How to Sew a Drawstring Mesh Bag

Create your very own drawstring mesh bag with this easy-to-follow sewing pattern. Perfect for carrying small items like produce, toys, or even laundry, this bag is both practical and stylish. The mesh material allows for breathability and visibility of the contents inside, making it a versatile accessory for everyday use. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewer, this pattern will guide you through the steps to create a durable and functional bag that you can customize to suit your personal style. This project is a fun and rewarding way to practice your sewing skills and create a useful item that you can use or gift to others. Get started on your drawstring mesh bag today and enjoy the satisfaction of making something unique and practical with your own hands.

Tips for Sewing with Mesh Fabric

If you’ve never sewn with mesh fabric, don’t worry. Sewing with mesh is much easier than you might think. Let me start with a few tips that will make it easier to sew mesh.

1. Decrease the stitch length on your sewing machine. Every machine is different, but typically a 2 or 2.5 is a good length.
2. Since mesh is see-through, make sure to keep all your seams small. This way they won’t be seen. I recommend 1/4″ or 3/8″.
3. Be careful when using an iron. You don’t want to melt your mesh fabric. Use a cooler temperature and a pressing cloth.
4. Use Ballpoint Needles. Treat sewing on mesh like you are sewing with knits.

Materials & Supplies

• (1) 18″ x 13.5″ piece of mesh fabric
• (1) 18″ x 4.5″ piece of cotton fabric
• (1) 26″ piece of cording or twill tape
• Schmetz Ballpoint Needles (size 75/11)
• Sewing Machine
• Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
• Acrylic Ruler for cutting fabric
• Rotary Cutting Mat
• Scissors – These help cut slippery fabrics like mesh
• Thread (I recommend a polyester thread like Gutermann)

How to Sew a Drawstring Bag

Step 1:

Place the mesh fabric on a flat surface.

Match the right side of the cotton fabric to the mesh fabric along the longest edge.

Stitch the two layers together with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 2:

Fold the bag in half lengthwise with right sides together.

Step 3:

Mark a 1″ opening that is 1″ from the top edge of the bag.

Stitch down the length of the bag and across the bottom edge. Be sure to match the fabric where it meets.

Making sure to leave open the 1″ marking.

Step 4:

Create a casing by folding the cotton top of the bag down 1/4″ and then another 2″.

Stitch around the casing to close it off.

Stitch around the casing to close it off.

Step 5:

Cut a 26″ piece of cording or twill tape. Thread through the hole in the casing. Match the ends and tie them in a knot.

See how simple it is to sew a drawstring bag. Now collecting those seashells will be much easier and cleaner.

Now that you know how to make a drawstring bag, you can use this tutorial to make larger bags like a laundry bag for holding all those towels on the way home or a wet bag for holding wet bathing suits.