Grocery Bag Tutorial

In this video I show how to make a pretty simple grocery bag. Materials:
1/2 yard of home dec weight fabric
2 yards heavy duty twill tape
sewing supplies (sewing machine, thread, scissors, rotary cutter)
You can see more on my blog tiacurtisquilts.blogspot.com
kits for this project can be found in my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/TiaCurtisQu...

[@Dianah1952]

I love how you explained this! I am a beginner and you have given the best explanation of all the tutorials I have watched. And I like your personality. Thank you for taking the time to teach us!

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Why, thank you so much!!!

[@5eagans]

I love the French seams and I love how easy it was to put this bag together. Many thanks for the great tutorial! I want to make one myself.

[@amberandersen2750]

I live in Hawaii and I very much appreciate the fact that you said no sea turtles are harmed by the production of this bag; but also none are harmed in the usage of or if a person were to trash this bag. It’s so much better for our environment for us to use these type of bags. Thank you very much. I’m planning on making a bunch and giving them out to a lot of people I know. God Bless and take care. Can’t wait for more videos. 🌈🇬🇧🧜🏽‍♀️🐚🐬😍

[@marieintranuovo3808]

Oh my goodness! Thank you!! I was looking for a very simple way to make a great shopping bag!…and you nailed it! Thanks for simple,direct explanations in sewing. ❤️❤️

[@zippie6]

I have been making these bags since the 1980's when people told me I was crazy as "everyone just uses plastic bags. This is a great improvement on my figuring out for myself how to do them.. I never sell them, I have just donated them to charities and friends. Now that they are "forcing" people to use recyclable bags,, they stopped laughing at me. LOL

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

That is awesome!!!! Reusable bags are fantastic!

[@garnetsfur79]

Girl! What a rock star you are.. I have wanted to make my own bags, but everyone seems to make them sound so difficult, your is easy peasy ! THANKS

[@veralatham7011]

I feel confident that I can make this shopping bag now. Thank you for sharing your gift/talent with us .

[@smallfootprint2961]

Very cool. Clear instructions. I've been saving some old material; drapes, actually, that were in my house when I bought it. I was looking for a pattern for some grocery bags. This is perfect. Thanks very much.

[@sherrylynn4671]

Thank you for the easy tutorial. I've made bags but never could figure out how to properly measure for the corners on the bottom and they were always crooked lol. And I like that french seam you made. Now I need to go make more so I can use your tips!

[@kelposch2839]

Nice tutorial and that fabric is awesome!!

[@bonnieb8099]

Agree with “rooting for you” the print is SIDEWAYS! Great easy pattern and construction I like grocery bags with those kink of handles thanks a lot I live in California USA and we have to bring our bags or pay for plastic bags from the stores. Thanks a lot for the tutorial. You are a blessing for making it

[@michellereynolds3171]

Tia thank you for sharing and explaining the fancy French seam Love the tutorial 😊

[@friedpicklechips]

I really like how you used the French seams on the sides and the sewn gussets on the corners. I’m going to use those ideas!

[@deniseview4253]

Your pattern is the easiest I've seen. I will be making lots from this. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@lyndashults3027]

Putting quilt together to quilt

[@wilmaboyer7613]

Mp mm No no

[@monicacampana2937]

you are a very good teacher.Thank you .

[@glittergrandma]

Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@izabeau1953]

Nice and simple , going to make a few, thy look strong and so pretty. Tks for sharing it....🌹❤️🌹❤️

[@beverlybogle1254]

Your pattern is much easiest , I've looked at a lot and made a few of other kinds, but I believe I'm going to start making them , your way. Thank You , Beverly from Alabama

[@a.chatterjee8127]

you are awesome and super simple teaching style

[@juneribbons5196]

These are awesome. I'm going to have to finish the one I have started. It's all done except for the trim I decided to put on it.

[@judyscicchitano7906]

Love this bag! Thank you❤ Love the music too Tia.

[@barbaranees1038]

Use the triple stitch instead of the surgery like stitch. This stitch is very strong and works great.

[@ChristyG907]

Enjoyed your tutorial.

[@annieoaklee7588]

I love your scarf! And the music is great also! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@evepaludan7713]

I liked the music, too. The spaghetti Western theme (or sea chanty) of the music made me giggle. Thanks for the sewing cheer.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Thanks! I will tell my husband. He likes doing the music.

[@aansari7095]

I just made two bags! My very first project!💕💕

[@amyr4777]

Haha! I thought of firewood too! Great video!

[@chimknee]

great, easy and quick. This was very useful. I agree about making the straps. Or no straps. Just make the top of the bag thicker by folding over the edge 3 or 4 times. Looked at a few other people making these and half of them are lining the bag. It's a grocery bag. It doesn't have to be lined. You have made this really easy to do. Thanks! Merry New Year 2022

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

I agree. I don't think a lining is neccessary. I have been using mine for years and and so far they work great. Have a wonderful 2022!

[@denveringram2304]

I used some ultra thin Pooh fabric for two grocery bags recently. It was so thin that I lined one with denim, the other with canvas. I was actually worried that the Pooh fabric didn’t have the tensile strength for groceries. At any rate, the linings made them substantial enough for use and the Pooh fabric served mainly a decorative purpose. I have also made unlined grocery bags from heavier fabrics and from polypropylene and agree that the lining is optional in those cases. I do use my serger for some of the seams.

[@shellyr300]

I loved your tutorial and will be making these bags. BTW your music was great!

[@zeaol]

I loved seeing the cat in the video! :D

[@fredhubbard7210]

So Cute!!!!

