How to Sew a Round Bag with Bamboo Handles – 6 mm Sewing Cord Tutorial

This round bag sewing tutorial is designed for makers who already have some experience sewing cord with a zigzag stitch. We will not cover the basic technique of starting and sewing a cord circle from scratch. Instead, we focus on the details that turn two sewn circles into a structured handmade round bag with bamboo handles.

For the complete bag, you will need approximately 25 metres of 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord.

Watch the video tutorial on YouTube

What you will need

• approx. 25 m of 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord

• a pair of bamboo bag handles

• leather strips for attaching the handles

• sewing machine with a zigzag stitch

• strong sewing thread

• needle for hand sewing

• pins or clips

• scissors

• fabric for lining, if desired

Step 1 – Sew two round panels

Sew 2 cord circles, each approximately 26 cm in diameter. Do not cut the end of the cord when you reach 26 cm – you will need it later to sew one more round around the circle.

Because this project is intended for more experienced makers, the basic technique for sewing a cord circle is not repeated in this tutorial.

Step 2 – Mark the bamboo handle opening

Place the bamboo handle against the upper part of the circle and mark the curve of the handle. This will determine the shape of the opening.

You can reinforce the section that will be cut away with a zigzag stitch before cutting. This is optional, but it can make the edge easier to work with.

Step 3 – Sew and cut the opening

Sew along the left side of the marked white line, then carefully cut away the marked section.

Place the panel against the bamboo handle to check the shape. Trim and even out the opening if necessary so that the curve follows the handle neatly.

Step 4 – Reinforce the cut edge

Using a zigzag stitch, sew another layer of 6 mm cord around the cut-out edge. This creates a neat, strong finish around the handle opening.

Step 5 – Add the final round

Continue with the cord end that you left uncut and sew one more layer around the outside of the circle. The finished round panel will now measure approximately 27 cm in diameter.

Finish off the cord securely.

Step 6 – Reinforce the cord join

Set your sewing machine to the longest and widest zigzag stitch possible and sew over the join once more.

Cut a short piece of cord, remove its inner core and sew the flattened cord over the join. This helps cover and reinforce the finishing point for a cleaner result.

Step 7 – Make the side panel

Decide how wide you want the side of your bag to be. Cut 8 pieces of cord to the required length and sew them together side by side using a zigzag stitch.

Trim both ends evenly, then sew 2 additional layers of cord around the edges of the side panel.

Reinforce the cut ends several times using the longest and widest zigzag stitch on your machine.

Step 8 – Assemble the bag

Pin or clip the finished side panel to the two round panels. Once everything is aligned evenly, sew the pieces together by hand.

Take your time with this step and keep the side panel positioned evenly between the two circles so the finished bag keeps its round shape.

Step 9 – Attach the bamboo handles

Prepare the leather strips and use them to secure the bamboo handles to the bag. Position both handles symmetrically before fixing the leather straps in place.

Your round cord bag is finished

You now have a structured round handmade bag sewn from 6 mm cord with elegant bamboo handles. Change the colour of the cord, leather details or handles to create your own version.

Why use 6 mm BIGcord sewing cord?

BIGcord 6 mm sewing cord is made for sewing projects on a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch. Its strong construction makes it ideal for handmade bags, baskets, bowls and other structured accessories. The cord gives the finished bag a distinctive spiral texture while helping it keep its shape.

Tip: If you are new to sewing with cord, start with a simpler project to practise forming a flat circle and controlling the zigzag stitch before making this bag.