DRAWSTRING GIFT BAG: CROSS STITCH FINISHING IDEA

Just wanted to give you guys some quick info on the brand-new CHRISTMAS PIAZZA CROSS STITCH Drawstring Bag!

We are a bit smitten with the finish over here. You can of course finish your CHRISTMAS PIAZZA CROSS STITCH [the official post for the pattern will be up soon as well] any way you like, but we thought that these little drawstring bags were a perfect way to showcase this quilt-inspired design and make a project that is super useful at the same time.

This is Susan’s [@thefeltedpear] bag. She chose 14 count AIDA [more info on the pattern] and Charcoal Chambray from MODA for her bag. Isn’t it just perfect?!

It makes a perfect holiday gift bag for that special gift or for your jewelry or notions… so many uses really. The finished bag measures app. 7″ x 8″ and is completely finished inside and out!

This is my little bag and I used 16 count AIDA for a teeny bit smaller cross stitch block and finished in a nubby cream linen. Inside the bag I used my favorite ivory EYELET fabric… the one with the little red eyelet dots.

Susan and I both followed the basic instructions from my EASIEST ACCESSORY BAG EVER PATTERN to make our drawstring bags. They are fully lined and can be made in a variety of sizes in the pattern itself. Btw… the pattern is going to get a new facelift soon with a new edition if you want to wait a bit for that one, but for now the tried-and-true classic pattern will do just fine!

If you have your own method of making drawstring bags or want to “wing it” then go for it… there are of course a million ways to make drawstring bags.

DRAWSTRING BAG INFO

Here are my measurements for this particular project:

• Make your CHRISTMAS PIAZZA CROSS STITCH block. Trim it to 3 ¼” x 3 ¼”.
• Cut your lining piece to 7 ½” x 18 ¾”.
• For the front bag [where you are going to set in the cross stitch block], you are going to cut (4) pieces total and set in your block.
  • Cut (1) 5″ x 7 ½” for the top.
  • Cut (2) 3 ¼” x 2 ⅝” for the sides.
  • Cut (1) 7 ½” x 11 ½” for the bottom.
• Assemble the pieces to make the outside portion of your drawstring. If for some reason your outside comes out bigger than the lining or vice versa, just trim them up to match!
• Follow the directions to make your bag according to the pattern or following your own method.
• To finish the bag, fold the top over to the 3″ mark and create a ½” casing along the bottom edge of that top.
• Thread with ribbon or twill tape.

Enjoy!!