How to DIY a Cute and Easy Squid Bag

Here’s a cute project for a small squid bag. It’s a DIY drawstring bag with some fun details. You can use this tutorial to learn how to sew a drawstring pouch without the extras, as well. Either way, it’s a quick and easy make for beginners.

Tools and materials: 

• Main fabric 
• Lining fabric
• 70” (175 cm) length of yarn
• 2 cords for the drawstrings
• 2 black buttons or googly eyes
• Ruler
• French curve (optional)
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Pins
• Kirby grip
• Iron
• Hand sewing needle and thread
• Sewing machine

1. Cut out the fabric and lining

Cut two 10 inch (25 cm) squares from the main fabric and two from the lining.

Use one of the main fabric squares with the wrong side uppermost.

Mark 3 inches (8 cm) from the lower right corner along the lower edge.

Mark 4 inches (10 cm) from the same corner up the right edge and 2 inches (5 cm) diagonally from the corner between the two marks.

Join the three points using a French curve or other curved edge.

Fold the square in half with the right side inside and cut along the curve through both layers.

Open out the fabric and use it as a template to cut identical shapes from the second main fabric square and both pieces of lining.

2. Make the tentacles

Cut a 70 inch (175 cm) length of yarn.

Arrange it in loops on the lower edge of one of the main fabric pieces.

When you’re happy with the effect, sew it in place along the lower edge and trim off any excess yarn.

3. Assemble the squid bag

Place one of the lining pieces over each of the main shapes with the right sides facing.

Sew them together along the straight top edge.

Open out the pieces and press the seams flat.

Place the two sections together with the right sides facing, matching the seams and the fabrics.

Mark 1 inch (2.5 cm) down from the seam on both side edges of the main fabric.

Mark a 2 inch (5 cm) opening on one side edge of the lining.

Sew the two main fabric pieces together, leaving the 1 inch (2.5 cm) section open at both sides for the drawstrings.

Sew the lining pieces together, apart from the marked section.

4. Thread the drawstrings

Turn the pouch right side out through the 2 inch (5 cm) opening.

Sew the opening closed.

Tuck the lining inside the bag and press it flat.

Top stitch around the top seam, close to the edge.

Sew a second row of stitching around the pouch, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top seam.

Cut two 23 inch (58 cm) lengths of cord. 

Attach a Kirby grip to the end of one piece and thread it through the 1 inch (2.5 cm) opening at the top of the bag.

Knot the two ends of the cord together.

Thread the other cord through the top opening in the opposite direction. When you knot the ends, they should be on the opposite side of the bag to the first cord.

5. Finishing

Hand sew or glue two black buttons or googly eyes to the outside of the bag near the top.

Be careful not to sew through both sides.

Pull on both cords to close the pouch.