Slouchy Drawstring Handle Bag
A relaxed yet refined carry-all, this sewing pattern creates a soft-structured handle bag with a distinctive gathered drawstring closure.
When To Wear
This versatile handle bag is perfect for everyday style and various outings, making it suitable for:
- Everyday Carry: a practical and stylish companion for daily errands and casual engagements.
- Weekend Outings: Spacious enough for essentials on leisurely trips or short getaways.
- Smart Casual Events: Elevates an outfit with its sophisticated slouchy silhouette and quality finish.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Features a soft, bucket-like shape with a slouchy drape and a wide top that cinches with a drawstring.
Closure: a functional drawstring threaded through a channel at the top edge, creating a gathered, secure closure when tightened.
Handles: Equipped with two sturdy top handles, designed for comfortable hand or forearm carrying.
Pockets: Includes internal zippered pockets and a divider pocket for organized storage within the main compartment.
Construction Details: Showcases visible topstitching along seams and handle attachments, enhancing both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Requires skills in constructing a lined bag, creating a drawstring channel, attaching handles, and installing zippers for pockets.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose medium to heavy-weight fabrics with good drape and structure, such as:
- Dense fabrics made from natural or blended fibers
- Artificial leather
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Lining fabric
- Decorative cord
- 2 zippers for internal pockets
Cutter's Must
If the patterns have a double contour, they include seam allowances. If the contour is single, the patterns do not include seam allowances. Seam allowances: all seams 1cm. Upper edges of front and side parts, side insert 6 cm. Upper edge of divider pocket 2 cm. Attention! First, print out the paper patterns and lay them out on the fabric width (fabric width can be from 90cm to 150cm) to determine how much material you will need (do not forget to account for paired and symmetrical pieces).
- From main fabric:
- Front – 2 pieces
- Side – 1 piece
- Upper – 2 pieces
- Side insert – 4 pieces
- Strap – 1 piece
- From lining fabric:
- Front lining – 2 pieces
- Side lining – 1 piece
- Upper lining – 2 pieces
- Large pocket lining – 1 piece
- Small pocket lining – 1 piece
- Divider pocket – 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Front, side, side insert, strap.
Sewing Instructions
When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- Interface the front, side parts, side insert, and strap with fusible interfacing.
- Fold the strap right sides together and stitch along the long side. Turn the strap right side out and press. Fold seam allowances of short sides inwards. Topstitch 0.2 cm from the edge.
- Attach the side insert to the front. Press the seam towards the front. Topstitch along the seam.
- Attach the side to the bag. Press the seam towards the side. Topstitch along the seam.
- Mark the pocket placement on the lining. Interface the zipper area. Cut an opening along the pocket opening, make diagonal cuts 1 – 1.5 cm from the end of the pocket. Fold seam allowances inwards. Place the zipper underneath the edges of the pocket opening so that the teeth are visible. Topstitch the pocket opening 0.2 cm from the edge. Attach the large pocket lining to the upper zipper tape, and the small pocket lining to the lower zipper tape. Stitch the lining edges.
- Cut zipper flaps from lining, 4 cm long and 2 cm wide. Press seam allowances of the upper edges of the divider pocket to the wrong side, fold inwards and topstitch. Fold the flaps in half along the short sides, place them on the zipper from both sides. Place the divider pocket pieces on the zipper so that the lining does not cover the zipper teeth and topstitch. Trim zipper tails so that the zipper does not extend into the side seam allowances.
- Stitch the edges of the side lining parts, inserting the divider pocket. Attach the side lining to the front lining, leaving an opening for turning.
- Insert the zipper between the upper and the upper lining and stitch along the zipper teeth. Fold the upper parts away from the zipper and topstitch along the zipper teeth.
- Close the zipper. Fold the bag and lining right sides together, insert the upper between them, align all edges and stitch all around.
- Turn the bag right side out through the opening. Stitch the opening closed.
- Smooth out the bag. Fold the upper seam allowance of the bag inwards and topstitch into the seam attaching the upper to the bag. Attach the strap to the side parts of the bag, folding seam allowances inwards.
- Punch eyelets according to markings. Thread the cord.
