Learn to Sew - The Pre-Loved Edition: Draw String Bags

(Project: Drawstring Bag from cotton shirts, tea towels, pillowcases, or sheets)

Learn how to turn flat, woven fabrics like an old button-up shirt, a forgotten tea towel, or a vintage pillowcase into a practical, cinch-top drawstring bag. This stand-alone class introduces you to the art of precision folding, casing creation, and working with lightweight cottons. You'll leave with a beautiful, reusable bag perfect for produce shopping, gift-giving, or organising your home.

Who is this for?
This class is designed for beginners who already have very basic machine familiarity. If you can thread a sewing machine and sew a straight line, you have all the skills needed for this project. You do not need any prior upcycling experience, just bring your fabric and we will teach you the rest.

Materials You Must Bring:

1 x Cotton shirt, large tea towel, or a 50cm x 50cm (minimum) piece of a flat bedsheet or pillowcase.
1 x Metre of non-stretchy cord, fabric ribbon, or thick cotton yarn for the drawstring.
Please pre-wash and iron your fabric flat before class.

Important Restrictions:

❌ No stretchy materials (avoid t-shirts that contain spandex/elastane).
❌ No heavy denim or thick upholstery fabrics (they will be too bulky for the casing).
✅ Lightweight to medium-weight woven cottons and linens are perfect.

Please note, this class is for Adults 18+

As a not-for-profit organisation, NGĀ ART (Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia) relies on grants, community funding, and donations to keep our classes affordable and accessible for everyone in our community. This programme is generously subsidised thanks to funding support from the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) to boost Aotearoa New Zealand’s performance in waste minimisation.

Learn to Sew ✦ The Pre-Loved Edition ✦ Draw String Bags