Are you tired of flimsy mesh wash bags that fall apart after a few washes, or struggle to find one the perfect size for your delicate items? Sewing your own wash bag is a surprisingly simple project, and allows you to customize the size and fabric to perfectly suit your needs. This quick fix provides a durable, reusable solution for protecting your lingerie, sweaters, and other delicates.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a professional-looking wash bag, from choosing the right materials to mastering the sewing techniques. We’ll cover multiple construction methods, including options for different skill levels, and provide tips to ensure your wash bag stands up to repeated use. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped to make a whole collection of wash bags in various sizes!
Materials and Tools Needed
| Item | Quantity | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Fabric | 1/2 yard | Polyester or nylon mesh, approximately 54″ wide |
| Cotton Fabric (for drawstring casing) | 1/4 yard | Lightweight cotton, coordinating color or pattern |
| Drawstring Cord | 1-2 yards | Cotton or nylon cord, 1/4″ diameter |
| Matching Thread | 1 spool | Polyester thread recommended for durability |
| Safety Pin | 1 | For threading the drawstring |
| Fabric Scissors | 1 | Sharp scissors for cutting fabric |
| Measuring Tape or Ruler | 1 | For accurate measurements |
| Sewing Machine | 1 | Standard sewing machine with zig-zag stitch capability |
| Iron & Ironing Board | 1 | For pressing seams |
| Pins or Clips | 1 box/pack | To hold fabric pieces together |
Preparing Your Fabric
Cutting the Fabric Pieces
- Mesh Piece: Cut one rectangle of mesh fabric. The size will determine the finished wash bag dimensions. Popular sizes include:
- Small: 8″ x 12″ (ideal for lingerie)
- Medium: 10″ x 16″ (versatile for various delicates)
- Large: 12″ x 18″ (good for sweaters or bulky items)
- Cotton Strip (Drawstring Casing): Cut one strip of cotton fabric 2″ wide and the same length as the width of your mesh rectangle. For example, if your mesh is 8″ wide, your cotton strip should also be 8″ long.
Finishing the Edges (Optional but Recommended)
Mesh can fray easily. While not essential, finishing the edges of the mesh rectangle before assembly will significantly increase the bag’s durability. Options include:
- Zig-Zag Stitch: Sew a zig-zag stitch along all edges of the mesh rectangle.
- Serging: If you have a serger, serge the edges for a professional finish.
- Pinked Edges: Use pinking shears to create a zig-zag edge that reduces fraying.
Constructing the Wash Bag
Phase 1: Creating the Drawstring Casing
- Fold and Press: Fold the cotton strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press with an iron.
- Open and Fold Again: Open the folded strip. Fold each raw edge towards the center crease you just made, and press again.
- Fold and Press One Last Time: Fold the strip in half along the original crease, encasing the raw edges. Press firmly. This creates a neat, finished casing.
- Attach to Mesh: Place the folded cotton strip along the top edge of the mesh rectangle (the shorter side). Pin or clip in place, ensuring the raw edge of the cotton strip aligns with the raw edge of the mesh.
- Sew the Casing: Stitch the cotton strip to the mesh, approximately 1/8″ from the edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.
Phase 2: Assembling the Bag
- Fold the Bag: With the right sides of the mesh fabric facing each other, fold the mesh rectangle in half, aligning the side edges.
- Sew the Sides: Sew along both side edges, using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.
- Finish the Seams: To prevent fraying, finish the raw edges of the side seams using a zig-zag stitch, serger, or pinking shears.
Phase 3: Inserting the Drawstring
- Attach Safety Pin: Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring cord.
- Thread the Drawstring: Insert the safety pin into one opening of the drawstring casing and carefully thread the drawstring all the way around the casing.
- Remove Safety Pin: Once the drawstring is threaded through the entire casing, remove the safety pin.
- Knot the Ends: Tie the ends of the drawstring cord together in a secure knot.
Additional Sections
Pro Tips
- Fabric Choice: Use a fine mesh for smaller, more delicate items. A slightly coarser mesh is suitable for larger items.
- Reinforced Corners: For extra durability, reinforce the corners of the bag with a few extra stitches.
- Drawstring Length: Ensure the drawstring is long enough to comfortably close the bag but not so long that it gets caught in the washing machine.
- Avoid Thick Threads: Using a very thick thread for the drawstring casing can make it difficult to thread the drawstring.
- Pre-Wash Fabrics: Pre-wash your fabrics to prevent shrinkage after the wash bag is completed.
- Double Stitch: For heavy use, consider double-stitching the side seams for extra strength.
Professional Help
If you’re struggling with the sewing aspects, consider:
- Local Seamstress/Tailor: A professional can construct the bag for you. Expect to pay $15-30 depending on complexity.
- Sewing Classes: Learning basic sewing skills will empower you to create many more projects.
- Online Tutorials: YouTube offers a wealth of video tutorials on sewing wash bags.
FAQ
Q: Can I use any type of fabric for the drawstring casing?
A: While you can experiment, lightweight cotton is recommended as it’s easy to work with and won’t add excessive bulk.
Q: What if my mesh fabric is very slippery?
A: Use plenty of pins or clips to hold the fabric pieces together while sewing. Consider using a walking foot on your sewing machine, which helps feed slippery fabrics evenly.
Q: How do I prevent the drawstring from getting lost inside the casing?
A: Secure the drawstring ends with a tight knot. You can also add a small bead or button to each end to act as a stopper.
Q: Can I make a wash bag without a drawstring?
A: Yes, you can create a zippered wash bag instead. This requires a bit more sewing skill but offers a secure closure.
Alternative Solutions
If you don’t want to sew, consider purchasing pre-made wash bags. However, these are often more expensive and may not be as durable or customizable as a homemade bag.
| Solution | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Made Wash Bag | Convenient, no sewing required | More expensive, limited size/fabric options | Quick solution, infrequent use |
| Zippered Wash Bag | Secure closure, no drawstring to lose | More complex to sew | Items prone to escaping |
Keep Your Delicates Protected
Congratulations! You’ve successfully sewn your own wash bag. This simple project offers a practical and eco-friendly way to protect your delicate laundry items.
Remember these key steps: accurate fabric cutting, secure stitching, and careful drawstring insertion. Now you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing your favorite clothes are safe and sound during washing.
What size wash bag did you make? Share your creation and any tips you learned in the comments below!
