How to Sew a Simple Drawstring Bag (Daily Vlogs - Tuesday 28th April 2020)

ko-fi.com/litt...
Ravelry and Instagram - starryeyesali
A Day in the Life of an ordinary girl (who’s slightly obsessed with yarn) during an extraordinary time.
Relevant links to stuff I go on about:
To make your bag you will need:
Contrast fabric (bag bottom) - 11” x 5” - cut two
Main fabric (bag top) - 11” x 6.5” - cut two
Lining fabric - 11” x 11” - cut two
Drawstring casings - 11” x 2.5” - cut two
Drawstring cord
Any embellishments such as d-rings or handles etc (in this tutorial I add a d-ring from an old bag, and make a quick and simple handle).
Interfacing (optional, not used in this tutorial)
Window Decorations Ravelry bundle - www.ravelry.co...
Window Decorations Ravelry thread - www.ravelry.co...
My channel is about crochet, knitting, yarn, crafts and all the good stuff - as well as regular daily vlogs. I live in Kent, in the UK, with my long-suffering husband and my 2 delightful daughters.)
I hope you enjoy my vlogs, I try to make them a mix of reality and fun. In these uncertain times both are important.
Enjoy, wash your hands, stay home!
Ali xx

[@joankiely3614]

You are an absolute sweetheart!! I have been to countless “how to make a bag” classes & believe me they were not that cheap to enrol, & have not got as much demonstration as you have just given. In fact one class I even left in tears 😢. Therefore I now have a hang up when it comes to making bags. I just loved your tutorial for which I’m very grateful, & think that you should stop calling them “dodgy” bags! 🤫. I usually think about the steps of the bag & then spend about an hour procrastinating about whether I should start or not. I will always keep this tutorial saved now as I admire how in between everything that was going on at your house, you managed to choose the fabric, cut out all the pieces & sew up a fabulous bag as well as showing all the steps you did, very clearly. I for one, can’t thank you enough 😇😇. Cheers for a fabulous tutorial that I will always keep handy. 🥰❤️😍😊💕😘

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad it helped! I was worried it was too...well...dodgy 😅 I’m so glad you liked it! 🥰

[@janetjenkins1941]

For a "dodgy" bag, I thought that was an excellent tutorial. All your seams matched perfectly and the bag looked amazing. 👍🏻😀

[@alisonbutler6743]

How funny, I found a two co-ordinating pillowcases a couple of days ago (left by campers) that I thought would make a nice bag, but I don't have a sewing machine. I was only thinking last night whether it would be possible to make a simple drawstring bag using my overlocker. Your tutorial is really helpful, as it is years since I have stitched anything. If it happens I will show you the result!

[@karenraiserhumphrey9588]

Hello Ali thanks for sharing your Beautiful idea‘s greetings from switzerland Karen

[@pozzichiara]

Excuse me if I will write in Italian but I’m afraid not to be able to express my thought properly in English. Che il Cielo ti benedica! Io passo giorni a chiedermi se sarò capace di cucire quella borsa o quel sacchetto. E se poi non mi viene bene? E se sbaglio a tagliare? E invece tu hai dimostrato che le imperfezioni si possono accettare e che, anzi, accettarle fa bene alla nostra vita Many many thanks ❤❤❤

[@suebrown436]

Thank you for this Ali. You made it look so easy - if I do have a go, I will be stitching everything by hand as I don't have a sewing machine and don't really have a clue how to use one. I am definitely inspired by your tutorial though.

[@sunidollfun]

I loved your tutorial. It's liberating. Thanks for taking the time to share your methods.

[@helenmiles4826]

That was fab, thank you. You’ve inspired me to get my sewing machine out - which i haven’t used for years! 🙃 x

[@ericallerton809]

It's a lovely dodgey bag ,ALI!,, Thanks so much for taking g the time!!!! I am going to try,one ,,, I will pick out some material,,,, Almost seems like more ironing than sewing! Which is good,,,I hate sewing,,, Elaine🏡🏠😍😍😍

[@ruthh6965]

Im going to have to see if I can borrow a friends sewing machine and give this a try it looks great :)

[@peggymacmichael9788]

Hello from Nova Scotia Canada! Just love your video, cannt wait to see more of them. Love that you up cycle everything. I use bed sheets which are usually the best cotton from the thrift store. Make great backs for quilts and lining. Please stay safe

[@juneculbert4177]

I like your tutorials only too much talking i am 93

[@MiMi-ox8nz]

You never cease to amaze me. You keep finding time to do another awesome project! Love your beautiful bag, oh and by the way, it is far from dodgy. Well done, Ali.

