Easy Drawstring Pencil Bag: From Jeans to Gems
Looking for the perfect way to store your art supplies? I’ve got just the project for you! As a craft enthusiast who’s always juggling multiple projects, I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this amazing drawstring pencil bag tutorial. Not only will you create something totally unique, but you’ll also give new life to those old jeans sitting in your closet!
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before we dive into this creative adventure, let’s gather our supplies! Trust me, this project is so much fun, and you’ll be thrilled with the results. Here’s what you need:
- An old pair of jeans (any color works, but I’m using pink because why not!)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine (don’t worry if you’re not a pro – I’m not either!)
- White ribbon or any drawstring material
- Straight pins
- Basic sewing supplies
- Your creative spirit!
Creating Your Perfect Storage Solution
I can’t count how many times I’ve lost my favorite art supplies in the bottom of my bag. That’s exactly why I came up with this drawstring pencil bag design! It’s roomy enough for all your essentials but compact enough to slip into your purse or backpack.
Preparing Your Materials
First things first – lay out your jeans and decide how large you want your bag to be. I measured mine against my longest brushes and pencils, adding a few extra inches for that perfect fit. Cut the leg portion of the jeans – this will be the main body of your pencil bag. Don’t stress about perfect cuts; we’re going for functional and fun here!
The Sewing Adventure Begins
Now comes the exciting part! Fold your fabric inside out and sew up the bottom edge. I’ll let you in on a secret – my stitches aren’t always perfectly straight, but that just adds to the handmade charm! Make sure your seam is secure; nobody wants their pencils making a grand escape.
Adding That Special Touch
Creating the Drawstring Channel
This is where your drawstring pencil bag really starts taking shape! Fold over the top edge about an inch and pin it in place. Here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: leave enough space for your ribbon to slide through easily. Trust me, wrestling with a tight drawstring channel is no fun!
The Ribbon Dance
Now for my favorite part – adding the ribbon! Make two small holes on opposite sides of your folded edge. Thread your ribbon through both holes, making sure it goes all the way around. I like to use white ribbon for that clean look, but feel free to go wild with colors!
Finishing Touches
Securing Everything in Place
Time to make it all permanent! Sew along the folded edge, creating a channel for your drawstring. Remember to avoid sewing over the ribbon – been there, done that, had to start over! Add a few knots at the ribbon ends, and if you’re feeling fancy, give them a quick singe to prevent fraying.
The Big Reveal
Turn your bag right side out, and voilà! You’ve just created your very own drawstring pencil bag. Give it a test run – pull those strings and watch your creation cinch closed like magic. Isn’t it satisfying?
Making It Your Own
The best part about this project is how customizable it is. Make it bigger for art supplies, smaller for just pencils, or create multiple bags in different sizes! I’ve made several – one for my markers, another for paintbrushes, and even a tiny one for my favorite pens.
Want to add more personality? Try these fun ideas:
- Add patches or embroidery
- Use colorful ribbons
- Attach small charms to the drawstrings
- Paint fabric designs on the denim
This drawstring pencil bag isn’t just practical – it’s a statement piece that shows off your crafty side. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something useful from materials that might have ended up in the trash.
Remember, crafting is all about having fun and expressing yourself. So what if your stitches aren’t perfect? Each little quirk makes your creation uniquely yours. Plus, you’ve just turned an old pair of jeans into something absolutely fantastic!
Feeling Creative? Explore our full collection of DIY projects for more inspiring ideas! Browse Projects →
Ready to start crafting? Grab those old jeans and let’s get creative! Your art supplies are about to get the cozy new home they deserve. And just think – next time someone asks where you got that cool pencil bag, you can proudly say, “I made it myself!”
Happy crafting, everyone! Can’t wait to see what amazing variations you come up with for your own drawstring pencil bag. Trust me, once you make one, you’ll be hooked on creating more!
