The Tiny Bin is so great for holding my Wonder Clips that it got me thinking about how to make something similar in size to carry them to classes or retreats. Obviously, this little fabric basket isn't going to work that well for packing them around since it's totally open at the top, but then I realized it wouldn't be that hard to make it into a drawstring bag with a few simple changes.
Before we start, you might be wondering about the Tiny Bin? This is a pattern that is free when you join my new email list. Or if you'd like to buy it without being on the email list, you can find it here. The pattern listing also has the most comprehensive description of the Tiny Bin, so take a look at that first if you'd like. Then you can check out, or use the link at the top of the description to go to the email sign up page. To go directly to the email sign up page, click here.
Here is what you do to make it into a drawstring bag:
1. Sew Through Step #3 in the Pattern
Complete all steps through #3 in the Tiny Bin pattern.
2. Tack down the SA
After #3.e, but before starting step #4, the SA needs to be tacked down along the top.
This is what makes it possible to thread the drawstring through the casing and get it out of the opening. So do not skip this step or you may not be able to get the drawstring out!
You can do this stitching just on the exterior side, but it does make it easier if you do both the exterior and lining.
And this is kind of awkward sewing, so be careful of your fingers and go slow!
You need to sew about 1.25" on both the exterior and lining (so 2.5" total). On the lining side you want to end before the opening starts, so you might want to mark the opening top so you can see where to stop.
Here is how to do it:
With the bin WS out, get the presser foot inside the fabric tube. I find that folding one end down about 1/3 of the way makes it easier to get the tube under the presser foot. It's going to look like this:
Slowly sew forward and complete both rows of stitching. Now it looks like this:
3. Finish Sewing the Bin
Complete all remaining steps in the Tiny Bin pattern.
4. Make the Casing
For the casing you'll sew two rows of stitching about 1/2" apart around the top of the bag. Make sure to backstitch well as you cross over the seam! The first row can be at 1/8” - 3/8” from the top edge and then sew a second row 1/2” below the first. It's not going to fit around the arm, so you'll sew these like this:
5. Insert the Drawstring
Using your seam ripper, on the exterior side remove the stitches from the seam between the casing rows.
Cut a piece of twine about 26" or so and tie it to a safety pin or paper clip that will fit through the casing. Then push the twine through the casing until it comes out the opening.
6. Add Some Beads
At the end, add a bead to each end of the twine. I recommend tying a knot both above and below the bead to keep it in place. This post with info about making zip pulls from beads includes how to tie the knot as close to the bead as possible.
