chart, the dimensions for the rectangular pieces (in INCHES) are below:
Small
Large
Width
Length
Width
Length
Flap Bias Tape
Fabric cut 1 (on the bias)
2.00
20.00
2.00
24.00
Drawstring Channel
Fabric cut 2 (on the bias)
4.00
33.50
4.00
49.00
Drawstring
Drawstring cut 1
0.25
82.00
0.25
115.00
OPTIONAL Pocket
Lining cut 2, Interfacing cut 1
9.00
7.00
10.00
8.00
Cutting Checklist:
- Drawstring – ¼ inch wide cord, ribbon, or a strong trim. Elastic cord is also possible however use a sturdy weight or it will stretch but not actually pull the opening closed.
- + Instructions
- INTERFACING – Apply iron on interfacing to both the Main Flap and Flap Lining pieces. If you are doing the OPTIONAL Pocket, add interfacing to 1x Pocket piece.
- PATTERN MARKINGS – Transfer all pattern markings.
- OPTIONAL POCKET – Place Pouch Lining right side up. Place interfaced Pocket piece right side down at pattern marking. The zip marking should be facing towards the outside of the Pouch circle (closest to the Flap marking on the Pouch piece). Stitch the outside rectangle. Cut the center and diagonal lines. Push the Pocket through the hole to the wrong side of the Pouch Lining. Press. Stitch zipper to right side of Pocket. Stitch non-interfaced Pocket onto the interfaced Pocket, right sides together. Either serge/overlock the raw edges or stitch a second time.
- OPTIONAL FLAP BIAS TAPE – Create double fold bias tape using pattern piece.
- FLAP – Fold Flap Lining in half vertically and finger press. Stitch loop tape or attach snap at center 1 inch from top raw edge. Place the Main Flap and Flap Lining right sides together. Stitch the top straight edge. Trim. Turn Flap right sides out and press. Baste the Main Flap and Flap Lining together along the curved edges. Pin Flap Bias Tape to curved edges of Flap, matching centers. Trim each end of the Flap Bias Tape so it is ½ inch longer. Turn it under itself. Pin. Stitch.
- ATTACH FLAP – Lay Main Pouch Lining right side facing up. Stitch hook tape to marking or attach snap. Place Flap onto Pouch Main, Lining right side facing up, matching the straight edge to the pattern marking. Stitch a narrow rectangle.
- POUCH – Place Main Pouch and Pouch Lining wrong sides together. Flip Flap into center of Pouch Lining. Pin out the way. Baste all the way around the outside. Finish raw edge if your fabric is likely to fray.
- DRAWSTRING CASING – Create double fold bias tape using pattern piece. Pin each Drawstring Casing to the Pouch leaving a gap between the edge to create a channel. Stitch using a ⅛ inch and then a ¼ inch seam allowance.
- DRAWSTRING – Insert the Drawstring through the gap in the Drawstring Casing on one side. Thread it all the way around the circle, then bring it back out again at the gap in the Drawstring Casing on the opposite side of the circle. Attach toggle or knot, thread it through the other section, inserting end through optional toggle. Measure 3-inch length, cut and knot together leaving 1 inch tail.
- Fold in half along its length, wrong sides together and press
- Unfold
- Fold the raw edges into the center fold and press
- Refold the center fold so the raw edges are now inside, and it is folded like double sided bias tape
- Mark the center
Quick Glance Cheat Sheet¼ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ⅛ inch
Preparation –
Sewing –
0 . PreparationSeam Allowance
¼ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ⅛ inch
0.1Interfacing
Apply iron on interfacing to both the Main Flap and Flap Lining pieces, using the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your Pouch fabric is on the lighter side, also apply a scrap of interfacing behind where the Flap will be attached to stengthen this area.
If you are doing the OPTIONAL Pocket, add interfacing to 1x Pocket piece.
0.2Pattern Markings
Use tailors chalk or a disappearing fabric marker to mark the Flap, Drawstring Casing and Hook & Loop Tape markings on the right side of the Main Pouch fabric.
If you are doing the OPTIONAL Pocket, add the Pocket marking onto the right side of the Pouch Lining fabric.
Do not add the zip marking on the Pocket piece yet.
