Make it Sew | Drawstring Fish Bag

Sweetly paired with Underwater by Elizabeth Olwen, these little drawstring bags are really handy for holding smaller things, gift bags or even as a little purse for the littles. Here’s how to make your own.

Print out the PDF pattern pieces here.

Outer body:

Tail – cut 2 (solid)
Body – cut 2 (print)
Head – cut 2 (solid)
Batting for tail – cut 1
Lining – cut 2 (contrast solid)
2 buttons for eyes
2 18” drawstrings (1yd total)

Directions:

Use 1/4” seam allowance unless otherwise noted.

Outer body

1. Sew tail to body, and body to head to make two full outer sides of the bag. Press all seams towards tail.
2. Sew button to head in area located in diagram.
3. Topstitch along the lower edge of the body/head seam.
4. With right sides together and laying the tail/batting on top of tail and sew along outer edge, sides and tail, keeping the “mouth” of fish open. Snip corners of tail and curves, turn inside out and press.
5. Topstitch at the tail/body seam. through all thicknesses (sealing off the tail).
6. For tail details, stitch along the lines, or create your own stitched design.
7. At mouth, turn edge 1/2” inside and press.

Lining

1. Sew sides and bottom, except for the area between the 2 marked points. Press seams open.
2. Turn right side out in order to topstitch around the holes as shown – this keeps the seam allowance tacked down. Then turn it back to wrong side out.
3. Fold on the line noted on pattern toward wrong (currently the outside) side and press.

Assembly

1. Slip the lining into the outer shell. Line up the opening of the holes on the sides so they meet the folded edge of the outer head. The “lips” should be exposed about 1/2”
2. Pin around and ease any excess of the outer body to the lining.
3. Topstitch at the top edge of the outer body.
4. Take one of the drawstrings and enter/exit for the right and tie a knot. Take the other and enter/exit from the left and knot. Pull both drawstrings to close.