How to Make a Drawstring Sports Sack

With repeated use, white pillowcases can lose their brilliant clean shine. Vibrant bright ones can fade and grow dim.

Don't toss out those dingy pillowcases! Stitch them into super sports sacks, ideal for toting gym uniforms to and from school or collecting laundry at camp! Decorate them for creative gift wrapping, if you wish!

Here's what you will need to construct your drawstring sports sack:

1 twin-sized pillowcase (in any fabric, pattern or color)

1 clean and sturdy shoelace (at least 36 inches long)

1 large safety pin

Sewing notions (pins, thread, etc.)

Here's how to create your drawstring sports sack:

Turn the pillowcase inside out. Fold and pin the opening hem over itself to form a casing.

Press the folded area into place with a steam iron. (Check the label inside the pillowcase for ironing temperature instructions for that kind of fabric.)

Using a sewing machine, edge-stitch the casing into place. Leave a small opening (1" to 2") at the seamed edge for the drawstring. Reinforce the beginning and end of your stitching by back-stitching a couple of times.

Stitch the edge of the casing. About 1/8 of an inch from the edge, all the way around. This will help the drawstring to remain in place during use.

Trim all sewing threads.

Stick the safety pin through one end of the shoelace. Feed this into the casing, and push it all the way through until it reappears again through the casing opening. Be sure to retain the other end of the shoelace, as you do this!

Tie both ends of the shoelace together in a sturdy knot. Pull the string to close your sack!

If you feel creative, you might add appliqués, trims, stenciling or paint embellishments to your sports sack.

It's sew easy!

Other uses for the drawstring sports sack:

The drawstring sports sack is super for storing valuable items around the house, to keep them dust-free. Cover delicate holiday decorations. Pack up games with small pieces, like checkers or marbles. Wrap children's birthday or holiday gifts.

This project can be fun for children's sleepover parties. Plain pillowcases can be autographed with permanent markers, making the sports sacks into treasured possessions!

In addition, the drawstring sack offers a safe laundry option for washing plush teddy bears and other toys.