Transfer the zip markings onto the interfaced side of the Pocket piece.
0.3Decoration
If you wish to have any embroidery, cut files, appliques or other decoration onto the Flap (for example initials, a name, or a design), apply this either by machine or hand to one Flap piece now.
1 . OPTIONAL Pocket1.0If you are not doing the Pocket, skip to step 2. If you are doing the Pocket, follow along below.
1.1Place the Pouch Lining right side up. Place the interfaced Pocket piece right side down onto the Pouch, lining up the Pocket markings.
The zip marking should be facing towards the outside of the Pouch circle (closest to the Flap marking on the Pouch piece).
Pin in place.
1.2Stitch around the outside rectangle on the zip marking.
1.3Carefully cut through the center and diagonal lines on the zip marking. Take care to clip close to the stitching but not clip through it on the corners.
TIP – Use the very tip of small scissors for maximum control. Fold the fabric in half along the line and snip into the line first. Then flatten the fabric out and cut along the line, still using the tip of the scissors.
TIP – If you don’t clip close enough, the corners won’t turn through very neatly in the next step. If you clip too close it will make a hole. Take care and clip less than you think you need to. If you find it won’t lay flat after turning through, you can turn it back and clip a little more. If you clip too much though, you can’t undo it.
1.4Take out the pins. Push the Pocket piece through the hole so it is on the wrong side of the Pouch Lining.
1.5Press so the opening is nice and neat.
1.6Place the zipper underneath the Pocket piece, centering it in the middle of the hole, right sides together. Pin in place.
TIP – Pin from the right side of the Pouch Lining.
1.7Topstitch all the way around the zipper, approximately ⅛ inch from the folded edges of the hole.
Pivot at the corners by putting the needle into the fabric, lifting the presser foot, turning the fabric 90 degrees, putting the presser foot down again and continue sewing.
TIP – Depending on the width of your presser foot, you may need to use a zipper foot for this step. If you are unsure, change to a zipper foot just in case. It will give you more room as you sew.
TIP – If the zipper pull is getting in your way, open the zipper so it is half open before you sew. Sew part way down and then put the needle into the fabric, lift the presser foot up, move the zipper pull past the presser foot, put the presser foot down and continue.
1.8Lay the Pouch Lining wrong side facing up. Place the non-interfaced Pocket piece onto the interfaced Pocket piece, right sides together. Pin in place.
NOTE – You are only pinning the two Pocket pieces together.
2 . OPTIONAL Flap Bias Tape2.0If you are using shop bought bias binding, skip to step 3. If you are using the pattern pieces to create your bias tape, follow below.
2.1We are going to fold the Flap Bias Tape piece now, so it is ready to use.
Fold the Flap Bias Tape in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press.
2.2Open the Flap Bias Tape piece out flat again. Fold both raw edges into the middle and press.
2.3Fold in half again and press. The raw edges should now be tucked inside, and the piece folded like double fold bias tape.
3 . Flap3.1Fold the Flap Lining in half vertically and press the fold with your fingers to create a slight indent.
3.2Place the loop (furry) side of the hook and loop so it is running along the center of the fold, starting 1 inch from the top raw edge of the Flap Lining. Pin.
OPTIONAL: If you would prefer to use a snap, insert the snap here using the manufacturer’s instructions.
3.3Stitch in place.
3.4Place the Main Flap and Flap Lining right sides together. Pin the top straight edge.
3.6Turn the Flap right sides out and press.
3.8There are several ways to attach Bias Tape to the curved edge of the Flap. If you have a preferred method, do this now. Alternatively, here is how I like to do it.
Fold both the Flap Bias Tape and Flap (curved edges) in half to find the center points. Mark these with a pin.
3.9Slip the Flap inside the Flap Bias Tape, matching center points, so it butts right up inside. Pin in place.
3.10Following the curve of the Flap, continue to butt the raw edges of the Flap inside the Flap Bias Tape and pin all the way along.
3.11When you get to the end, trim the Flap Bias Tape so it is ½ inch longer than the Flap on either end.
3.12Turn this ½ inch under on itself, making sure the raw edges are tucked inside. Pin.