[@bonniefaller9009]

I think I can do this! (Even though I haven’t sewn anything in years!) Now to get my sewing machine back from my daughter...

[@barbarah9741]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial! I could never quite figure out how to get it all together and it look so neat and professionally done! Your bag is beautiful!

[@melaniehaslam4048]

Gorgeous, fantastic, doesn’t look dodgy at all, great tutorial. Perfect for me 👍thank you ❤️❤️

[@susannebutler8723]

Ali, that was fabulous, a really great tutorial, well done, the bag is beautiful and the colours you chose are lovely xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Ah thank you Susanne! That means a lot from you as I know what an amazing sewer you are 🥰 😘

[@jennifersteel166]

Hi Ali, your sewing set up is the same as mine and so is your way of doing it as well, Your bag turned out great. I love watching you and your family on these vlogs, I look forward to them, thanks for doing them x

[@conniewatson1659]

I think you did and awesome job !! I know I'm not perfect in sewing,. But I will definitely give it a try,.. your bag is so cute,... 😁🙂😊👍👏🤗 Thank you for this tutorial....

[@fionatomlinson7598]

Hi Ali ..... I'm a new subscriber and love your podcasts, you are keeping me company whilst I'm crocheting a very large blanket 🙂 xx I think your bag tutorial is brilliant, you have inspired me to get my sewing machine out again, I've made some templates out of wallpaper lining and written the sizes and instructions on each piece, I've sorted some fabric out, I'm upcycling too, using jeans and an ikea egyptian cotton quilt cover. The only thing I cant seem to find is a suitable cord, Ive looked through Ebay and Amazon with no luck, I know you are super busy, but could you point me in the right direction where to buy cord from and which thickness you have used ...... I'm very keen to make my first dodgy bag lol 😊🌻 xx Thank you Ali xxx

[@thoughtsofjoyk]

Great job, Ali! I think you have given those wannabe bag makers hope! 👍🙂 After trying several different patterns, I make the one you demonstrated the most - in many different sizes. I make my boxed bottoms like you by cutting the squares instead of the folded pointed way. To me, it’s much easier. I want to get some cord as my drawstrings, but I have so much ribbed ribbon that I can’t justify buying any. The different colored ribbed ribbon works great, but I like the look of the rope. Your bag turned out fabulously! The fabric choices are beautiful. 😊 Oh! I know one thing I can share with you - like you cut out the pattern on paper, you can also cut out squares of different sizes for your boxed bottoms, so you don’t have to measure those every time. I have a little baggy full of different sized cardboard squares. 😆

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

What a great idea for the little square templates! I’ve never thought of that...I’ll definitely do that from now on😃👍🏻 Thank you Joy 😘

[@jillfoster6369]

Watching this is 2023 and it is fabulous. Now I will go and make a dodgy bag for my stuff 😂❤

[@DixieGirl9876]

I'm with you there and upcycling old clothes, curtains, table cloths, cushion covers, (the hardware from them too) you name it. It's a great source of fabric and re-using something too, a win -win. I'm joining in with the dodgy bag MAL and stitch Maynia this year and I need some cross stitch project bags, some of those will be made with upcycled fabric for sure. I use ribbon a lot of the time for draw strings, holds up well. I too just 'wing it' when making them. For the box bottom, I just sew it as is (no cutting)then turn it , line up the seams and sew across at an angle across the corner tip. (sometimes I cut that tip off afterwards, sometimes not.) Whatever works right?! haha Well done, thanks for sharing!

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I just love how “unprofessional “ you are. It makes me feel more comfortable trying things like this because I’m not accurate or professional by the least! I don’t have a craft room, I work in very limited area in my living room, and find whatever way I can that works for me. So from one craft as you go loads to another...thank you!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you so much Amy! Unprofessional is my middle name! I’m so glad this tutorial worked for you 😘

[@opheliabells]

really cute bag and love the fabric although I felt like the fabric needed some little honey bees mixed around with the flowers. I'll be joining your DodgyBag sew-along on Ravelry for the first time, just heard about it while watching your podcast.. I could use some sewing motivation.

