How to Sew an Easy Drawstring Pouch in Minutes

Sometimes you just want a sewing project that’s quick, fun, and actually useful… and an easy drawstring pouch is exactly that. I’ve made teeny ones for board game pieces and jewellery, medium ones for sewing supplies and large ones to use as dust bags for shoes. Honestly, once you’ve made one, you start spotting all sorts of things you could keep in them.

There are loads of different ways to sew a drawstring pouch, but today I’m showing you my absolute favourite. The easiest and quickest one I know. It only uses one piece of fabric, and I’ve got a couple of tricks to help you get a lovely, neat finish inside and out… no overlocker or serger needed.

Custom-Sized Drawstring Pouch: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Before you grab your scissors, the first thing you need to do is work out the size of the rectangle you’ll be cutting. This is what allows you to make the pouch in any size. To do that simply decide on the finished width and height of your drawstring pouch, then use those numbers to draw your rectangle. For example, if you want a pouch that’s 15 cm wide and 20 cm tall, draw a 15 cm × 20 cm rectangle.

Once you’ve drawn your basic rectangle, it’s time to adjust it so you have enough fabric for seam allowances and the drawstring tunnels.

• Add 3 cm (1 1/4″) to the width.
• Double the height (because we’re working with a single rectangle that will be folded along the bottom edge).
• Then add an extra 5 cm (2″) to the height to give you enough fabric for the drawstring tunnels at the top.

So in my example (finished size 15 cm × 20 cm), your adjusted cutting measurements would be:
Width: 15 cm + 3 cm = 18 cm (7 1/4″)
Height: (20 cm × 2) + 5 cm = 45 cm (18″)

Draw this adjusted rectangle and that’s the piece you’ll cut out.

Note: because this pouch is cut from one single piece of fabric and folded in half, make sure you use a plain fabric or something with a non-directional print. If your print has a top and bottom, it will end up upside down on the back of the pouch.

If you do want to use a directional print, just add a seam along the bottom instead of folding the fabric. That means you’ll cut two separate rectangles instead of one.

In that case, your cutting measurements will be:

• Width: finished width + 3 cm (1 1/4″)
• Height: finished height + 4 cm (1 5/8″) (that’s 2.5 cm (1″) for the tunnel at the top and 1.5 cm (5/8″) for the seam allowance at the bottom).

So for a pouch thas 20 cm (8″) tall and 15 cm (6″) wide, you’d cut two rectangles measuring 18 cm × 24 cm (7 1/4″ x 9 5/8″).

Let’s Sew: Easy Drawstring Pouch Tutorial

Now that you know the exact size of your rectangle (or rectangles), go ahead and press your fabric and cut it out neatly. With that done, it’s time to gather the rest of your tools to complete the project.

You’ll need a drawstring (cord or rope works perfectly), and a safety pin or bodkin to thread it through. You’ll also need fabric scissors, a sewing machine, needle and thread, pins or wonder clips, an iron and ironing mat, plus chalk or an erasable fabric pen and a ruler to mark your lines. Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to start sewing!

Step 1: Making the drawstring tunnel

Start by marking the tunnel placement on the wrong side of your fabric. Measure 4 cm (1 5/8″) down from both the top and bottom edges and draw a line across the width of the fabric. This is where the top edge of the drawstring tunnel will be folded later.

Next, on both short edges (the sides of the pouch), measure and mark 1.5 cm (5/8″) in from the edge — but only mark up to that first horizontal line. This will be your side seam allowance.

Note: I used a heat-erasable pen for this step, so I only marked the horizontal lines within the seam allowance.

At each corner, make a small diagonal snip inside the seam allowance, stopping just before the point where the two lines intersect. This little cut helps the fabric fold neatly later when we create the drawstring tunnel. Just be careful not to cut past the lines.

Fold the side seam allowance (that 1.5 cm (5/8″) you mared earlier) twice towards the wrong side of the fabric and press it flat with your iron. Do this on all four corners.

The easiest way is to bring the raw edge of the fabric in until it meets the vertical line, give it a quick press, then fold it in a second time using that first fold as your guide. Press it again so it stays nice and crisp.

This will become the little opening for your drawstring, so the neater and sharper it is, the better it’ll look once the pouch is finished.

Now, topstitch along the folded edges to keep them in place.

TIP: Stop your stitching at the vertical line, not at the diagonal edge of the fabric. This little trick makes the stitching look really neat and even on the right side of your pouch when it’s finished.

