Make Your Own Drawstring Tool or Jewellery Pouch: A Quilter’s Guide

Ever wished you had a custom, stylish pouch to keep your quilting tools organized or to safely store your jewellery? With this easy drawstring pouch tutorial, you can create a beautiful, functional bag that’s perfect for stashing small items, and it doubles as a great gift!

Materials Needed

 

Snag your templates

 

• Templates: Print and join the pages for a large circle (main body) and a smaller circle (for pockets).
• Outer and Inner Fabric: One 15" piece for the outer layer and one for the inner lining.
• Pocket Fabric: Two 10" pieces, one for the lining and one for the visible side.
• Drawstrings: Two 40-inch pieces of 6mm (¼ inch) wide ribbon or string. Two beads or buttons to secure the string and keep it from slipping out.
• Tools: Marking pen, optional chalk paper, and tracing wheel.
• Sewing Supplies: Safety pin, scissors, pins, needle, and thread.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

1. Transfer Template Marks: Place the main circle template on the back of the 15" lining piece, and trace the circle outline. Don’t forget to mark the drawstring openings (the small circles).
2. Create Buttonholes or Cut Openings: Mark the width of your drawstring opening. If you like, create buttonholes over these markings, or cut out the circles and hand-stitch around the edges to finish.

Step 2: Stitch the Main Circles

1. Place the right sides together of the two 15" pieces (outer and lining).
2. Sew along the marked circular line. This forms the main pouch body.
3. After stitching, cut a slit in the lining fabric only, and turn the pieces right side out.
4. Press the edges for a neat finish.

Step 3: Create the Pockets

1. Place the smaller circle template on the 10" lining piece and trace the outer circle.
2. Sew the two 10" pocket fabric pieces (lining and visible side) together along this marked line, with right sides together.
3. Cut a slit in the lining fabric only, and turn the pocket right side out. Press for a smooth edge.

Step 4: Mark Pocket Sections

1. To create sections, press the smaller circle into quarters, or use chalk paper and a tracing wheel to mark.
2. Optionally, use a ruler to divide the circle into more sections by marking 45-degree lines.

Step 5: Attach Pocket to Main Body

1. Place the smaller pocket circle on the center of the large circle, with the lining side down.
2. Pin the pocket in place and sew around its outer edge, creating a base for the pouch.
3. Stitch along the marked lines to create individual pocket sections, stitching only up to the smaller circle’s edge.

 

Step 6: Create Drawstring Channel

1. Mark the inner and outer channel circles for the drawstring on the larger circle.
2. Use a seam ripper to carefully open the buttonholes or openings, making sure not to cut through to the main fabric.

 

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Step 7: Insert Drawstrings

1. Attach a safety pin to one end of the ribbon and guide it through the channel.
2. Once both drawstrings are in place, secure the ends with a bead or button if desired.

Now you have a custom-made drawstring pouch that’s perfect for tools, jewellery, or whatever else you want to keep safe!

Want another easy to make gift? Check out the fabric basket!