[@Lunasterknit]

Thank you for this explanation of how to make this simple drawstring dodgy bag I will go trough my stash of fabricks and will make me one ( ore more ) bag(s ) ! I will go and look for something i can use as a drawstring because i don`t think i have that but i do have some nice ribbon and lace bits that will do the job . Have a lovely day !

[@marymatthewshandmade4720]

Thank you ... I’m so having a go at one of those 🥰🥰xx

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Let me know how you get on Mary! 🤗✨

[@marymatthewshandmade4720]

Little Drops of Wonderful I certainly will 🌸💕xx

[@EvieBear236]

A rotary cutter and mat would work really nicely for the cutting. You wouldn’t have to mark your fabric. Just another way to cut out the fabric.😍

[@suedale1865]

Barbara Plautz Ali didn’t need gadgets she did brilliantly & most folk only have scissors

[@marybongers2558]

Thank you so much for the dodgy bag tutorial, it was perfect. I’ll be now making myself some. 😊

Müthiş bir çalışma arkadaşım bende kanalıma beklerim destek için teşekkür ederim 😊😊🙏🙏

[@elisaksgard462]

Thank you for the tutorial, it was great! 👍 And the bag looks beautiful, and not dodgy at all! 🤩 I will totally use this one the next time I'm sewing a bag, the boxed bottom was so much easier done this way than on the tutorial I've used before 😄👌

[@susangoodwin7241]

Oh Ali! Hello from Nova Scotia. Your tutorial is SO GOOD!!! Thank you so much. It just simplified everything. I'm a dodgy kind of girl myself so this was perfect!

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Oh I’m so glad, thanks Susan! Dodgy bags here you come!

[@orlamcgettrick8309]

This is brilliant. Thank you so much. I'm not s good sewer but this was so achievable. Thank you

[@CozyCornerCK]

I know I’m late to watching this, but does anyone have any tips on how to finish the lining where the gap was? I can’t seem to figure it out.

[@debrapete995]

Awsome!! So relatable to me. I hate "fussy". Thank you. Now off to my sewing machine. I got this.

[@sandrataylor6507]

Ali, I’ve made one 🎉👍😊. Made lots of mistakes but I will make another one. Your tutorial was great. Thank you. I haven’t done any sewing for years and years x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Great to hear Sandra!! ❤️😘

[@sandrataylor118]

Made 6 now Ali. I’m really on a roll. Wish I could send you a pic but don’t know how to do it on here x

[@helenoreillylong9497]

Gorgeous. I might have to try this when I can get a bit of fabric.

[@carriagecottage1257]

Excellent Ali! Thank you for always being a wealth of information!🧶🧦❤️

[@mariannelasala8009]

Excellent! Thank you so much! I’m inspired to go make one.

[@heathertucker7056]

Ali thank you so much! I really wanted to attempt to make a bag and I think I can follow you doing yours ok! Thank you for fitting this tutorial into your extremely busy day and it is much appreciated xx If it is anywhere near a bag when I’ve finished it I will add it to the MAL!

[@MokkiLife]

I would also like to see, do you make a project bag out of the old pants/jeans any differently than the flat piece of fabric? 🛍 👖

[@sweetpeasouthernhome]

Wonderful tutorial! I’ve been making dodgy bags for years lol. Yours came out beautifully 😊

[@Veronika-ft6lj]

That is about as much precision as I put into my sewing! I like how you did the top of it, I don't use proect bags but if I ever need one I might give this a go :)

[@jennydawson1281]

Make s me want to sew more ,I m ake mine in a similar way but I prefer how you did the box bottom.Day o ff tomorrow think the machine will be out !

[@gailjackson4923]

Ali, this is lovely! Thank you for taking the time to record this video for all future dodgy bag makers. You are a dear!! 💕 from Canada.

[@peggymcc3976]

3 cheers for the dodgey bag and its funny, creative, smart maker!!

