You can make a two-string drawstring bag very easily.
Use either method of construction, but make sure you have two side seams.
For the sewing machine only bag, use the two pieces of fabric 14" wide x 20" long. Do NOT do Step 0. Follow Steps 1 - 4 for both pieces of fabric. For Step 5, follow directions, but do NOT insert drawstring. For Step 6, sew both side seams together and them bottom seam. For Step 7, insert two drawstrings through both sides of casing - one drawstring with both cut ends coming out of the right, one with both ends coming out of the left.
For the serger method, either use two pieces of fabric or fabric folded bottom to top. For Step 2, stop sewing 2 1/2" - 3" from the top on both side seams. Follow Steps 4 - 5 for both sides. For Step 6, whether you sew with the drawstrings inside the casing or insert them later, insert two drawstrings through both sides of casing - one drawstring with both cut ends coming out of the right, one with both ends coming out of the left. I don't think optional Step 7 is really appropriate for this method.
You can also do a boxed bottom with any bag. Stiffer fabric would work better than lightweight fabric.
1. Turn bag inside out. Fold your bag with side seams in the middle. Make triangle points out of both bottom seams.
2. Do the following for both sides: measuring from the triangle point, mark the center point for your sewing line, and then mark a line running side to side to create a triangle. For this bag, I went 2 1/2" up from the point, and it made the boxed part too big. Next time, I think I'll try 1 1/2". Sew across line.
Steps 1 and 2.
3. You can either leave the triangles as is or finish them a little more. I pressed mine to the bottom of the bag and tacked them down at the points (sewed a few stitches back and forth). You could cut off the triangles about 1/4" beyond your sewing line. For this fabric, I think that tacking them down helps to stablize the bottom a little more.
Step 3.
The bag laid flat with the boxed bottom folded up, so you can see it.
Sharon
Mommy to Sarah (8/14/98) and Michael (10/18/00)
Wife to Byron (devoted family man) since 1992<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by Sharon on Mon Sep 17 11:45 AM.</EM></FONT></P>