TIP – Fold little triangles in the very corners of the Flap Bias Tape to hide the raw edges if they are exposed.
3.13Stitch approximately ⅛ inch from the folded edges of the Flap Bias Tape to hold it in place.
4 . Attach Flap4.1Lay the Pouch Main right side facing up.
Apply the hook (scratchy) side of the hook & loop tape as marked on the pattern piece.
Stitch in place.
OPTIONAL: If you added a snap to the Flap, insert the matching snap here using the manufacturer’s instructions.
4.2Place the Flap onto the Pouch Main, with the Main right side facing up, matching the straight edge to the pattern marking. The curved edge of the Flap should be pointing out of the circular Pouch piece. Pin in place.
4.3Stitch a narrow rectangle along the straight edge of the Flap. Start ¼ inch from the edge of the Flap, then stitch a rectangle that is approximately ½ inch wide.
5 . Pouch5.1Place the Main Pouch and Pouch Lining wrong sides together.
Flip the Flap into the center of the Pouch Main. Pin in place so it is out of the way.
Baste all the way around the outside using a ⅛ to ¼ inch basting stitch. Keep the Flap away from your stitching. You should only be stitching through the two layers of Pouch fabric.
This basting stitch will not be removed so again, if you prefer, you can use a regular straight stitch. The key is to make sure it is less than ¼ inch from the raw edge, so it is hidden in the finished item.
If your fabric is likely to fray, continue to step 5.2. Otherwise skip to step 6.
6 . Drawstring Casing6.0If you are using shop bought bias binding, skip to step 6.2. If you are using the pattern pieces to create your bias tape, follow below.
6.1Fold both Drawstring Casing pieces in the same way you did the Flap Bias Tape during step 2:
6.2We are going to attach the Drawstring Casing to the Pouch in the same way we did with the Flap Bias Tape, however instead of butting the Pouch all the way inside the Drawstring Casing, we are only going to butt it approximately half way inside.
The two Drawstring Casings will meet up to create a full circle around the Pouch.
The markings on the Pouch pattern piece for the Drawstring Casing mark where the two edges meet.
Start by folding the Pouch in half, matching the markings for the Drawstring Casing together. Mark the halfway point vertically at the top and bottom of the Pouch circle with a pin.
6.3Slip the raw edges of the Pouch half-way into one of the Drawstring Casing pieces, matching centers. Pin in place.
6.4Loosely feed the raw edges of the Pouch into the Drawstring Casing all the way around to the Drawstring Casing markings on one side of the Pouch.
6.5Measure ½ inch past the markings and cut any excess Drawstring Casing off.
6.6Take the end of the Drawstring Casing piece and carefully unfold it at one end. Do not press it open, just unfold with your fingers.
Fold the short raw edge over by ½ inch to the wrong side. Press gently.
6.7Refold the sides so it is as it was after step 6.4, but with the short raw edge tucked inside.
6.8Slip the raw edges of the Pouch half-way into the Drawstring Casing piece, matching the end of the Drawstring Casing piece and the Drawstring Casing marking on the Pouch pattern piece. Pin in place.
6.9Slip the rest of the Pouch raw edges more accurately half-way into the Drawstring Casing in between the places already pinned. Pin in place.
6.10Repeat steps 6.3 to 6.9 with the second Drawstring Casing and the other half of the Pouch.
7 . Drawstring7.1Attach the cord to whatever you will be using to thread it through the casing.
Here I am using an elastic threader and I have clipped the cord into where you would normally clip an elastic. You could also thread one end of the cord through a safety pin or bobby pin.
7.2Insert the Drawstring through the gap in the Drawstring Casing on one side. Thread it all the way around the circle, then bring it back out again at the gap in the Drawstring Casing on the opposite side of the circle.
Pull enough Drawstring through that you would be able to go all the way around the rest of the circle and still have a small tail.
7.3If you are doing Toggles, thread the Drawstring through one of the toggles. If not, skip to step 7.4.
7.4Thread the Drawstring through the other section of Drawstring Casing, then bring it back out again.
If you are doing the Toggles skip to step 7.6.
7.5If you are not doing the Toggles, wiggle the Drawstring about until it is evenly distributed around the Pouch, and the Pouch is flat.
