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How to Make a Clothespin Bag Pattern and VIDEO Tutorial

My grandmother used to say that drying clothes outside, and even letting them freeze just a bit, is a great way to freshen up the fabrics and to get rid of nasty bacteria. Following her advice, I also dry my clothes naturally whenever I can, although I love the convenience of the tumble dryer.

I’m not sure about the bacteria but it sure does give your stuff that nice, fresh scent that stays a while. But to dry your things that way, you’ll need a neat DIY clothespin bag for easy access to clothespins.

This DIY clothespin holder is easy to make, takes about an hour to complete, and is extremely practical. You can hang it on the line and have the clothespins within reach as you’re setting up the clothes to dry!

diy clothespin bag

If you like how all that sounds, keep reading to learn how to make a clothespin bag! Below you will find my step by step written clothespin bag tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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How to make a clothespin bag

Learn how to sew up this cute vintage clothesline bag. It is super easy sew.

back and front of clotheslines bag

Supplies and tools

clothespin bag supplies

DOWNLOAD: clothespin bag pattern (Free PDF file)

Follow us for free patterns & tutorials! [easy-profiles]

How To Sew a Clothespin bag

Watch the diy clothespin holder video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

DIY Clothespin bag VIDEO TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Prepare the clothespin bag pattern

Download the free clothespin bag pattern and print it out in full size (always No scale/100%). Check the measurements by measuring the test line on the pattern.

A tiny mistake in the measurements isn’t terrible, but if they are off for more than an eighth of an inch, it won’t work. In that case, check your printer settings and try again.

If everything seems right,  cut off any excess paper. Your pattern for clothespin bag is now ready for use.

clothespin bag pattern

STEP 2: Measure

You’ll be cutting two identical pieces, one from the lining and the other from the main fabric. As hangers differ in size, you’ll need to measure it’s width. My hanger measured 13.5 inches (34cm). Now cut your fabrics:

  • The width of each fabric piece should be 1 – 1.5 inches (~3-4cm) more than the width of your hanger to allow for some ease.
  • The height of the fabric piece should be twice its width.

I cut my fabrics 15 inches wide and 30 inches height (which is 38 x 76 cm if you are using metric measurements).

measuring the hanger to sew the clothespin bag

STEP 3: Cut out the fabric for the clothespin hanger

To cut the fabric for the opening of the bag, start by folding the lining and the main fabric in half lengthwise. Put the pattern on top of the fabric and make sure its long straight edge aligned with the fold. Secure the pattern in place with pins or clips. Use the pattern as a guide to cut out the fabric.

cutting out the clothesline bag pattern out of both fabrics

In the next step, you’ll see how to sew a clothespin bag.

STEP 4: Start sewing this adorable vintage clothespin bags

Take the lining piece and the main fabric piece and put them on each other. Make sure to keep the right sides in and to align all the edges. Secure everything in place with pins or clips.

Sew all around the two fabrics with a quarter-inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening unstitched near the bottom of one of the long sides. The opening shouldn’t be bigger than 2 inches.

IMPORTANT: If your hanger is not straight, you’ll need to cut the top left and right corners, as I explain below. If it is straight, you don’t need to do anything so just proceed with the next step

  • Mark the middle of your hanger and align this mark with the middle fold of the fabric
  • Mark the shoulders of the hanger using a fabric pen
  • Sew along these lines
  • Cut the left and right corners leaving 1/4 inch seam allowance

STEP 5: Turn inside out and press

Snip the corners and the clip curved edge. Turn the whole thing inside-out and push out the corners. Press everything flat on the ironing board.

STEP 6: Finish the clothespin bag

Topstitch along the curve as close to the edge as possible. About one-eighth of an inch away from the edge is great.

Fold the bag in half so that its wrong sides are in. Make a stitch along the sides and the top edge. Once again, go about one-eighth of an inch away from the edge.

 

That’s it, that’s how to make a clothesline bag!

All that remains now is to insert the hanger into your new bag and to fill it up with clothespins.

pens inside the clothespin bag

Did you like this DIY clothespin bag tutorial? Were you able to print the clothesline bag pattern and sew it up the without any difficulties? I’d love to help so if you encounter any issues I’m just an email away!

Make a few of these for your friends and family, they’re not just for clothespins! You can use them to store your kids’ toys, your sewing supplies, or some fashion accessories like hats or scarfs! Enjoy your new practical bag!

Do you like this? Pin How to make a clothesline bag article for later:

Reversible clothespin bag

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 20 comments
Karen the next best thing to mummy - November 18, 2020

I am going to follow your instructions and make one of these #alittlebitofeverything@_ksrendennis

Reply
Shelbee on the Edge - November 21, 2020

This is such a great tutorial! I was just noticing the other day that my clothes pin bag is falling apart from weather wear and tear hanging out on my clothes line. Thanks for linking with me.

Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Reply
Michele Morin - November 22, 2020

My S-I-L made a clothes pin holder for me as a shower gift, and I love it!

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Naush Samama - November 23, 2020

Excellent idea and such a good tutorial too.
Thank you for sharing with us at Meraki Link Party.
Naush

Reply
Melynda Brown - November 25, 2020

Hello, this is one of my favorites for Encouraging Hearts and Home, this week! I hope you stop by and say hello, this post has been pinned! Thank you for being a part of Encouraging Hearts and Home, we appreciate all that you share. Have a great week ahead!

Reply
    Helen - November 26, 2020

    this made my day! thank you, Melynda

    Reply
chickenruby - November 25, 2020

I keep thinking I’ll make one of these, but I have a habit of leaving things outside, this way I’d bring it in with the washing
Thanks for linking with #pocolo and hope to see you back again later this week

Reply
    Helen - November 26, 2020

    Plus it’s so cute! Thanks for dropping by

    Reply
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge - November 27, 2020

This is so cute! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Farmhouse Friday!

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Jade Page - November 27, 2020

I really need one of these your tutorial makes it look easy too. #KCACOLS

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Lydia C. Lee - November 28, 2020

That’s cute!! #KCACOLS

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Carly Crawford - November 30, 2020

MY gran made me one once. It’s one of my most prized possessions. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.

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Emma Dowey - December 3, 2020

This is super cute and looks so easy too. i thought at first you’d used a shirt or blouse as the main piece. #kcacols

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Dana, A mamnista Life - December 4, 2020

Love this so much, it reminds me of one my mum had when I was growing up x x #KCACOLS

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Kat D - February 24, 2021

This will be a great replacement for my old one, think it was my grandma’s. But I will be sure to add a closure… like snaps or a button, or maybe velcro, or the birds will make a nest in it, like my last one! Do you have a suggestion? Thanks!

Reply
    Helen - February 24, 2021

    All of these will work just fine 🙂
    Perhaps you can move the old one on a tree nearby and let the birds use it as a nest. I think it will be cute

    Reply
Patsy Green - June 8, 2021

How do I buy your pattern

Reply
    Helen - June 8, 2021

    Hi Patsy, the pattern is a free bonus for our email subscribers. Just click the link that says “clothespin bag pattern” just under “Supplies and Tools”

    Reply
Kellumvik - February 23, 2022

I made a cute clothespin holder last year but made the mistake of leaving it on the clothesline all summer. It faded. Waaaaa!

Reply
    Helen - February 23, 2022

    The good news is that you can whip up a new one in a flash! 🙂

    Reply

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