While browsing at my local fabric store over the weekend, one particular bolt of fabric really caught my eye. When I touched it, I knew we were destined to be together. You see? This fabric wasn't really "fabric" at all. (I'm ashamed to say that I don't really know what that "paper-y" fabric is called. I'll be even more ashamed to learn that it's full of chemicals.) It was cute regardless and it's kept me out of trouble and behind my sewing machine for a day or so.
I didn't buy a pattern because, while I'm no sewing pro, I'm not a beginner and I knew I could wing it. They did have a simple pattern by Green Pepper there. I checked it out and used it as a guide when deciding how much fabric to purchase. ;)
Really, a reusable shopping bag can be made out of any sturdy fabric. While the "paper-y" fabric is sturdy and cute, I don't intend on making my entire collection out of this material. I would actually suggest something washable. After all, you're going to be toting fresh fruits and veggies in them one day, raw meats the next and then maybe even something non-edible the next day. It's best to have something that's easily thrown in the wash. We probably don't want to know what kinds of germs are lurking in those bags. *blech*
To make a bag of your own, first choose your material. Canvas? A mesh or netting? A funky pattern? Fabric scraps?
Lay out your fabric with the wrong sides together and the folded edge on the bottom. Cut your desired size. If you're using scraps, you may have to do a bit more sewing to get the body of your bag. If you're using brand new fabric, just leave the folded side on the bottom and cut a square/rectangle out.
If you want a pocket on the front and/or back, cut out a square or rectangle for that, too. I got funky with one bag and made the pocket a triangle. :)
Fold the top and bottom edges of your pocket over and hem them. You don't have to be fancy about it. Functionality over style here, folks. I folded mine twice (think rolling it and then pressing flat) just so I could eliminate the chance that it would fray.
Leave the sides of the pocket raw. The handles of the bag will cover them so it's just a waste of time to hem them. ;)
Do the same thing to the top and bottom edges of the bag itself. I made my seams about 1/2 inch. (Again, don't get too crazy and start to over-think everything. Just fold it over twice and sew.)
Sew the pocket onto your bag if you're using one. Just stitch the bottom of the pocket to one side of your bag. Remember that the handles will go over the sides of your pocket and it will be sewn on three sides. Don't get carried away and sew the top closed. That would make a pretty useless pocket. :P
Next, you'll need to attach your handles. You'll need a looooong piece of fabric or bias tape for this. Seriously, then handles were nearly two yards long on one of my bags. Make the long, thin strip of fabric into a circle. Make sure that it's not twisted at all. Hold them right sides together (if it's plain fabric, it doesn't much matter) and stitch the ends together. Go back and forth a few times just to ensure strength.
Spread the body of your bag out with the back of the fabric on the floor or table. You should have a pretty long rectangle in front of you. Lay your handles on top. Make sure that they cover the sides of your pocket (if you're adding one) and that they are even. Pin those suckers down once you have them in place! I loathe pinning, but don't skip this step or you'll likely be fetching your seam ripper.
Sew your handles onto your bag. You can do two straight stitches down either side of the handles or you can do a zig zag down the middle. Be creative with any "fancy"stitches you have, but remember to be practical. These handles are going to be lugging around some heavy merchandise.
Put the right sides of your fabric together and sew the sides shut. It's a good idea to double up here just for strength.
Now, you could stop here. Once you turn your bag right side out, you'll have a functional piece for sure. I like to make mine so they "stand up" by themselves. The cashier will thank you.
To do that, keep your bag inside out. Flatten the bottom of your bag and push the side out to make a triangle. (This part is really hard to explain without illustrations so you may need to visit this link if you've never done this before. Heck, it looks like a cute pattern for a quilted bag!)
Sew straight across that triangle, as the illustration suggests.
Turn your bag right side out and go shopping! Like I said before, I didn't get fancy with this. It's really just a functional bag to get me in and out of the store without having to take a plastic bag home with me.
I'll post a photo of my bag when I can get iTunes and my laptop to stop arguing. ;)
I did a little search for other patterns and found this great resource! There are some really cute patterns HERE.
If you really aren't crafty at all (Even though I promise this is super easy.) this link is a great resource for retailers and all other things green.
And this, here, should get you thinking in the green direction if you've been living in a bubble and don't know the impact all of those plastic bags have on our environment.
What plastic alternatives have you tried when you hit the stores? I'd love to hear!
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