100% Cotton muslin gauze mill bags. Interesting little bags, usually stitched up on both sides with no seam at the bottom. They will have a tube around the top edge with some sort of cording laced through for easy closing after they are filled. For many years tobacco was sold in them and for many people they will always be known as tobacco pouches.

Enter the crafter and the world of cotton drawstring bags changed forever. Their uses are endless and so wide and varied that we could write a book just on that subject. I did write a guide about that very subject if you would like to check it out. Now I want to talk about how to decorate, embellish and personalize them.

Since they are usually made of 100% cotton, they take very well to dying of all sorts. So let’s start there. Cold water dyes, hot water dyes if you don’t mind a bit of shrinkage, black tea, walnut ink crystals and many plants and flowers will temporarily or permanently dye the cotton.

When using commercial dyes simply follow package directions. Tea dying is very popular and very permanent as well. Brew up a cup of tea with very hot water and allow it to steep until cool. That will make a very strong dye. And a very permanent one too. Walnut ink crystals are fun to work with, though less permanent, they allow for a great deal of creativity. Place a teaspoon full in a cup of hot water and allow it to cool, I add a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon and vanilla for a yummy scent and dip the bags, one by one in the brew. Squeeze them out and flatten on newspaper. You can get interesting effects by sprinkling the wet bags will salt, or tea leaves and let them air dry. Those ideas will get your started. And you will find more techniques as you go along.

Using plain white bags try rubber stamps and a permanent ink pad. I like black but other colors will also work well. Once dry you can leave them as they are. Or color in parts of the stamped design using felt markers or watercolor pencils. Acrylic paint in gold or silver, spattered, stamped or sponged on give an interesting look. Try dabbing over lace or spraying over a fern leaf.

With needle and thread you may want add buttons, lace, ribbon, charms etc. Use eyelets too. I like to open one side seam and stitch in a piece of lace as I re-stitch it closed. Lace rosette and ribbon flowers make a pretty addition too. With some experimenting you will find even more ways to adorn the bags for your own personal touch.

I hope some of these ideas will be help you generate more of your own. Have fun.