The Tiny Bin is so great for holding my Wonder Clips that it got me thinking about how to make it into a drawstring bag to carry them to classes or retreats. As cute as it is, this little fabric basket isn't super portable since it's totally open at the top. But after a bit of experimenting I figured out how to turn it into a drawstring bag with just a few changes.
Before I show you how make it into a tiny drawstring bag, you will need a copy of the pattern, something for a drawstring, and probably some beads.
You can find the pattern here OR you can join the email list for a free copy. The email sign up box is about half way down on this page, or it can be found at the bottom of any product page at michellepatterns.com.
For the drawstring, I'm using 1mm waxed cotton cord and two beads with 2mm holes. It helps to add beads to the end of the drawstring to keep the cord from disappearing into the opening hole and they also look great! Make sure your beads and cord are compatible--the cord needs to go through the bead hole but also have a hole that's not so big you end up adding knot after knot to keep the bead from slipping off.
Once you have your pattern and drawstring supplies, here is how to turn the Tiny Bin 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 where the drawstring casing will be sewn.
This is what makes it possible to thread the drawstring through the casing and get it out of the opening. Do not skip this step or you may not be able to get the drawstring through the casing and out the hole!
There are two ways to do this:
- hand baste (recommended--easier, safer, can be removed)
- machine sew (not removed)
If you are going to machine sew these stitches, go really slowly and be super careful to keep your fingers away from the needle. Consider using an awl as a stiletto for safety.
You need to tack the SA down (both sides) about 1.25" or so in each direction starting from the seam joining the exterior and lining fabrics. On the lining side you want to end before the opening starts, so mark the opening top so you can see where to stop.
If you are doing it by hand, skip down to the second photo in this step for a visual of where you are hand basting the SA down.
If you are doing it by machine, turn the bin WS out and get the presser foot inside the fabric tube. 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 and carefully 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
To make the casing tuck the lining down inside and then sew two rows of stitching about 1/2" apart around the top of the bag. Make sure to backstitch really well as you cross over the center back seam.
The first row can be 1/4” - 5/16” from the top edge and then sew a second row of stitching 1/2” below the first. You don't want to have to sew over the thicker area where the opening hole was sewn closed, so take that into consideration when deciding where your casing needs to be sewn.
The fabric tube is not going to fit around the arm here so you'll sew the casing rows in the round like this:
5. Insert the Drawstring
Using your seam ripper, on the exterior side remove the stitches from the CB 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. If you are finding it tricky to get out the hole, back up a little and insert your awl into the hole to help spread the fabric apart. Then try coming out again.
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.
