Easy 15-minute craft project suitable for kids or as a handmade gift for children.
While hunting through my craft stash for gift wrap for a child’s birthday, I stumbled on a few felt sheets and realized they’d make perfect little pouches. They can be charming gift packaging or a simple handmade present on their own.
This drawstring pouch is quick and simple to make — and great for kids to try. When I was young, I loved making things that looked more grown-up than “kid-made,” and this project gives that satisfying result without much effort.
Use these pouches to present small gifts, trinkets, or party favors for holidays and birthdays. Fill them with candy, tiny toys, or use them as stocking stuffers. Follow the steps below to make felt pouches in just a few minutes.
Materials Needed for Pouch
- sheets of felt, scrap fabric, thin leather, or similar sturdy material
- scissors
- large-eye needle (upholstery or similar)
- cording or thick thread / embroidery floss
- (optional) felt balls or pom-poms for decoration
I used suede cording because it’s durable and easy to thread, but any strong cord or thick thread will work.
How To Make a Drawstring Pouch
1. Trace a circle onto a felt sheet using a bowl or plate as a template. I used two layers of felt for extra stability and a pop of contrast color, but a single layer works fine too. Cut out the circle (or circles if you’re using two layers).
Tip: Scrap fabric and thin leather are also good choices — use whatever materials you have available.
2. Punch holes around the felt circle every 1–2 inches, keeping each hole about 1/2 inch in from the outer edge. This creates the channel for the drawstring and makes stitching easier.
3. Stack your layers (if using more than one) and, with a large-eye needle, stitch around the circle about 1 inch in from the edge using cording or thick thread. Make sure your stitches pass through both layers so the pouch holds together neatly.
4. After you’ve stitched all the way around, remove the needle and gently pull both ends of the cord to gather the felt into a pouch. If you like, thread a felt ball or pom-pom onto the cord for decoration — it doesn’t change function but adds a playful touch.
5. Place small gifts, candies, or trinkets inside the pouch. Finish by tying the cord ends into a bow or a knot. The pouch is now ready to give.
Ideas to Expand the Project
1. For a larger, purse-style version, you can adapt a drawstring purse tutorial and scale up the shape and materials. With a few adjustments, it can be made into a no-sew or minimal-sew project.
2. If you’re focused on gift wrapping, try other fabric gift-wrap ideas using scraps or reusable materials you already have at home. These pouches are an eco-friendly way to present small items.
How to Make a Drawstring Pouch
Brittni
Equipment
- sheets of felt, scrap fabric, thin leather, or similar material
- scissors
- large-eye needle (upholstery or similar)
- cording or thick thread / embroidery floss
- (optional) felt balls or pom-poms
Instructions
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Use a bowl to trace a circle onto felt. Cut out one or two circles (two layers give extra stability and a contrasting look). Scrap fabric or thin leather also work well.
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Punch holes around the circle every 1–2 inches, about 1/2 inch from the edge. With a large-eye needle and cord, stitch around the circumference about 1 inch in from the edge, keeping layers aligned.
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After stitching, remove the needle and pull both cord ends to gather the pouch. Optionally thread a felt ball or pom-pom onto the cord for decoration.
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Fill the pouch with small trinkets, candy, or gifts. Tie the cord ends into a bow or knot and it’s ready to give.
No felt on hand? Felt sheets are inexpensive at most craft stores, often under a dollar each. Fabric scraps or an old pair of jeans make excellent alternatives — the stiffer the material, the better the pouch will hold its shape.