From the page: One curtain, a thousand lives
Idea 4
Drawstring organization pouches
Drawstring pouches have accompanied humankind for centuries — they held coins, herbs, and sewing supplies at home and while traveling. The secret lies in simple physics: the cord runs through a tunnel of folded fabric, and when pulled, it gathers the fabric around the opening like a cinching loop, closing without zippers or velcro.
What you need
- Curtain scraps (the curtain's lining works too, if there is one)
- Cord, satin ribbon, or old shoelace (about 60 cm per pouch)
- Scissors, pins, and safety pins (or a regular pin)
- Thread and needle or sewing machine
- Measuring tape
How to make it
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1
Cut fabric rectangles in the desired size (20x30 cm yields a drawer pouch), remembering the final height will be smaller because the drawstring tunnel eats about 3 centimeters — better to have extra than not enough.
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2
Fold the fabric in half with the pretty sides inward and sew the two long sides, leaving a 2-centimeter window unsewn near the top fold — this little window is where the cord will go in and out.
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3
Fold the opening inward twice (1 cm, then 2.5 cm) and sew around it, forming the tunnel without closing the window; the doubled folded fabric withstands the pull of the cord without tearing.
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4
Attach the cord to a safety pin and push the pin through the tunnel, gathering the fabric ahead of it — the pin works as a guide, pulling the cord through without tangling.
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5
Tie the two cord ends together with a firm knot and pull to test: the opening should close in soft gathers and open without effort.
Finishing touches
Make varied sizes to organize drawers, luggage, and small toys — and write the contents on a fabric label sewn to the front, so you can find everything with your eyes closed. With thicker curtain fabric, the larger pouches become lovely car shopping holders.
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