Then measure a 3-inch length of Drawstring on each tail and cut so both tails of Drawstring are the same length. Tie the tails together approximately 1 inch away from the Pouch. You are now finished.
7.6If you are doing the Toggles, insert the Drawstring through one hole in the other Toggle. Insert the other end of the Drawstring through the other hole in the Toggle.
Stretch the Pouch out flat so there are no creases, and the Drawstring is pulled taut (not tight, just smooth/taut with no wrinkles).
Tie the two ends of Drawstring firmly together. Trim the ends of the Drawstring to approximately 1 inch long each.
Your Drawstring Pouch is finished!
- + Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Congratulations, your Drawstring Pouch is done. Enjoy!
We would love to hear how you got on and see photos of your finished project!
Join us at our Facebook Group, tag us on Instagram, or use the hashtag #rpdrawstringmakeuppouch.
Thank you for using a Rebecca Page pattern.
© Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved
Sales + Licencing InformationProject OverviewDrawstring Pouch
Difficulty Level = Beginner
This is a multi-function drawstring pouch pattern. It is a double-sided circular pouch that pulls tight with a drawstring either side with an optional toggle. A flap with hook & loop tape then holds it closed. An optional pocket is perfect for small items such as jewellery or tiny toys.
There are two sizes – small and large. The small size is perfect for makeup, small tools, a pencil case and all kinds of little treats. The large size makes a fantastic tidy-all for toys, buttons, zips, cookie cutters, toy trains or anything else you can imagine! Decorate the flap to personalise it as a wonderful gift.
SizingSize Range
S, L
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Circumference laying flat
S
21.0
L
31.0
When the drawstring is pulled tight, the size will depend on how much is inside it.
Materials and ToolsSuitable fabrics are medium-weight woven fabrics (e.g. 100% cotton, cotton blend, quilting cotton, rayon).
If you wish to have the pouch wipe clean, you could use a shower or water-proof fabric such as PUL, nylon, goretex, softshell, or ripstop for either the main fabric (exterior) and/or the lining (interior). In the photos in the tutorial we have used a wipe clean fabric for the lining, and a quilting cotton for the main fabric.
* Do not use a knit/stretch fabric
Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)
Main
Lining
Bias Tape
S
0.75
0.75
1.00
L
1.00
1.00
1.25
Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)
Main
Lining
Bias Tape
S
0.75
0.75
1.00
L
1.00
1.00
1.25
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
- Drawstring – ¼ inch wide cord, ribbon, or a strong trim. Elastic cord is also possible however use a sturdy weight or it will stretch but not actually pull the opening closed.
- Small size – approximately 2 ¼ yards maximum
- Large size – approximately 3 ¼ yards maximum.
- OPTIONAL Toggles – 2x toggles to fit the above cord or ribbon. You will need the type that have two holes (where the cord goes in one hole and out the other), not the type with just one hole.
- OPTIONAL Pocket – 1x 7-inch-long zipper for the Small pouch, or 1x 8-inch-long zipper for the Large pouch
- OPTIONAL Bias Binding – we have included pattern pieces for creating the Flap Bias Tape and the Drawstring Casing. However, you can use shop bought binding if you prefer. You will need 0.75 of ½ inch wide double fold:
- Small size – approximately 2 yards of 1 inch
- Large size – approximately 3 yards of 1 inch
- ¾-inch-wide Sew in hook and loop tape – 1 ½ inch long strip
- TIP – Using adhesive backed hook and loop tape is not recommended. The adhesive will cause your needle to become sticky and can cause harm to your sewing machine.
- OR 1x Snap. This can be used in place of the hook and loop tape.
- Light or medium weight iron on interfacing – 1 piece approximately 10×30 inches for either size
- Thread to match
Tools needed are, sewing machine, pins, scissors, tape measure or ruler and an optional zipper foot. A serger/overlocker is optional but not required. You will also need a safety pin, bobby pin or similar to thread the drawstring through the casing
- Drawstring – ¼ inch wide cord, ribbon, or a strong trim. Elastic cord is also possible however use a sturdy weight or it will stretch but not actually pull the opening closed.