[@rossiej100]

A great tutorial, Ali. Thank you so much.xxx

[@hannievanballegooy7180]

That is not a dodgy bag that is a beautiful bag you can put your bag in your shop whit your pins. The tutorial is great.👍👍👍

[@annegallant2786]

Fabulous tutorial, thanks! I can’t wait to dig into my fabric stash to make one.🥰

[@nicolanewington1798]

One teeny piece of advice is to measure your boxed squares from the sewn seam line, not the edge of the fabric, or it won't be square.

[@traceyroutledge5624]

Thank you so much Ali for this tutorial. I have watched it many times over and I finely made one today !!! I really do not know why I left it all these months to do so. Your instructions were very easy to follow for a complete beginner like me. I took my time, (in-between walking the dog and cooking dinner - busy mums eh!). I am new to sewing, quilting, crochet and knitting so of course I need a project bag or 10! I am going to try your zipped bag next! Thank you again Ali x

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

This is so good to hear Tracey! Thanks for letting me know, it sounds like you sew like me - in between all the other things! :) 😘

[@dorididit]

OMG. I LOVE, LOVE, SO LOVE absolutely love your tutorial on this awesome bag!!!I Now running around my house and will be sewing one today. I have everything even a D ring. Great job! 2nd podcast now I am totally going to watch them all. Thankyou for sharing ♡♡♡ Dori from Virginia US

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Yay! Let me know how it goes 😘

[@jeantruesdale2706]

Thbank you so much for this, I have used it to make several bags , to use for gifts.

[@Izzyscushion]

That was brilliant, thank you ❤️🧵🙂💕💕

[@AlwaysGratefulGracey]

Nice! Thanks! Can you pls share how to make a bean bag cover?

[@lauralea86]

Excellent! Thank you. Stay Safe and be WELL!

[@chrismitchell4583]

That was great, thanks. I look forward to your daily blogs so much, I watch them each afternoon, it has made me feel part of your world. Keep well. Chris Mitchell

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you Chris, that’s so lovely to hear. Stay safe 😘

[@sarahsmithard8001]

It's so pretty! What do you use the D ring for on the finished bag?xx

[@ritawoods5058]

Not so very “dodgy”. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@37goodvibes]

Amazing!!! Love it! Love it! Love it!!!!!!! Love the fabric, love the design, and I am an admirer of your GENIOUS technique! allay needs now is find me a kitchen table full of happy family who's stuck at home

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😄😘 thank you! I use the d-ring to keep stitch markers on 😃

[@marybradley168]

Hi Ali, Just found your channel. Your drawstring bag turned out beautifully! New subscriber. Blessings from Canada, Mary

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you Mary! 😘

[@petitboutdelaine510]

Oh!Great!I'm so happy to find your tutorial.It's just what i want!I don't like sewing but i need bags to put inside my sweaters,socks,or shawls what i knit.❤❤❤from France

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

You are welcome 😊 I am so glad it was useful! Merci! x

[@jedediahgordon4064]

very nice. If one of the sides of the string sleeve doesnt get all the way sewn into the seem (32:50), you can fold those over and sew them straight to the bag to hide that edge, as well as it creates two seperate channels in case you use thinner string to prevent them from twisting in the channel over time.

[@rhondasmith4112]

Just love your doggy bag I’m not a professional sewer either I just wing it I think it’s the best it’s our own 🤪😂. Who is the sal with I couldn’t catch the name I got Claudia of crochet? Thank you blessings

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thanks Rhonda! I’m hosting the MAL with Claudia of the CrochetLuna podcast🤗

[@suziefab9532]

Hi just rewatched ready for this years bag mal.

[@ameeliamajid8140]

thank you.. perfect tutorial for beginner like me

[@julielines3281]

Oh that’s great thank you so much can’t wait to get started take care x 😊

[@angieroberts1277]

That dodgy bag was lovely. I liked your combination of fabrics. I furiously wrote the instructions down as you went along! I'm going to have a go. Also when your iron beeped I got up as I thought it was mine 😂😂😂😂

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

😂 My iron gets very insistent if I ignore it 😁

[@suedale1865]

Brilliant Ali you made it look easy no gadgets just scissors & ironing board genius to use ironing board perfect height & most folk have one 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank You Sue! 🥰

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Thank you so much for this fab tutorial. It’s not dodgy at all. I just need to order some drawstring cord and I can’t wait to make my first dodgy bag for your cal 😁

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Yay Sarah! So glad you’re joining in, whatever you make will be beautiful! 😘

[@priscaklatten5278]

two thumbs up !! gorgeous bag !! fabulous tutorial !! xo

[@momofpeg]

Great tutorial! I can't wait to make my dodgy bag!

