Step 1: Cut out pattern pieces. Pin patterns on selected fabric right sides out, placing the larger patterns and the tail fin on the fold where indicated, and cut. When cutting side fins, cut two sets. The two sets should mirror each other. Press out any folds on all pieces.

Step 2:  Sew the fins: Place top fin pieces right sides together. Leaving flat side open, sew around the rest of fin. Use pinking shears to notch the rounded corners, then turn inside out. using a chopstick or similar tool if necessary to push out the curves. Repeat for tail fin and side fins. Press all the fins lightly. If desired, stuff the tail fin lightly with fiberfill.

Step 3:  Sew the head to the body: Take one head piece, turn the curved edge under ¼” and pin in place. Repeat with the other head piece. Place one head on a body piece as shown, right sides up, overlapping ¼” at each end. Insert raw edge of a side fin in the middle of the curve and pin in place. The long flat side of the fin will indicate the upper side of the fish. Pin the head to the body. Top stitch along the curve, about ⅛” to 1/16” from the edge. Repeat for the other head and body, making sure the side fin mirrors the first one.

Step 4:  Sew the casing to the head: Pin casing to opposite end of head, right sides together, and sew together. Repeat for the other head and casing.

Step 5:  Sew the lining to the casing: Pin lining to opposite end of casing, right sides together, and sew. Repeat for the other casing and lining. Use an iron to press seams outward from the casing.

Step 6: Sew on eyes: Use heat-erase pen to mark position of eyes on both sides. Hand sew buttons using thread or embroidery floss.

Step 7:  Prepare the two sides for sewing: Place right sides together. Align seams of head and casing, and pin in place. Sandwich tail between the two layers, facing in, and pin in place. Sandwich top fin between the two layers of the body, on the top side of the fish, near the head, and pin in place. Remember that the top of the fish is the side with the long flat edge of the side fins.

Step 8: On the bottom side of the lining, use heat-erase pen to mark two lines about 4” apart. This will allow the bag to be turned inside out after sewing. Next, mark where the casing is stitched to the head, and mark again on the casing ¾” from the first mark. Do this on the opposite side as well. These marks indicate where to start and stop sewing; don’t sew in between the two marks.

Step 9: Sew the two sides together: Sew the two sides together, being sure to leave the marked areas open. Use pinking shears to clip the curved edges. Press seams open on each side, especially the casing.

Step 10:  Turn inside out. Turn the bag inside out through the 4” opening, using a chopstick or similar tool if necessary to push out the curves. Press lightly with an iron. At the opening, turn the edges under, and stitch closed.

Step 11: Sew the casing. Tuck the lining back into the bag. The casing should fold about in half. With heat erase pen, mark a line on the casing from edge to edge, ¾” from the seam. Flip bag over and repeat. Use the free arm of the machine to sew two parallel lines around the circumference of the bag. “Stitch in the ditch,” sewing along the seam between the head and the casing, and sew a second seam along the pen line. Use iron to erase pen marks.

Step 12:  Finish the project. Cut two 30” lengths of cord. Use a safety pin to thread cord through casing. Insert the safety pin into one hole, and thread it completely through the casing, returning to the starting point. Then thread the second length of cording in a similar manner, starting and ending on the opposite side. Tie together the ends of each side to prevent fraying. Pull the mouth closed, and enjoy your fish bag!

And you’re done! Congratulations on making the Fish Drawstring Bag!