DSB (Drawstring Bag) 101: Simple Drawstring Bag

This is the simplest drawstring bag I could think of.  It is made with just one fabric.  I used
ribbon for the drawstrings, but you could use anything.  It is easily adaptable to any and all
sizes.  Here's how in excruciating detail.

See previous post here for an explanation about why I am writing these tutorials.

By the way, click each photo for a slightly larger view if you need it.

1.  Cut your fabric to the desired size.  Remember, you'll lose about an inch and a quarter x2 on
the ends and a 1/4 inch x 2 on the sides.  (This is for beginners, remember...)
2.  As seen above, lay your fabric right side down on the ironing board.  Fold one of the short
edges of your fabric up 1/4 inch and press.  Then fold up again 1 inch and press again.  This fold
will create your casing for the drawstring.
3.  As seen above, sew on top of the fold, close to it, to secure the casing.  Be sure to overstitch at
the beginning and end (go back and forth to secure your stitches.)  In the future, be sure to do this
anytime you will not be sewing over the line of stitching again, or your stitches might come out. 
This is especially important if you are going to stress the seam by pulling a drawstring through it
or weighing it down by putting heavy objects in the bag...)

4.  Fold your bag in half, right sides together.  Pin up the sides, stopping where your casing
begins.  Sew up the sides using a 1/4 inch seam, stopping right where your casing begins.
5.  Turn the bag right side out and press the seams flat.
6.  Cut 2 pieces of ribbon or some sort of string to desired length.  The length is width of your
bag x 2 + about 6 more inches for knotting. Put a safety pin through the ribbon or whatever you
are using.  If it is something that frays easily, wrap it with a little tape before inserting the safety
pin.  To make it easy to scooch, use the biggest safety pin that will fit through your casing easily.

7.  Using the safety pin to hold on to, thread your drawstring into the casing, scooching it along
inch by inch.  Go in one side, through to the other side, and come out where you started.
8.  Do the same with the other ribbon, but start on the opposite side this time.  When you are
done, you'll have the picture above.

9.  Tie a simple knot to secure your drawstring by holding the two ends of one string even,
forming a loop in the ribbon and pulling the end through.  You can make the knot quite close to
the bag.  Repeat on the other side.

10.  Cut the ends of your ribbon off even, an inch from your knot -- or closer/further depending
on what you want.  If your drawstring material might fray, dab it with a little craft glue (like
Tacky Glue) or fray stopping liquid (such as Stop Fray) and let it dry.
11.  You are done!  Dance a jig. 

Note:  This bag has exposed, unfinished seams on the inside.  It is fine for casual use such as a
little gift bag, but is probably unsuitable for hard use or washing.  You could finish the seam with
a serger I guess, but if you know how to use a serger, then you probably aren't reading this.

If you try this, please let me know if something is confusing and I'll see if I can clarify.  If you
have success, share with me and everyone by posting a comment with a link to your blog or
photo if possible.  Happy sewing from happythings.