Monday, March 31, 2008

You Could Make It Monday: Drawstring Toy Bag

Each Monday I would like to give you instructions for an easy-to-make project for you or your kids to make at home.
Today, I am going to show you how to whip together a simple draw-string bag for you or your kids to store things in. We have made several of them and hang them up on hooks in the closet; one is filled with Little People, one with Strawberry Shortcake dolls and goodies, one for My Little Ponies, one for Noah's Ark, etc. You get the idea...

Supplies: 16" of 44-45" inch fabric. 1 yard of 1/4" cotton rope. Both of these can be purchased at any fabric shop (JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, some Walmarts).

Directions:
1. Fold your fabric so that the 'right' sides are facing together.

2. Use your machine, stitch one side of the bag approx 1/2" from the edge from top to bottom. For the opposite side, do the same thing, but stop 3" from the top.

3. Iron the side seams so they open flat.

4. Stitch around the open spot of the seam that did not go to the top. Start at the top of the bag, sew down 3", sew over the seam, then back up 3" to the top.



5. Keep the bag inside out. At the top of the bag, fold the top edge of the fabric 1/4" over so that the right side is showing and iron as you go so that the edge remains ironed down.


6. To make a tube, fold the fabric over again, 1" wide, and iron again. Sew along the double folded edge; from the open spot all the way around until you come to the open spot again. Be sure to double or triple stitch on the edge - this will be pulled on so make it tough!

7. Turn your bag inside out. Insert a safety pin into one end of the cotton rope. Fish it through the tube you have made, making sure that the other end doesn't come through too! Put both ends together and tie a knot.
8. Fill with toys or other items that need a home. Hang on a hook, or stash in a cubby!

If you find you are having trouble or have questions, leave me a comment!

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