When you download an in-the-hoop drawstring bag design, you will find multiple files. Some are the embroidery files, and the others are dieline files marked with the letters "DL". Dielines are used to cut the fabric to the correct shape and size. Open and print each dieline file using an embroidery software. If you do not have an embroidery software, take a look at our helpful video on using dielines

Place the template on top of the fabric for the bag and cut out the shape.

Repeat so there is a fabric piece for the front, and for the back.

Fold the top of each piece over to the wrong side.

The printed dieline has a horizontal line near the top; use this as a guide to show how much to fold over.

Press the fold in place for both pieces of fabric.

Use a bit of craft glue to hold the fold down for the back fabric piece.

The first steps of the embroidery will be seen from both sides. Wind a bobbin with the same thread used in the top.

Now that the fabric pieces are cut to the proper shape and size, it's time to embroider the design.

Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer.

Use a size 11 sharp sewing needle in the machine rather than an embroidery needle.

A sharp sewing needle is the best choice when embroidering in-the-hoop designs.

Load the full embroidery file (not the dieline file) to the embroidery machine.

Attach the hoop, and begin embroidering the design.

Reference the color change sheet for the design as you stitch. That sheet tells you what is stitched in each step.

CC1 is a dieline, or outline stitch, that traces the shape for the front fabric pieces.

After CC1 has sewn, spray a small amount of temporary adhesive on the corners of the wrong side of the front fabric piece.

Place that fabric on the stabilizer, wrong side down, in the sewn dieline.

Continue embroidering the design. The next thing to stitch is a tack down stitch. This holds the fabric in place when embroidering.

Continue embroidering the design. The next thing to stitch is a top seam, and drawstring seams.

After those seams have finished, you can switch back to regular bobbin thread

Other elements of the design will embroider. Keep referencing the color change sheet while embroidering

On the color change sheet there is a note that says "finishing seam." When you get to this step, stop the machine before embroidering the step.

Spray temporary adhesive on the corners of the right side of the back fabric piece

Place that right side down, on top of the embroidery.

Continue embroidering the design with the last step, the finishing seam.

After the design is complete, remove the stabilizer from the hoop and gently tear the excess away.

Cut a piece of ribbon, cord, or leather lace for the drawstring. An 18" piece works well.

Thread the ribbon through the drawstring casing with a safety pin.

Poke the ends of the ribbon through the side seams.

Turn the bag right side out, and fill with gifts and treats.

Pull the ends of the ribbon to cinch the bag.

Wrap the ends of the ribbon around the back, and tie in a bow.

Whip up a bunch of these adorable bags as party favors, or hang them on a Christmas tree as a unique way to wrap gifts.

A blank option can be customized for any special occasion!

These drawstring bags are the perfect way to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Halloween, and other holidays.

Fill with treats and small gifts, then give to friends and family.