Next, fold the top and bottom edges of your fabric 1 cm (3/8″) towards the wrong sides of the fabric.

Here’s a trick I like to use: draw a line 2 cm (3/4″) from the edge of the fabric, then align the raw edge of the fabric along that line and press it flat with your iron. This helps create an even, neat fold along both the top and bottom edges.

Now fold the top and bottom edges a second time, this time aligning the fold with the first horizontal line you marked for the tunnel.

If you didn’t mark the line the first time, go ahead and draw it now, then fold the fabric over it and press flat with your iron.

Once folded, topstitch along the edge to secure the tunnel. This creates the channel for your drawstring and keeps everything neat and tidy.

Step 2: Prepare and sew the side seams

Before sewing the side seams, fold the little triangular “ears” at the top corners towards the right side of the fabric and press them flat.

We’ll be using a French seam for the sides, which hides all the raw edges and gives the pouch a really clean finish inside and out.

To start, fold the pouch in half with wrong sides together and line up the side edges. Pin them in place, then sew along the sides using a 5 mm (1/4″) seam allowance. This is the first step of the French seam.

Note: If you’re making your pouch from two pieces of fabric (for a directional print), you’ll also need to sew the seam along the bottom edge to join the two pieces together.

Take a moment to trim any fluff or loose threads along the edges.

Now turn the pouch inside out and press the side seams flat with your iron.

Sew the side (and bottom) edges again using a 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance. This completes the French seam, enclosing all raw edges and giving the sides a clean, professional finish.

Now turn your pouch right side out so the seams are hidden inside. Give the side seams a good press with your iron to make everything neat and crisp.

Step 2: Thread the drawstring

Now it’s time to feed the cord through the tunnels. Use a bodkin, safety pin, or a similar tool to help guide the cord through.

Start on one side of the pouch and thread it all the way around the tunnels. Once it’s through, cut the cord and tie a knot to keep it in place.

Repeat the same process on the other side of the pouch so both drawstrings are ready to pull and close the pouch.

And just like that, your drawstring pouch is finished! The beauty of this project is how versatile it is. You can use it to store sewing supplies, travel first aid kits, snacks, jewellery, or pretty much anything you like. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can really have fun with it: try different fabrics, add embroidery, trims, or patchwork to make each pouch unique. Because it’s so quick to sew, it’s perfect for experimenting and creating a whole collection in all shapes, sizes, and colours.

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial: Easy Drawstring Pouch

If you’d like to see this project in action, I’ve got a video tutorial on my YouTube channel where I go through every step of making this drawstring pouch. It’s a great way to follow along if you prefer watching rather than reading, and you can see exactly how I press, fold, and topstitch everything to get a neat finish.

Watch the tutorial here ⬇️

Share Your Makes

I’d love to see your creations! Share your finished pouches in my Facebook group or tag me @allsewpetite on Instagram or other social media. It’s so much fun to see how everyone puts their own spin on these pouches.

If you want to stay up to date and hear about new projects, you can join my newsletter. As a little thank you, you’ll also receive a free gift 😉. Perfect for your next sewing adventure!

More Quick Sewing Projects To Try!

If you loved making your drawstring pouch, these next projects are perfect for putting those leftover fabric scraps to good use. They’re quick, beginner-friendly, and a great way to practise your sewing skills while creating something practical and fun.

Mini Coin Pouch

A perfect little project to use up small fabric scraps. This cute pouch is quick to sew and ideal for coins, keys, or other tiny essentials. Check out the full tutorial here.

Easy Zipper Pouch

This versatile pouch comes in three sizes, making it perfect for everything from makeup and stationery to travel essentials. With clear instructions and beginner-friendly techniques, it’s a great little project to try. Check out the full tutorial here.

Eye Mask

Make a soft, comfortable eye mask in no time! This beginner-friendly project is perfect for relaxing at home or while travelling, and you can customise it with embroidery or fun fabrics. Check out the full tutorial here.

Got Ideas for Your Own Bag Designs?

If you’ve ever had an idea for a custom wallet or bag but didn’t know how to turn it into an actual pattern — that’s exactly what I help you with inside my membership, the Bag Maker Community.

We go deeper into pattern drafting, design hacks, and bag construction techniques, with support and tutorials to help you actually do the thing. Doors only open twice a year, so if you’re curious, make sure you’re on the waitlist. Click here to learn more.

Stay crafty friend!