A two-string drawstring bag uses two cords threaded in opposite directions so both ends exit on opposite sides, letting you cinch it shut with one pull.
Making a drawstring bag with two strings is a straightforward sewing project that comes down to one crucial detail: the cords must travel through the casing in opposite directions. Get that right and the bag opens and closes smoothly every time. Get it wrong and the cords tangle or refuse to cinch. The method below works for simple fabric pouches, lined bags, and even boxed-bottom versions — the two-string threading stays the same regardless of the pattern.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these materials before cutting fabric — the two-string method depends on having matching cords and the right tools to thread them.
- Fabric body (one piece or two panels, depending on your pattern)
- Two cords, ribbons, or twine — each roughly double the bag width plus extra for tying
- A safety pin or bodkin for threading
- Sewing supplies: thread, needle or machine, scissors, pins
For the casing, plan on folding over about 2 inches (5 cm) at the top of the bag. If your pattern calls for a lined construction, a 3/8-inch seam allowance on the exterior and lining is a common starting point.
Step-by-Step: Threading Two Strings Through the Casing
This is the heart of the project. The bag body gets sewn first, leaving the top casing open, then each cord is threaded from opposite ends.
Step 1: Prepare the casing. Fold the top edge of the bag over roughly 2 inches (5 cm) and stitch along the bottom of the fold to create a channel. Leave the side openings of the casing unsewn — these are where the cords enter and exit. Stop your stitching before the casing area so you don’t accidentally close the channel.
Step 2: Thread the first cord. Attach a safety pin to one end of the first cord. Insert it through one casing opening and feed it all the way around the channel until it exits the same side it entered. Both ends of this cord now hang from the same side of the bag.
Step 3: Thread the second cord in reverse. Attach the safety pin to the second cord and insert it through the opposite casing opening. Feed it through the channel until it exits that same opposite side. The two cords now travel in opposite directions inside the casing — this is what makes the bag cinch properly.
Step 4: Secure the cord ends. Knot each cord end firmly so it can’t pull back into the casing. For extra durability, you can stitch the knots closed or add cord stops. Pull both cords and the bag gathers shut; pull the sides and it opens wide.
You’ll know the threading worked when pulling both cords draws the bag closed evenly from both sides. If one side stays loose while the other cinches, the second cord likely started from the wrong opening.
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Two-String Mechanism
Two errors cause most failed drawstring bags, and both are easy to avoid once you know to watch for them.
Mistake 1: Sewing through the casing openings. When stitching the bag body, stop before the drawstring channel. If the channel gets sewn shut, the cords have nowhere to travel and the bag won’t close.
Mistake 2: Starting both cords from the same side. If both cords enter from the same opening, the knots end up on the same side and the bag won’t cinch properly. The whole mechanism depends on the cords running in opposite directions through the casing.
A third issue is simply cutting cords too short. Generous length — double the bag width plus extra — gives you room to tie comfortable knots and still open the bag fully. Err on the long side; you can always trim later.
| Common Issue | Why It Happens | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cords won’t pull through | Casing stitched shut accidentally | Leave channel openings unsewn; pick out any stray stitches |
| Bag cinches unevenly | Both cords started from the same side | Re-thread second cord from the opposite opening |
| Knots slip back inside | Knots too small or ends too short | Use larger knots or stitch ends closed |
| Bag won’t open fully | Cords too short | Cut cords at least double the bag width |
This same technique carries over to lined bags and boxed-bottom designs — the assembly order gets more involved, but the two-string threading method never changes. For a full pattern with cutting guides and assembly diagrams, the AFCAIDS drawstring bag instructions and pattern walks through the complete process.
Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can turn any fabric scrap into a functional pouch. If you’d rather skip the sewing entirely, the right ready-made string bags worth owning are a practical shortcut worth checking out.
FAQs
How long should the cords be for a drawstring bag?
Cut each cord roughly double the bag’s width plus extra length for tying knots. A generous length ensures you can open the bag fully and still have enough cord to tie comfortably. If you’re unsure, cut longer — you can always trim the ends after knotting.
Can I use ribbon instead of cord?
Yes, ribbon works well as long as it’s narrow enough to slide through the casing channel. Flat ribbon can twist inside the casing, so choose a width that fits loosely and finish the ends to prevent fraying. The threading method stays the same regardless of the material.
Why won’t my drawstring bag cinch shut?
The most common cause is threading both cords from the same side instead of opposite sides. Re-thread the second cord from the opposite casing opening so the cords travel in reverse directions. If the bag still won’t cinch, check that the casing channel wasn’t accidentally sewn shut.
References & Sources
- AFCAIDS. “Drawstring Instructions and Pattern.” Provides the two-string threading method, casing allowance, and pattern guidance.