You would have holes in the bag - eyelets - to thread the drawstring through. Make it as long as it needs to be to go through them. You probably need it about twice the width of the top of the bag so you can thread it through both ways -
<-------
-------->
When you pull on the loops on either side, it makes the handles.
Once upon a time, I made a cloth bag with a drawstring closure. That was a cough very long time ago (going on 30 years) and all I can tell you (since I still have and use the bag) is that I must have had 2 cords because there are knots on both ends. The knots are just outside the edges of the bag when it is completely open.
The bag looks like a square version of some of these:
You might be able to look at the first pattern (Simplicity 3531) at a cloth store to get an idea on length. The 2nd pattern is out of print, unfortunately.
Crap on a cracker, I think I’ve messed up. I looked at some seam-sewing videos on youtube and some of them are using the cast on tail to sew up the seam. I didn’t realize you could do that but mine is too short and I knotted it and cut off the excess so I can’t do that anyway. ARGH!
If I use a fresh piece of yarn threaded through the needle like one lady did, do I need to tie a knot at its end so the thread doesn’t just get pulled out of knitting? (Hope that makes sense). And what type of needle should I be using, darning or yarn or some other kind?
You can leave a tail on the end and weave it in after you’ve finished with the seam. That way there won’t be a knot. I use crochet hooks and just pull the ends through nearby stitches, but most people use a darning or tapestry needle, one with a blunt tip and large eye.
I’ve been meaning to ask, what size or type of crochet hook should I buy for weaving in loose ends? I don’t want to buy a whole set because I don’t crochet. And what is the difference between a darning, tapestry, and yarn needle?
I don’t know if this will help you but sometimes what I do is knit the first and last stitch on all rows. Makes seaming a breeze and it doesn’t roll.
Good luck. (Since it is the first and last stitch it doesn’t change your pattern).
Yarn needle has the larger hole for getting the different size yarns thru. The point isn’t as sharp leaving less chance of damaging yarn. I have used other needles though. I think a G hook would serve you nicely.
I use a hook a lot smaller than the knitting needle I’m using; about an E or F for worsted, and a D for thinner yarn. Or whatever I find first when it’s time to use it.