Tutorial--Drawstring Shoe Bag

**This tutorial is intended for personal use only.**

I sized this drawstring shoe bag to fit up to a women's size 8 dress shoe. My size varies from a size 6 to 7, depending on the make. My shoes fit nicely inside with ample room to spare.

These are the measurements that I used. You will need 4 pieces of fabric, each measuring 11" x 14" for the outside of the bag and the lining, 2 pieces of fabric, each measuring 20" x 2" for the casing, 2 pieces of rattail cord, each measuring 32", 2 pony beads which are optional, and the embellishment of your choice.
For larger or smaller shoe sizes, measure your shoes and increase or decrease the measurements accordingly.


We will begin with the casing. Bring the short ends together on the first strip, right sides facing each other, and pin in place. Repeat this for the second strip.


Sew casing together using a 1/4" seam.


Press the seam open.


Turn the casing right side out. With the seam in the center, press both ends flat.


Fold casing in half lengthwise, raw edges together, press, and set aside.


Take this opportunity to embellish the outside panel of the bag. You can do both sides or just one as I have done.


For the outside panels: Place both pieces onto a flat surface, right sides facing up. Center each casing strip at the top of each panel on the 11" side, raw edges together. Machine baste in place, 1/8" from the top.


For the lining, mark a 3" opening 1/4" from raw edge at the bottom of the bag (the 11" side). This will be a reminder for you to leave it open for turning.


Pin both outside panels together, right sides facing each other.
Pin both lining panels together, right sides facing each other.

Sew around 3 sides of both the outside and lining panels using a 1/4" seam, keeping the top open. Remember to leave the 3" space open in the bottom of the lining.


Clip the bottom corners on both the lining and the outside piece.


Turn the lining right side out. Place the lining into the outside piece. The right sides of both pieces should be facing each other.


Pin both pieces together.


Sew completely around using a 1/4" seam.


Trim seam to reduce bulk. Turn bag right side out.


Pin and sew the opening in the lining closed. Tuck the lining into the bag and press the seam line and casing.


For the drawstring: Run the first piece of rattail cord through the casing from left to right. Bring the cord back to the left through the other casing on the opposite side.


Add a bead if you'd like, tie off with a knot.


Repeat the above, this time, starting from the right side.


To close bag, tug on both sides of the drawstring at once. Your shoe bag is now ready for travel.


Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! Happy 4th!

Aloha!