[@adeleb7753]

I reverse the patterns for the front & the back of the pouch :))

[@trevndrea]

I love your sewing style, its just like mine!! :)

[@julie1807]

My sewing machine resides by the dining room table as well

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Lovely little yarn project bag. ♡

[@NaomisNeedles]

Honestly a 40 minute long tutorial is just what I need, thank you! So many tutorials go too fast, have music rather than speaking and sometimes they skip little tricks because they assume you know Thank you. Will nd making tonight ☺️

[@CindyHeartsCrochet]

thank you so much! this has helped me so much

[@vickithompson1840]

My kind of tutorial, loved it 😊😊😊

[@LUCKEY11202.]

Amazing tutorial, thank you 😊

[@reneewalker6925]

Great bag and tutuorial! Thanks

[@lindabrabant5744]

Thank you for doing this tutorial. It really was great and lots of tips that I will use for my first bag. Thanks again!!!

[@lindabrabant5744]

I made a bag!!!!! I’m so excited 😆 it won’t be the last. Thanks again

[@JuneParchment]

Love this tutorial. Awesome ❤

[@OLIVIA-mb9pb]

thanks for sharing. great idea using pants!

[@t-n-tcrochethookers6310]

Absolutely beautiful and extremely helpful and inspiring. Thank you.

[@craftingwithnorty4659]

I love this! Thank you ☺️

[@stephaniebenson2501]

Made this bag today. LOVE it! I’m not a fan of professional or precise either. I appreciate that about your instruction. Thank you from Florida USA.

[@NadineTouzet]

That's lovely, thank you!

[@sweetlavenderknits6670]

It was a lot of fun watching. and what a beatiful bag you made..and you've just shown me how much fun sewing can be when you don't take it too seriously :) I think i will be making some dodgy bags in my near future too..thankyou!!

[@suzettejennings6600]

You teach very well. Love the bag.

[@vitalsparkmassage]

Whoopie!!!! I finally made one and just in the nick of time :0)

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Woop woop!!! 🥳

[@wildflowerloops3860]

Thanks for this! I don't sew very well, but I want to try. This is giving me hope. You inspired me to order the replacement part I need to fix my machine! Your bag looks absolutely perfect to me!

[@vitalsparkmassage]

Hi Ali. What a joy to watch :0) I have a sewing machine that was given to me. My Mum serviced it for me ages ago, but i have been too nervous to get it out. A couple of days ago i got my box of materials that has old curtains, pillowcases etc out & some fabric i did buy but didn't have a clue how to make project bags. Now I do!!! Thanks for being so inspirational. No way does that look like a dodgy bag to me. Hugs Helen

[@julielines3281]

Hi thank you so much I’ve just followed your tutorial and I have now managed to make a hall sensible bag x 👍🏻😁 thanks again 😊

[@kamlapiano]

Thank you so much! This looks very professional to me! It's the best drawstring bag tutorial I've seen out of many. And I've learned how to do a box bottom and lining! The D ring is a nice extra. I can't wait to make one next weekend!❤❤❤

[@karenrafferty8364]

This is a great tutorial thanks a mill xx

[@sewcraftyjean3525]

Love your bag. The fabrics are gorgeous. I love the way you do the drawstring. I am going to join in with your dodgy bag mal. Yours was not dodgy at all. Hope you weren't too stressed by the end of the day. Vlogging, home schooling, making a bag and actual work as well. Plus cooking and other housework. You earned your superwoman badge today.!

[@JuneParchment]

Awesome. Thank you so much❤

[@mervatstiefsohn1016]

Perfect thank you so much ❤

[@michelleforbes7520]

Love the no nonsense approach. Great tutorial. Michelle UK

[@LittleDropsofWonderful]

Thank you Michelle! 😘