Drawstring Bucket Bag with Crossbody Strap

Video class

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew a lined, padded bucket bag with a gathered drawstring top, a fabric crossbody strap, braided-cord trim, and small Kraft-Tex tassels.

The compact shape is intended for essentials such as keys, a phone, and lipstick. Shaped lower corners give the bag its rounded base, while a cord slider controls the opening.

What you’ll learn in this class

Stabilize and topstitch a fabric shoulder strap.
Add braided cord as a decorative strap detail.
Construct and line a padded bag body.
Shape curved boxed corners for the bucket base.
Mark, sew, and safely open multiple buttonholes.
Thread the drawstring and finish it with a slider and tassels.

Choosing your fabric

Choose the exterior for how you plan to carry the bag. The light fabric and natural cord create a casual summer version, while the page also suggests black, red, shiny, or floral fabric.

The construction uses a separate lining and batting for body. Kraft-Tex forms the drawstring slider and tassels, and interfacing strengthens the fabric strap.

Make it your own

Increase or reduce the body measurements to change the finished capacity. The class recommends testing a new size in pattern paper before cutting fabric.

The strap can be shortened to preference. You may also substitute bag webbing and add a slider if you want an adjustable version.

For a coordinated handmade outfit, pair the bag with the fit-and-flare dress.

Pattern dimensions

Each supplied bag-body piece measures 30 cm high by 26.5 cm wide. The fabric strap is cut 120 cm long by 6 cm wide before construction.

The video class includes a PDF with body, batting, strap, tassel, and drawstring-slider measurements.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

Project gallery

Drawstring Bucket Bag with Crossbody Strap