P.E. bag woes

[Alwaysworthchecking]

So, I'm making ds a PE bag (drawstring bag) and it's gone a bit wrong. It looks lovely, with a Wallace and Grommit rocket appliqued to the front and everything, but it doesn't actually close. Bit of a problem, that!

I'm not quite sure where I went wrong (especially since I've previously made dd one to the same pattern) but think it may be one of the following variables:

1. I used denim. Maybe this is too thick to gather up properly?

1. I used different cord for the drawstring. The one I used this time is slightly shiny, making it more slippery.

I'm loathe to make the whole bag again, but will do so if the problem is the fabric I chose. Pair of old jeans anyway, so at least it hasn't cost me anything yet! Waddya think? Wrong choice of fabric, or wrong choice of cord? Please advise, before I bow to convention and buy one with the school logo on!

Thank you.

probably both, but nothing that some velcro at the top won't fix?

possibly the thickness of the denim is the problem. did you try putting a different piece of thinner fabric on the top for the drawstring bit?

Oh Moocowme, how clever are you?! That is a great idea and I wish I had read it before persuading dh to give me one of his polo shirts to make a second bag. Aitch, that is also a good idea. Again, not one I waited for. Guess I have only myself to blame!

Thanks for the ideas though! Next time I will wait for replies, before rushing on with the task in hand.

how nice a denim bag with blue gingham trim would have looked, too. Oh well, all is not lost - I am converting the denim one into a handbag for me (much to dh's dismay - the conformist).