At the start of a new school year, it’s always a busy time getting everything ready: new backpacks, notebooks, labels… and of course gym bags and swim bags. If your child’s old drawstring bag is worn out or simply disappeared somewhere in the school jungle, don’t worry. In just about 30 minutes, you can sew a brand-new fabric gym bag from scratch. It’s the perfect beginners’ sewing project: quick, fun, practical, and easy to personalize to your child’s favorite colors and prints.
All you need is a piece of fabric, some cord or bias tape, and a sewing machine (you can sew it by hand too, but that will take a bit longer 😉). A cheerful print instantly transforms a simple design into something unique and eye-catching!
What You Need to Make a Drawstring Gym Bag
- Two fabric pieces of 35 × 45 cm (about 14 × 18 inches)
- Approx. 2.5 meters of cord or bias tape (about 2.7 yards)
- Matching or contrasting thread
- Safety pin
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Optional: fabric scissors, pins, seam ripper
Choosing the Right Fabric
For a sturdy drawstring gym bag, the best option is cotton or another firm, non-stretch fabric. It’s easy to work with and keeps its shape beautifully.
Pick something fun and colorful — that way, your child can easily spot their bag among all the others in the classroom or locker room.
Sustainable & Budget-Friendly Fabric Tips
- Have a look in your own closet for clothing you no longer wear but that still has good fabric. An old skirt or button-down shirt can easily become a new drawstring bag.
- Thrift stores, secondhand shops, and garage sales are fantastic places to find unique fabrics for just a few dollars.
- Try to avoid fabrics with lots of white. Gym bags that stay at school usually stay fairly clean, but swim bags tend to get dirty much faster. On the floor, next to wet towels and backpacks… white fabric becomes dull and grey in no time
Let’s Get Started! Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut and Prepare the Fabric
Iron the fabric (this makes cutting much more accurate) and cut two rectangles of 35 × 45 cm (14 × 18 inches).
Place them on top of each other with the right sides facing inward.
2. Sew the Sides and Bottom
Sew the following:
- One short side completely closed (this is the bottom)
- Both long sides, but:
- Leave 1 cm (⅜ inch) open at the bottom of each long side
- Leave 5 cm (2 inches) open at the top on the other short side
This creates a pouch shape that is not fully closed at the top, and two small openings at the bottom for the drawstring cords.
3. Finish the Upper Edges
Now finish the 5 cm (2 inch) openings neatly:
- Fold the raw edge in by 0.5 cm (¼ inch)
- Stitch it down
Repeat this four times (on both sides of the top opening).
4. Sew the Drawstring Channel
Fold the entire top edge inward by 2.5 cm (1 inch) to create a tunnel for the cord.
Sew all the way around.
This is where the drawstring will slide through to open and close the bag.
Choosing or Making the Cord
You can simply use store-bought cord — quick and easy.
But if you can’t find a color that matches your fabric, you can also make your own drawstring using bias tape: fold it in half lengthwise and topstitch along the edge. Done!
Dividing the Cord
Cut two 10 cm (4 inch) pieces. These will form the loops at the bottom corners of the bag.
Divide the remaining cord into two equal lengths.
(If you’re following the photos: the short pieces go at the bottom, while the longer cords run all the way through both tunnels and come back out on the same side. Afterwards, you tie them through the loop. The next steps explain it clearly.)
Attaching the Bottom Loops
Remember the 1 cm (⅜ inch) openings you left in the bottom corners?
That’s where the loops go.
- Fold each 10 cm (4 inch) piece of cord in half.
- Insert it into the small opening in each corner.
- Stitch it securely in place — these loops carry weight, so they need to be extra strong.
(If you’re following the photos:
Photo 1: sewing with the bag turned inside out
Photo 2: the finished result after turning it right side out)
Threading the Long Cords
- Take the first long piece of cord.
- Use a safety pin to slide it through both tunnels, all the way around.
- Both ends should come out again on the same side.
- Thread one end through the little loop and tie a secure knot at the bottom.
Repeat with the second cord on the opposite side.
Now, if you pull both cords outward, the top of the bag cinches closed — and the bag can be worn like a small backpack.
Your Handmade Drawstring Gym Bag Is Ready!
And that’s it: in around thirty minutes, you’ve transformed two simple pieces of fabric into a cheerful, practical gym bag. It’s ideal for school, sports, swimming lessons, sleepovers, or even as reusable gift wrapping.
Extra Tips & Ideas
- Lightly press the cord before threading it for a neat finish.
- Add a name label, or sew a small pocket on the front for swimming cards or keys.
- Combine two different fabrics for a fun patchwork look.
- Make a few extra bags while you’re at it — they make great gifts!
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