Art Photo Music

When I was a little kid, I had a drawstring jewelry pouch that was absolutely beautiful. The “jewelry” That I kept in it was not all that impressive. Mostly, it was knickknacks that I got from quarter machines, coupled with the odd bead necklace that I put together myself at the bead store. Nonetheless, for me they were treasures. Drawstring pouches have an aura of mystery. You cinch the strings tight and watch the opening shrink to nothing, confident that no one will be able to get in and see the secrets within.

What I didn't realize at the time was how easy it is to make your own drawstring bags and pouches. Drawstring pouches are pretty simple for anyone with a little bit of crafting experience. The first drawstring pouch I ever made was composed of two pieces of cloth and one piece of string. Basically, I sewed the squares of cloth together so that they joined on three sides. Then I cut a bunch of slits in the top and wove the string in and out between them. That was all there was to it! I had a finished drawstring pouch! All I needed to do to close it was to pull the strings and tie them together.

Of course, other crafters get very elaborate with their drawstring pouches. I have seen drawstring jewelery pouches made of fine cloth embroidered with delicate silver thread. Some of these can be quite beautiful. What is interesting is that, behind all of the decoration, they are basically the same as my drawstring bag. The basic design is so simple that, no matter how much you elaborate on it, it is easy to recognize.

If you really want to make something more complicated, you can always get into drawstring backpacks. Although these bags close like drawstring pouches, They are more complicated in design. A backpack requires multiple panels of fabric, and they have to be carefully designed. If you make a backpack too “baggy,” it won't be comfortable to carry. If, on the other hand, you make it too small, you won't be able to fit enough into it. Bags come in all shapes and sizes, but making your own is the best way to get just what you need. And nothing beats the feeling of excitement you get from knowing that you've crafted your own handmade bag. Every time you wear it, you will be struck by a sense of pride.