Happy Friday!! As promised, here is how I crafted the drawstring duck cloth bags I use to store my comforters, bulky blankets, duvet covers, and sleeping bags. Disclaimer: This instructional is written by a very beginner seamstress, and isn’t written for the advanced sewer (i.e. there are no really exact measurements.) If you need more formal instruction go here.

I am also participating in Angie’s Get Your Creative On! See other creative ideas on her blog The Creative Mama. Thanks Angie!

What you need:

How To:

1. Cut the fabric to desired width. Insert folded duvet cover between the fabric layers (your fabric will likely be folded in half, selvage edges together, when you buy it) and measure the width you will need. Add approximately 3/8″ seam allowance to each side. Alternatively you can use a measuring tape to measure the entire circumference of your folded duvet, divide this number in half, add 2 and 3/4″ for room and seam allowances. And cut to desired width.

2.  Cut the fabric to length. Insert the duvet between the fabric layers again and add 4″ for room and 3 1/2″ to create the drawstring. Cut your fabric to length.

3. Create the drawstring. Because the duck cloth stays in place I don’t bother using pins. Instead, to create the drawstring, with the wrong side of the fabric facing out fold the piece in half width-wise. Measure 1/2″ from the top of both cut lengths, fold them, and iron. Then measure 1 1/2″ from the ironed folded edge, fold again, and iron. This is where the drawstring will insert.

4. Sew a button hole on the outside (right side of the fabric) of the sack and insert the drawstring. Unfold one of the ironed edges. With the right side of the fabric facing up, mark 2 1/2″ from the left length-wise edge. This will be the left edge of the button hole which will run from side to side. Mark 1 1/2″ to the right of the first mark. This will be the right edge of the button hole. Use a button sewing machine foot and stitch the button hole. Open it with a seam ripper.

5. Sew the sack side seams.With the wrong sideof the fabric facing out, align the drawstring edges, and fold the cloth in half. Use a 3/8″ seam allowance and sew the side seams and finish with a zig-zag stitch.

6. Insert drawstring cord. With the wrong side of the fabric facing out, unfold the ironed edges and insert the drawstring, inserting the ends through the button hole (as in the picture on the left.) Wrap a piece of tape around the cord ends to keep them from fraying. Fold the hem over and sew the cord into the drawstring allowance close to the lower edge with a regular straight stitch being careful not to catch the cord in the hem.

7. Turn the sack right side out and insert your folded duvet. Cinch the drawstring and attach an appropriate laminated label. Stack in your closet shelf like a book with tag showing. And *presto*organization!

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:: There are so many ways to create this simple type of sack. If you are are a sewer, you will probably be able to visualize my instructions. If you are confused nonetheless, go here for drawstring bag sewer directions.

:: I already had the sewing notions for this project, so I simply purchased thread, fabric, and cord. The cord was .99c for 1 yard, the fabric was on sale for 40% off $7.99/yd and I used about 2/3 yd, and I bought matching thread for approximately $2.50. So I paid about $6.60 to make this bag which will last nearly a lifetime.  I am a beginner sewer so the project took me about 15 minutes.

:: There are so many other uses for these simple drawstring bags like;

Do you have any crafty organizing ideas that you use in your home? Share them here!