Even a beginner can easily master sewing this drawstring bag from "Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts." It requires just a few straight seams, and introduces the method of sewing a channel at the top (in this case, for a pair of ties used to cinch the bag closed).

The pouches themselves are extremely versatile, and can be sewn in a wide range of sizes to hold everything from laundry to jewelry. On "The Martha Stewart Show," Martha made a small shoe bag using 13-by-31-inch fabric for a finished size of 11 by 14 inches.

Get the Drawstring Pouches How-To

Resources
Fabric is available from Purl Patchwork.