Cotton Drawstring Bag Prices: What 100, 500 and 1,000 Bags Really Cost

Plain cotton drawstring bags cost roughly 30 cents to $1 each when you buy 100 or more, depending mostly on size. A small 4x6 muslin bag drops to about 30 cents at 500 pieces; a large 12x16 sits around 66 to 97 cents. Below 100 pieces you pay more per bag, and above 1,000 you should ask for a quote rather than buy packs.

This guide uses our own listed pack prices, so every number here is one you can check on the product page. Prices were correct when this was written; the product page is always the current figure.

Listed prices at 100, 500 and 1,000 pieces

Four common bags, from a small jewelry-size pouch to a large storage bag. The figure in brackets is the cost per bag.

Two patterns stand out. The biggest saving is the step from 100 to 500, where the per-bag cost falls by 20 to 30 percent. The step from 500 to 1,000 barely moves it. If you are choosing between 400 and 500 bags, buy the 500. If you are choosing between 600 and 1,000, buy what you will actually use.

What makes one bag cost more than another

1. Size

Fabric is most of the cost of a plain bag, so a bag with four times the area costs roughly two to three times as much. That is why a 12x16 costs about twice a 4x6 at the same quantity, not four times: the sewing, cord and handling cost the same on both. Measure what goes inside before you pick a size; the cotton bag size guide shows which items fit which bag.

2. Single or double drawstring

A double drawstring uses two cords threaded from opposite sides, so it closes tighter and can hang as a loop. It takes more cord and more sewing time, which adds a few cents per bag. For light retail packaging a single cord is enough; for anything heavy, loose or carried by the cord, the double is worth it. We compare the two in detail in single vs double drawstring bags.

3. Fabric weight

Muslin is a light, open weave. Canvas is a heavier, tighter weave that stands up on its own and survives repeated use. Canvas costs more per square inch, although in small sizes the gap is only a few cents because sewing is a bigger share of the price.

4. Printing

Plain bags have no minimum order. A printed logo adds a screen setup and a print pass per colour, and starts at 100 pieces. On a small order the setup dominates, so printed bags can cost two or three times the plain price at 100 pieces and far less of a premium at 1,000. The full breakdown is in how much custom printed cotton bags cost.

Why cheap listings are not always cheaper

When comparing suppliers, check three things before the headline price.

• Is the size the inside measurement? Some sellers quote the flat fabric size before seams, so a "6x8" holds less than you expect.
• Is it 100% cotton? Very low prices often mean a poly-cotton blend or non-woven polypropylene that looks like fabric in photos.
• What does shipping add? A low bag price with a large freight charge can cost more than a higher listed price delivered.

Our sizes are finished inside dimensions, the fabric is 100% woven cotton, and the pack price is the price you see at checkout before shipping.

Can you buy just one to check?

Yes. Most sizes have a single-bag option at $5.49, so you can check the fabric, stitching and fit with your product before committing to 500. It costs more per bag than any pack, and that is deliberate: it is a sample, not a pack.

When to ask for a quote instead

Pack prices stop at 1,000. Ask for a quote if you need more than a few thousand bags, a size that is not listed, a printed logo, or a mix of sizes in one order. Quoted orders are priced on the whole run, so the per-bag cost at 5,000 or 10,000 is lower than any pack price here. If you are comparing suppliers for a larger run, the checklist in where to buy cotton drawstring bags in bulk will help.

Frequently asked questions