Cinch Sack Pattern Generator

DIY Stuff Sack with Drawstring Cord Channel

Pattern Generator

Make your own custom-sized stuff sacks without the complicated math or 3D modelling. Per the illustration above, set the desired finished 3D stuff sack dimensions and the generator calculates exact 2D pattern panels. Don't waste expensive fabric with guess work... especially if this is your first MYOG project!

stuff sack pattern

Construction seam allowance is included: based on units selected.
Finished drawstring casing, aka cord channel, is always 1.5 inch (4cm).

  • Body Panel Length:
  • Body Panel Height:

  • Cord Channel Length:
  • Cord Channel Height:

Assembly Instructions

Generate panel dimensions above to populate measurements

Materials

stuff sack materials

See our Fabrics Guide for technical fabrics, recommendations, and trusted vendors.
Lighter weight materials such as 1.9oz ripstop nylon work best for drawstring channels.

  • This project uses two fabric panels: Body panel & Cord Channel.
  • One drawstring cut to 6 inches (15 cm) longer than Body Panel Length ()
  • One cord lock compatible with the drawstring.
  • One 4 inch (10 cm) piece of webbing or ribbon.

Body Panel

Body panel pattern
  1. Measure and cut one fabric body panel. Length: and Height: .
  2. Mark the mid point of the panel along top and bottom edges.
  3. Along the top, mark the seam allowance from the left and right side.

In the illustrations, the fabric's wrong side is light blue.

Drawstring Channel

cord channel pattern
  1. Measure and cut one cord channel panel. Length: and Height: .
  2. Fold and stitch a single fold hem along one end of Cord Channel.
  3. Repeat single fold hem on opposite side.
  4. Fold the cord channel right sides out (RSO). Align top and bottom edge. Baste stitch inside seam allowance.
  5. Baste stitch a webbing pull loop at the mid point of Cord Channel.

Attach Cord Channel

Sew channel to body
  1. Center align Cord Channel to top edge of Body Panel, right sides together (RST).
  2. Note: the Cord Channel should be inset from the sides of Body Panel.
  3. Confirm webbing loop is sandwiched between Body and Cord Channel, then sew Cord Channel to Body Panel.
  4. Depending on how quickly your fabric frays, you may consider overcasting the raw edge with a zigzag stitch.

Body Seams

Stitch side and bottom
  1. Flip the Cord Channel up and finger press the seam down towards the Body Panel.
  2. Along top edge of Body Panel just below Cord Channel, topstitch through Body Panel and seam allowances.
  3. Fold the Body Panel in half, right sides together (RST).
  4. Starting at the Cord Channel openings, stitch the Body Panel sides together.
  5. Center align the side seam. Finger press the seam to one side.
  6. Stitch the bottom closed.

Squaring the Bottom

Sew squared corners
  1. Blow a little air into the stuff sack and press the sides in to form sharp 90 degree corners.
  2. With the bottom seam finger pressed flat and straight, draw a mark from the left side:
    • 1/2 Bottom Width =
    • Bottom Length =
    • 1/2 Bottom Width should remain.
  3. At first mark, draw a line (Bottom Width) perpendicular and centered on bottom seam.
  4. Repeat same on vertical line at other mark.
  5. The bottom should look like the image ->
  6. Stitch along the vertical lines forming the rectangular bottom.
  7. Before trimming off the corners, flip right side out (RSO) to check for overall symmetry and desired size.
  8. Trim the corners off about 1/2" (1 cm) from the seam. Overcast or edge bind to prevent fraying.

Finishing Up

sample stuff sack
  1. Flip the cinch sack right side out (RSO).
  2. Where Cord Channel openings meet the Body Panel, add a small reinforcement stitch.
  3. With a safety pin or paracord fid, thread the drawstring through the Cord Channel.
  4. Add the cord lock and tie the free ends of the drawstring together.

👏 Congrats on making your own custom stuff sack!

If you want to try another style, check out the Round Bottom Stuff Sack!