Make a Storage Bag
Make a simple fabric storage bag using scrap fabric, basic sewing (with adult help) or no-sew glue and a drawstring; decorate and organize toys.
About this activity
Make a simple fabric storage bag using scrap fabric, basic sewing (with adult help) or no-sew glue and a drawstring; decorate and organize toys.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Spread your scrap fabric flat on the table like a little picnic blanket.
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Step 2
Fold the fabric in half so the right sides face each other.
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Step 3
Use the ruler and fabric chalk to measure and mark a rectangle the size you want the bag plus 2 cm seam allowance.
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Step 4
Cut along your chalk lines to make the fabric rectangle.
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Step 5
Pin or clip the two long sides together and leave the top open.
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Step 6
Finish the pinned sides by either asking an adult to sew a straight seam 1 cm from the edge or by applying fabric glue along the seam and pressing until it sets.
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Step 7
Turn the bag right-side out through the open top so the seams hide inside.
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Step 8
Fold the top edge down 2–3 cm to make a casing for the drawstring and pin it in place.
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Step 9
Close the folded casing by either asking an adult to sew around the edge leaving a 3–4 cm gap or by gluing the fold and letting it dry while keeping a 3–4 cm gap.
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Step 10
Attach a safety pin to one end of the ribbon or cord to help guide it.
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Step 11
Thread the ribbon or cord through the casing until it comes out the other side to make your drawstring.
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Step 12
Tie the ends of the drawstring into a knot and trim any extra ribbon.
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Step 13
Decorate your bag using fabric markers or paint to make it fun and personal.
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Step 14
Share your finished storage bag on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a simple fabric storage bag with a drawstring?
To make a drawstring storage bag, cut two equal rectangles from scrap fabric (add 1/2" seam allowance). With right sides together, sew or glue the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Fold the top edge down twice to create a casing, sew or glue the fold, and leave a small opening. Thread cord or ribbon through the casing using a safety pin, knot ends, then turn the bag right-side-out and decorate. Adults should help with cutting, sewing, and hot tools.
What materials do I need to make a toy storage bag from scrap fabric?
You’ll need two pieces of scrap fabric (cotton or knit), measuring tape, scissors, pins or clips, needle and thread or a sewing machine — or fabric glue for a no-sew version. Also get cord, ribbon, or shoelace for the drawstring, a safety pin to thread it, and fabric markers, patches, or buttons for decorating. Optional: interfacing for sturdiness and an iron; adults should handle the iron and machine.
What ages is this storage bag activity suitable for?
This activity suits various ages: toddlers (3–5) can help choose fabric, stuff and decorate with stickers while adults handle cutting and sewing; school-age kids (6–8) can measure, use fabric glue, and practice basic hand stitching with supervision; older kids (9+) can sew seams, make the drawstring casing, and personalize designs independently, with adult guidance for sharp tools and the sewing machine.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for making a storage bag?
Bag-making builds fine motor skills, planning, creativity, and tidying habits while teaching recycling. Safety tips: supervise scissors, needles, irons, and sewing machines; avoid small choking-hazard decorations for young children. Variations: use a recycled T-shirt for a no-sew bag, add a clear pocket to see contents, make a zippered pouch, or use velcro tabs instead of a drawstring. Let kids choose colors and themes to boost ownership and organization.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have fabric chalk, a ruler, or fabric glue?
Use a washable marker or pencil and a measuring tape or straight cardboard edge to mark the rectangle, substitute fabric glue by having an adult hand-sew the 1 cm seam, and use a shoelace or string instead of ribbon for the drawstring.
My seams keep coming apart when I turn the bag right-side out — how can I fix this?
If seams separate when you turn the bag right-side out, reopen the top, add more pins or clips along the long sides, then either ask an adult to sew a straight 1 cm seam or reapply fabric glue and let it fully set before turning.
How can I adapt this Storage Bag activity for different ages?
For younger children, have an adult pre-cut the fabric, use fabric glue for the long seams and help thread the ribbon with a safety pin, while older kids can sew a 1 cm seam, add a lining or pockets before pinning, and experiment with smaller seam allowances and decorative stitching.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the bag after finishing the basic instructions?
Extend and personalize the bag by adding an inside pocket before pinning the sides, sewing or gluing appliqué shapes onto the outside, using patterned ribbon for the drawstring, and decorating with fabric markers or paint before sharing on DIY.org.