An easy 15-minute craft project that kids can do (or as a gift for kids).
While I was looking through my crafting supplies, looking for gift wrap for a kids birthday party, I found a few sheets of felt. And I thought, maybe this would be a nice way to wrap gifts. Or it’s just a gift itself.
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. When I was growing up, I always felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I created something on my own that didn’t necessarily look like it was made by a kid. This is one of those projects that fits the bill, imo.
Great for giving gifts and small trinkets in a unique way for holidays, birthdays, etc. They would also make cute party favors too, with some candy inside or a small toy…they’re also great as stocking stuffers! Click to see how you can make your own felt bags in minutes.
Materials needed for the bag
*I used suede cords because I already had them. In addition, it has great durability and strength.
How to make a drawstring bag
1. Use a A bowl for drawing a circle on a piece of felt*. I used two pieces of felt to give the bag more stability and another pop of color. You don’t have to use two, but I think it adds a little something to do it this way.
Then cut out the circle (or circles, if you cut two pieces of felt).
*Scrap fabric and thin leather also work great for this project. So feel free to use whatever you have.
2. Next, puncture the felt every inch or two, all the way around – about 1/2 inch from the outside circumference.
3. Then, using an upholstery needle and thick cord or thread, stitch around the entire circumference of the circle, about one inch from the edge.
Note: If you have more than one layer of material, make sure to stack them on top of each other before starting this process.
4. Once the wire/thread is completely cut, you can Remove the needle and pull each side of the rope to begin tightening the bag.
Or if you want to add a felt ball, as in one example, insert the needle into the felt ball, and pull the rope through the ball. It doesn’t serve much purpose, other than looking cute. I think it adds something more unique to the bag if you have felt balls or pom poms.
5. Add any small trinkets, gifts or candy inside. Then tie the entire ends of the ropes into a loose bow or knot. And it’s ready to go.
Take it further
1. If you are interested in something larger and more like a wallet, I have a tutorial on how to make a drawstring wallet as well. You can easily modify the shape and make it more like a no-sew project like this, with a few changes.
2. And if you’re more into gift wrapping ideas, I have more fabric gift wrapping ideas that you might enjoy. It’s a great way to reuse materials you already have at home, too.
How to make a drawstring bag
While I was looking through my crafting supplies, looking for gift wrap for a kids birthday party, I found a few sheets of felt. And I thought, maybe this would be a nice way to wrap gifts. Or it’s just a gift itself. 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. When I was growing up, I always felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I created something on my own that didn’t necessarily look like it was made by a kid. This is one of those projects that fits the bill, imo. Great for giving gifts and small trinkets in a unique way for holidays, birthdays, etc. They would make cute party favors too, with some candy inside or a small toy…also great for storing things! Click to see how you can make your own felt bags in minutes.
Sheets of felt, scrap fabric, thin leather, etc
scissors
Large eye needle – such as an upholstery needle or similar
Cord or thick thread/embroidery floss*
(Optional) Felt balls
Use a bowl to draw a circle on a piece of felt*. I used two pieces of felt to give the bag more stability and another pop of color. You don’t have to use two, but I think it adds a little something to do it this way. Then cut out the circle (or circles, if making two pieces of felt). *Scrap fabric and thin leather also work great for this project. So feel free to use whatever you have.
Next, poke holes in the felt every inch or two, all the way around – about a half inch from the outside circumference. Next, using an upholstery needle and thick wire or thread, stitch around the entire circumference of the circle, about one inch from the edge. Note: If you have more than one layer of material, make sure to stack them on top of each other before starting this process.
Once the rope/thread is all the way through, you can remove the needle and pull each side of the rope to start tightening the bag. Or if you want to add a felt ball, as in one example, insert the needle into the felt ball, and pull the rope through the ball. It doesn’t serve much purpose, other than looking cute. I think it adds something more unique to the bag if you have felt balls or pom poms.
Add any small trinkets, gifts or candy inside. Then tie the entire ends of the ropes into a loose bow or knot. And it’s ready to go.
Don’t have any hair papers on hand? They are really affordable at almost any local craft store (usually less than $1 each).
But scraps of fabric would be another great option…or even an old, stained pair of jeans. Anything you can cut up and reuse – the sturdier the material, the better.
