Single-use plastic bags are not only harmful to the environment but also to wildlife. According to the Earth Policy Institute, Americans use over 100 billion plastic bags every year, and it takes around 500 years for a plastic bag to decompose. This alarming fact has led many people to switch to reusable bags as a sustainable alternative. In this post, we will guide you on how to make your own reusable shopping bag, which will not only save the planet but also save you money in the long run.
The finished measurements of this bag are approximately 11⅞″(30㎝) W × 11⅞″(30㎝) H × 8″(20㎝) D.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
Share this video with a lot of people who need it.
Seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise specified.
Let's get started!!
To make this you will need:
Main Fabric
② 12⅝″ × 12⅝″ (32㎝ × 32㎝) Outer layer
② 12⅝″ × 12⅝″ (32㎝ × 32㎝) Lining
② 11⅞″ × 11⅞″ (30㎝ × 30㎝) Fusible fleece
Side Panel
② 16⅝″ × 11¾″ (42㎝ × 29.5㎝) Outer layer
② 16⅝″ × 11¾″ (42㎝ × 29.5㎝) Lining
Bottom Panel
① 12⅝″ × 8¾″ (32㎝ × 22㎝) Outer layer
① 12⅝″ × 8¾″ (32㎝ × 22㎝) Lining
① 11⅞″ × 8″ (30㎝ × 20㎝) Fusible fleece
3/4″(2㎝) wide Webbing Strap 27⅝″(70㎝)
② 1/4″(0.7㎝) Grommet eyelets
Cotton string 39½″ (100㎝)
② String Stopper
The pattern for making this can be drawn by yourself by watching my YouTube video.
Place and sew the handles 4 inches interval.
Place the right sides together of the outer and lining.
Sew the top with an allowance of about 3/8″.
Open out, press pieces away from and top stitch on 1/8” away from the top.
Place the main fabric between the lining and outer fabric of the bottom panel. Sew the lower seam.
Open out. And attach the other main panel to the other side of the bottom panel the same way.
Sew the both long sides.
Place the center of the bottom of the side panel with the center of the side of the main fabric.
The small snips will help the main panel adapt to the curved edge of the side panel. Sew with an allowance of about 3/8″.
Place the lining of the side panel, right side down on top.
Sew with an allowance of about 3/8″, leaving an opening on the top.
Turn right side out through the opening.
Attach the other side panel the same way.
Stitch the side panel, 3/4” from the top edge.
Topstitch the top edges of the side panel.
YOU ARE FINISHED!
You have made your own reusable shopping bag. Reusable shopping bags are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of plastic waste. They are cost-effective in the long run as you don’t have to keep buying new bags every time you go shopping. And they are versatile and can be used for other purposes such as carrying books or gym clothes.
Happy sewing!
