A lined drawstring bag with a flat bottom is a practical and stylish accessory that can be used for various purposes, such as storing small items, carrying toiletries, or even as a gift bag. Making one yourself allows you to customize it according to your preferences, from choosing the fabric to adding decorative elements. In this step - by - step guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your own lined drawstring bag with a flat bottom.

Materials You'll Need

• Fabric:

• Exterior Fabric: Select a durable and visually appealing fabric for the outside of the bag. Cotton, canvas, or denim work great. You'll need two pieces, each measuring 12 inches by 18 inches (this size can be adjusted based on your desired bag dimensions).

• Lining Fabric: Choose a smooth - textured fabric for the lining, like quilting cotton. Cut two pieces of the same size as the exterior fabric.

• Casing Fabric: For the drawstring casing, you can use the lining fabric or a coordinating material. Cut two strips that are 2.5 inches by 18 inches.

• Thread: Select a thread that matches the color of your fabric. A strong, all - purpose thread is suitable for most fabrics.

• Sewing Machine: While some parts can be sewn by hand, using a sewing machine will make the process quicker and the stitches neater.

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

• Pins: To hold the fabric pieces in place while sewing.

• Ruler or Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.

• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing the fabric and seams is crucial for a professional - looking finish.

• Drawstrings: You can use cotton cord, ribbon, or any other type of string. You'll need two pieces, each about 36 inches long.

• Optional: Fray Check or Clear Nail Polish - To prevent the ends of the drawstrings from fraying.

Step - by - Step Instructions

1. Press each piece of fabric with an iron to remove any wrinkles. This will make it easier to work with and ensure clean, straight seams.

2. If you're using fabric with a pattern, make sure to align the pattern pieces correctly when cutting and sewing.

Step 2: Create the Drawstring Casings

1. Take the two casing fabric strips. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press the fold with an iron.

2. 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.

3. 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 lined 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 makes a great project for beginners and can be customized in countless ways to suit your style and needs.