As I was scrambling through my crafting supplies, looking for gift wrap for a kids birthday party, I found a few sheets of felt. And thought, maybe this could be a cute way to package of gifts. OR just be a gift all on its own.
This drawstring pouch is very easy to make. In fact, what I really love about this project is that it’s something that could easily be done by a child, not just an adult. When I was growing up, I always felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I created something on my own that didn’t necessarily look like it was made by a kid. And this is one of those projects that would fit the bill, imo.
Great for presenting gifts and small trinkets in a unique way for the holidays, birthdays, etc. They’d be cute party favors too, with some candy inside or a little toy…also great for stocking stuffers! Click through to see how you can make your own felt pouches in minutes.
Materials Needed for Pouch
*I used suede cording because I already had it. Plus, it has great durability and strength.
How To Make a Drawstring Pouch
1. Use a bowl to trace a circle onto a sheet of felt*. I used two pieces of felt to give the pouch more stability and another pop of color. You don’t have to use two, but I think it adds a little something to do it this way.
Then, cut the circle (or circles, if doing 2 pieces of felt) out.
*Scrap fabric and thin leather also work great for this project. So feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
2. Next, hole punch the felt every inch or two, all the way around – about 1/2 inch from the outside circumference.
3. Then, using an upholstery needle and cording or thick thread, stitch around the entire circumference of the circle, about an inch in from the edge.
Note: If you have more than one layer of material, make sure they are stacked on top of each other before you start this process.
4. Once the cording / thread has gone all the way around, you can remove the needle and pull each side of the cord to start tightening up the pouch.
OR if you want to add a felt ball, like one of the examples, poke your needle through the felt ball, pulling the cording through the ball. It doesn’t serve much purpose, other than looking cute. I do think its adds something more unique to the pouch though, if you happen to have felt balls or pom poms laying around.
5. Add any small trinkets, gifts, or candies inside. Then, fully tie the ends of the cords into a bow or loose knot. And it’s ready to go.
Take it Further
1. If you’re interested in something bigger and more purse like, I have a tutorial for how to make a DIY drawstring purse as well. You could easily modify the shape and make it more of a no-sew project like this one, with a few changes.
2. And if you’re thinking more along the lines of gift wrapping ideas, I have more DIY fabric gift wrap ideas that you might enjoy. It’s a nice way to reuse materials you already have at home too.
How to Make a Drawstring Pouch
As I was scrambling through my crafting supplies, looking for gift wrap for a kids birthday party, I found a few sheets of felt. And thought, maybe this could be a cute way to package of gifts. OR just be a gift all on its own.
This drawstring pouch is very easy to make. In fact, what I really love about this project is that it’s something that could easily be done by a child, not just an adult. When I was growing up, I always felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I created something on my own that didn’t necessarily look like it was made by a kid. And this is one of those projects that would fit the bill, imo.
Great for presenting gifts and small trinkets in a unique way for the holidays, birthdays, etc. They’d be cute party favors too, with some candy inside or a little toy…also great for stocking stuffers! Click through to see how you can make your own felt pouches in minutes.
- sheets of felt, scrap fabric, thin leather, etc
- Scissors
- large eye needle – like upholstery needle or something similar
- cording or thick thread / embroidery floss*
- (optional) felt balls
- Use a bowl to trace a circle onto a sheet of felt*. I used two pieces of felt to give the pouch more stability and another pop of color. You don’t have to use two, but I think it adds a little something to do it this way. Then, cut the circle (or circles, if doing 2 pieces of felt) out. *Scrap fabric and thin leather also work great for this project. So feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- Next, hole punch the felt every inch or two, all the way around – about 1/2 inch from the outside circumference. Then, using an upholstery needle and cording or thick thread, stitch around the entire circumference of the circle, about an inch in from the edge. Note: If you have more than one layer of material, make sure they are stacked on top of each other before you start this process.
- Once the cording / thread has gone all the way around, you can remove the needle and pull each side of the cord to start tightening up the pouch. OR if you want to add a felt ball, like one of the examples, poke your needle through the felt ball, pulling the cording through the ball. It doesn’t serve much purpose, other than looking cute. I do think its adds something more unique to the pouch though, if you happen to have felt balls or pom poms laying around.
- Add any small trinkets, gifts, or candies inside. Then, fully tie the ends of the cords into a bow or loose knot. And it’s ready to go.
Don’t have any felt sheets on hand? They’re really affordable at pretty much any local craft store (under a $1 each usually).
But fabric scraps would be another great option…or even an old pair of stained up jeans. Anything that you can cut up and reuse – the stiffer the material, the better.
