Day 1: Drawstring Bread Bag

It’s Here: The Final Year of 12 Days of Christmas Freebies!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived—our 10th and final year of the 12 Days of Christmas Freebies! It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade of crafting, giving, and spreading holiday cheer with simple, fun projects. Over the years, we’ve loved sharing creative patterns designed to be quick, use minimal supplies, and stay useful throughout the year—not just during the holiday season.

This year’s lineup is extra special as we celebrate this milestone. To kick things off, Day 1 features a fabric drawstring bread bag, available in two sizes—perfect for a round sourdough loaf or a classic sandwich loaf. As someone who recently started baking sourdough bread, I couldn’t resist sharing this project. It’s easy to make, practical, and a thoughtful gift for fellow bakers or anyone on your holiday list who might enjoy homemade bread this season.

Over the years, creating these freebies has been a highlight of the holiday season. It’s been such a joy to see the excitement and creativity within our sewing community. We’re so grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm, which has made these 12 Days of Christmas Freebies something truly special.

These projects are designed to be fun and accessible for all skill levels—whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just starting out. They make great gifts, quick last-minute projects, or even something special just for yourself.

Looking Back on a Decade of Freebies

If you’d like to take a trip down memory lane, we’ve rounded up all the previous years’ projects for you to explore:
2015| 2016 | 2017| 2018| 2019| 2020| 2021 |2022 | 2023

While this is the final year of our 12 Days of Christmas Freebies, we plan to revisit and reimagine many of these past projects in future years. I may even sprinkle in a new freebie here and there, but I’ll no longer promise 12 every holiday season. As my kids have grown and life has become busier, finding time (and inspiration!) during this hectic season has become more challenging. This would go perfect with some of our other freebies like the linen tea towels, pot holders, fabric bowl covers, Clara apron, or oven mitts!

That said, I’ve poured my heart into this final collection and carefully selected 12 projects I truly hope you’ll love. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or your friends, each project is designed to bring a little extra joy to the holidays.

Thank You for a Decade of Support

Thank you for being part of our sewing community and for supporting us through 10 amazing years of holiday freebies. This tradition has been so meaningful, and I hope these projects continue to inspire and delight you as much as they have me.

So let’s make this final year of the 12 Days of Christmas Freebies one to remember. Be sure to check back each day for a new freebie, and join us as we celebrate a decade of crafting and giving together!

Happy sewing, and happy holidays!

SUPPLIES:

Fabric – a natural fabric like linen or cotton.
Round loaf size-
- 5/8 yard
- OR 1/2 yard for bag and 1/8 yard drawstring
Sandwich loaf size-
- 1/2 yard
- OR 3/8 yard for bag and 1/8 yard drawstring

LET’S GET STARTED!

1/2″ seam allowances included

Step 1: PREPPING

Go grab the pattern here! The pattern is 100% free, but you do need to add it to your cart and checkout. Then, it will always be available to download from your account. The pattern is a no trim pattern; if you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page , check out the blog post here, or ask in our Facebook group .

Print and assemble the pattern. Alternatively, you can use the projector file if you’re using a projector OR the measurements below. Pattern layout below:

Step 2: CUTTING

Cut 2 bag pieces and mark 2″ down from the top on each piece:
- Round loaf size- 14 X 14
- Sandwich loaf size- 13 X 12
Cut 2 drawstring tie pieces:
- Round loaf size- 2 X 24
- Sandwich loaf size- 2 X 22

Step 3: SEWING THE MAIN BAG

Optional- serge along all edges of main pieces. If you don’t have a serger, you can zig zag around all the edges or use pinking shears later.

With right sides together, stitch from drawstring marking, across bottom, back up to the other side of the drawstring marking with 1/2″ seam allowance.

If you didn’t serge or zig zag your pieces, use pinking shears around edges, being careful not to trim too much off the unsewn portion.

Press 1/2″ of unsewn edges toward wrong side on each side of the unsewn side seams.

Press 1/2″ toward wrong side of top edge on each main piece.

Stitch from pressed edge, down unsewn side seams, then back up to other pressed edge.

Press another 3/4″ toward wrong side along top edge. Then edge stitch along front and back to create drawstring casing.

Then press right side out and set aside while you sew the drawstring ties.

Press each short edge of the drawstring piece 1/4″ to the wrong side.

Press the drawstring piece as if you were making binding or bias. Press in half wrong sides together. Press each long edge toward the center crease. Then press in half again. Edge stitch on all edges. Repeat on other piece.

Use a safety pin to run drawstring through casing. Repeat with other drawstring on other side.

Once the drawstring is evenly spaced, find the center of the bag. Stitch down center on each side to hold drawstring in place so it doesn’t come undone in wash or while using.