Simple 15-minute craft project that kids can do (or as a gift for kids).
While rummaging through my craft supplies and looking for wrapping paper for a children’s birthday party, I found some felt sheets. And I thought, maybe this could be a cute way to package gifts. Or just be a gift on its own.
This drawstring bag is very easy to make. In fact, what I really love about this project is that it’s something a child could easily do, not just an adult. As a child, I always felt a great sense of accomplishment when I created something on my own that didn’t necessarily look like it was made by a child. And this is one of those projects that would fit perfectly, in my opinion.
Excellent for presenting gifts and small trinkets in a unique way for holidays, birthdays, etc. They would also make cute party favors, with some candy inside or a small toy…also great stocking stuffers! Click to see how you can make your own felt bags in minutes.
Materials needed for the bag
*I used suede laces because I already had them. In addition, it has great durability and resistance.
How to make a drawstring bag
1. Use a bowl to trace a circle on a sheet of felt*. I used two pieces of felt to give the bag more stability and another touch of color. It’s not necessary to use two, but I think it adds something by doing it this way.
Next, cut out the circle (or circles, if you make 2 pieces of felt).
*Fabric scraps and thin leather also work great for this project. So feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
2. Next, pierce the felt every inch or two, all the way around, about 1/2 inch from the outside circumference.
3. Then, using a tapestry needle and heavy cord or thread, sew around the entire circumference of the circle, about an inch from the edge.
Note: If you have more than one layer of material, make sure they are stacked on top of each other before beginning this process.
4. Once the cord/thread has gone all the way around, you can Remove the needle and pull on each side of the drawstring to begin tightening the bag.
Or if you want to add a felt ball, like in one of the examples, insert the needle through the felt ball and thread the cord through the ball. It doesn’t do much more than look pretty. However, I think it adds something more unique to the bag, if you have felt balls or pom poms lying around.
5. Add small trinkets, gifts or candy inside. Then completely tie the ends of the cords into a loose bow or knot. And it’s ready to go.
Take it further
1. If you’re interested in something larger and purse-like, I also have a tutorial on how to make a DIY drawstring bag. You could easily modify the shape and turn it into a seamless project like this, with a few changes.
2. And if you’re thinking more about gift wrapping ideas, I have more DIY fabric gift wrapping ideas that you might like. It’s also a good way to reuse materials you already have at home.
How to make a drawstring bag
While rummaging through my craft supplies and looking for wrapping paper for a children’s birthday party, I found some felt sheets. And I thought, maybe this could be a cute way to package gifts. Or just be a gift on its own. This drawstring bag is very easy to make. In fact, what I really love about this project is that it’s something a child could easily do, not just an adult. As a child, I always felt a great sense of accomplishment when I created something on my own that didn’t necessarily look like it was made by a child. And this is one of those projects that would fit perfectly, in my opinion. Great for presenting gifts and small trinkets in a unique way for holidays, birthdays, etc. They would also make cute party favors, with some candy inside or a small toy…also great stocking stuffers! Click to see how you can make your own felt bags in minutes.
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sheets of felt, scraps of fabric, thin leather, etc.
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Scissors
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large eye needle, like an upholstery needle or something similar
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cord or thick thread/embroidery thread*
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(optional) felt balls
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Use a bowl to trace a circle on a sheet of felt*. I used two pieces of felt to give the bag more stability and another touch of color. It’s not necessary to use two, but I think it adds something by doing it this way. Next, cut out the circle (or circles, if you make 2 pieces of felt). *Fabric scraps and thin leather also work great for this project. So feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
-
Next, pierce the felt every inch or two, all the way around, about 1/2 inch from the outside circumference. Then, using a tapestry needle and heavy cord or thread, sew around the entire circumference of the circle, about an inch from the edge. Note: If you have more than one layer of material, make sure they are stacked on top of each other before beginning this process.
-
Once the cord/thread has gone all the way around, you can remove the needle and pull on each side of the cord to begin tightening the bag. Or if you want to add a felt ball, like in one of the examples, insert the needle through the felt ball and thread the cord through the ball. It doesn’t do much more than look pretty. However, I think it adds something more unique to the bag, if you have felt balls or pom poms lying around.
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Add small trinkets, gifts or candy inside. Then completely tie the ends of the cords into a loose bow or knot. And it’s ready to go.
Don’t have felt sheets on hand? They are really affordable at pretty much any local craft store (usually less than $1 each).
But scraps of fabric would be another great option… or even a pair of old, stained jeans. Anything you can cut up and reuse: the stiffer the material, the better.
