Materials You'll Need

• Choose a sturdy fabric for the exterior of the bag. Cotton canvas is an excellent choice as it's durable and easy to work with. You'll need two pieces, each measuring 14 inches by 18 inches. However, you can adjust these dimensions according to the size of the bag you desire.

• For the lining, a smooth - textured cotton fabric works well. Cut two pieces of the same size as the exterior fabric.

• Thread: Select a thread that matches the color of your fabric. A strong, all - purpose thread will be suitable for sewing both the exterior and the lining.

• Sewing Machine: While it's possible to sew the bag by hand, using a sewing machine will speed up the process and result in neater stitches.

• Scissors: A sharp pair of fabric scissors is essential for cutting the fabric accurately.

• Pins: These will hold the fabric pieces in place while you sew.

• Ruler or Measuring Tape: Necessary for making precise measurements.

• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing the fabric and seams helps to create a professional - looking finish.

• Drawstring Material: You can use cotton cord, ribbon, or even shoelaces as drawstrings. You'll need two pieces, each approximately 36 inches long.

• Optional: Interfacing - If you want to add extra structure to your bag, fusible interfacing can be used. Cut it to the same size as the exterior fabric pieces and iron it onto the wrong side of the fabric before sewing.

Step - by - Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

1. Start by pressing each piece of fabric with an iron to remove any wrinkles. This makes the fabric easier to handle and ensures that your seams will be straight.

2. If you're using fabric with a pattern, make sure to align the pattern pieces correctly when cutting and sewing. This will give your bag a more polished look.

Step 2: Create the Drawstring Casings

1. Cut two strips of fabric for the drawstring casings. Each strip should be 2.5 inches by 18 inches. You can use the same fabric as the lining or choose a coordinating material for a decorative touch.

2. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press the fold with an iron.

3. Open the folded strip and fold each long edge in towards the center crease. Press again. The strip should now have a finished width of about 1 inch.

4. Fold the strip in half once more, enclosing the raw edges inside. Press and sew along both long sides of the casing using a straight stitch, about 1/8 inch from the edge. This creates a narrow tube for the drawstrings.

Step 3: Sew the Exterior Bag

1. Place the two exterior fabric pieces right sides together. Pin along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.

2. Using a 1/2 - inch seam allowance, sew along the sides and bottom of the bag. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to reinforce them.

3. To create the flat bottom, with the bag still inside - out, flatten one of the bottom corners so that the side seam and the bottom seam line up. This forms a triangle. Measure up 1 - 2 inches from the point where the seams meet and mark this measurement with a pin or fabric marker. Sew across the triangle at the marked line. Trim the excess fabric, leaving about a 1/4 - inch seam allowance. Repeat this process on the other bottom corner.

4. Turn the exterior bag right - side out and set it aside.

Step 4: Sew the Lining Bag

1. Follow the same steps as for the exterior bag with the lining fabric pieces. Place the two lining fabric pieces right sides together, pin along the sides and bottom, and sew with a 1/2 - inch seam allowance. Leave a 4 - 5 - inch opening on one of the sides for turning the bag later.

2. Create the flat bottom for the lining in the same way as for the exterior bag.

3. Do not turn the lining bag right - side out yet.

Step 5: Attach the Drawstring Casings to the Exterior Bag

1. Position the drawstring casings on the exterior bag, about 1 - 1.5 inches from the top edge. The open ends of the casings should be at the sides of the bag. Pin the casings in place, making sure they are evenly spaced.

2. Sew along the top and bottom edges of each casing, close to the edges, to attach them firmly to the exterior bag. Make sure not to sew the open ends of the casings shut.

Step 6: Combine the Exterior and Lining Bags

1. Place the lining bag inside the exterior bag, right sides together. The wrong sides of both fabrics should be facing out. Align the seams and pin the two bags together around the top edge.

2. Sew around the top of the bag with a 1/2 - inch seam allowance, making sure to catch the drawstring casings in the seam.

3. Reach through the opening in the lining and pull the exterior bag out through the opening. This turns the bag right - side out with the lining inside. Push the lining down into the bag so that it is evenly distributed.

4. Use a ladder stitch to sew the opening in the lining closed. Press the top edge of the bag to make it neat.

Step 7: Insert the Drawstrings

1. Take one of the drawstrings and attach a safety pin or a bodkin (a tool for threading) to one end. Thread the drawstring through one of the drawstring casings, starting from one side of the bag and going all the way around to the other side.

2. Repeat the process with the other drawstring, but start from the opposite side of the bag.

3. If desired, apply a small amount of fray check or clear nail polish to the ends of the drawstrings to prevent them from fraying. Tie a knot at the ends of each drawstring to keep them in place.

   
   

Your drawstring bag with a flat bottom is now complete! You can use it as is or add additional embellishments like buttons, patches, or embroidery to personalize it further. This bag is not only functional but also a great way to showcase your creativity and sewing skills.