[@joylane5560]

This is the easiest I have watched so far! Thankyou!

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Awesome! I hope you make lots

[@zahedabegum9839]

Hii madam nice bag. From India🇮🇳

[@SewMuchMooreInStore]

Loved the video! Great tutorial!

[@TheBereangirl]

"No sea turtles were harmed in the making of this video"...ha ha ha😄. You're a great teacher, and a funny gal. Sacre bleu! -- this bag was way too easy, so now I gotta try it.😉

[@bartstewart1807]

Glad I found you 👍

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Thanks for watching my video. Good luck with your bags!

[@deborahtorain-williams7609]

Thanks for sharing

[@uoytnawi]

,,, ( sorry about your sniffles ) , i will do this bag , soon ; thank you for sharing ,,,

[@rehemabonza4529]

Thank u, god bless you.

[@valriebartley3617]

quite quick and easy, thanks

[@denisetarrier8652]

Great tutorial and bag thank you :-)

[@denisetarrier8652]

Just finished my bag, really pleased with the result too. I'm fairly new to sewing and really appreciated the lovely clear instructions, so thank you once again Tia :-)

[@bonnied3550]

Great video, thank you for sharing-:)

[@alaaalholimi1873]

I’ve just finished it. Very easy pattern fo a beginner. Though it takes me two days to finish it because I hade to sew the straps by myself. Overall I really enjoyed making my own reusable ( affordable) shopping bag. Thank you for making this tutorial 💕 Alaa from Saudi Arabia. 💐

[@taichertlidia7283]

Guten Tag. Sher schöne, praktische Tasche. Dankeschön

[@billiegeist-kallenbach4597]

I haven't yet made these but I was thinking about doing the same thing.

[@paulakelly9244]

I will be making several of these bags in the next couple of days as the Law in Oregon now requires stores to charge for plastic bags. I might make a small suggestion....when you add your handles make sure to show your viewers how to turn the handle fabric to lay flat when turning it to pin and sew the second end. It can be confusing for a new sewer. I loved your video!!!

[@eshjane]

I like how you threw the bag down. Lol

[@amadagwerra697]

You must of been sick sounds like u had a cold aweeee great video thanks!

[@euniaturnbull3112]

Very nice

[@amybroughton380]

Aside from the bag, which is awesome, did you make your scarf?? Love it!!

[@francescastro1805]

Enjoying your tutorials. So easy to follow. I like your ironing board. Where can I purchase it. Love your shoulder neck cover. Can it be purchase? Can it be made?

[@pollynelson4138]

You have such great music.

[@dale3404]

I’m looking for a way to make grocery bags that stand up on their own, like the ones often found for sale in grocery stores. I know they’re not made of. Ottoman fabric, but there must be something that will make them stand up, as well as fold flat for storage.

[@donnah5378]

Nice 👍🏾

[@cherylboulay4483]

Like your background music too.

[@deedum75]

I am going to make this today! Thanks for a great tutorial. Just subscribed.

[@bunnyobrian8165]

Wonderful tutorial. Did you use an interfacing to give the fabric more structure/body?

[@keressabeverage2622]

Gr8 bag, love your scarf did you make it?! And, love Mark Knopler too!

[@jordannawilliams5228]

Great tutorial! I have my fabric ready to go! Has anyone made these using double fabric, so that the bag will be lined? Is is possible to do this and also made french seams?

[@berniecelee5062]

If you are going to line the bag, use regular seam, the French seam is not necessary. French seam are to prevent the rays edges from fraying, your edges will be enclosed by the lining so don’t need the French seam,

[@elaineferebee2102]

great tips. Thank you. Do you sell the scarf you are wearing ???????

[@ewan2734]

Tia love your tutorial . Thanks for sharing . I do notice your beautiful shall. Can you direct me how to do same .I live in Lincolnshire UK and it's cold here . Love your music can you direct me for some page when I can buy it and have on my room when I sew?

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

I found the pattern for this shawl on Raverly.com it is named "dissent" and the designer is North Bound Knits. It was a fast, easy knit.

[@AstridOona1111]

Tia, I really appreciate this video!! And your hair looks gorgeous!! I really love the beige fabric with the paint-splashy grid - where did you get it? Or did you design it yourself? thank you!!!

[@francatania5142]

I was taught a straight stich is stronger than a zigzag. I like the french seam. I wonder if the handle material can be dyed, otherwise the dirt or stains would show on the light fabric. Are the straps long enough to be used over the shoulder? Thanks for the video.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

A zig zag is strong for stretchy fabric. You can dye the straps. But you can also wash the bag when it gets dirty.

[@catherinegreen7003]

🤗 Great Tutorial🤗 Although the colors you chose are not something I would Normally go for* It's Beautiful & Unique! I guess I need 2 expand on colors I wouldn't normally choose!😂 I have a few questions* What is the width of the twill tape your using? Do you use different widths? Lastly what width would you not go under {Meaning would you Not go under an inch* 3/4 etc}? Thank you for this tutorial! I make bags but I always make the {Boring Fabric Straps} LoL LoL LoL 😂 Thanks a 💲💰Million💰💲 For Sharing 🤗🤗🤗

[@sandrasstudio7262]

Hi tia i came across your video an im thinking of making some bags for christmas. What are the measurements i need to ask for when i go to joanns to get material. These bags are to cute an look very easy. Thank You

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

For this bag you need 1/2 yard of fabric and 2 yards of strapping. I used heavy duty twill tape

[@sandimeyer4715]

I loved this tutorial. I missed how wide these bags are. Can someone please tell me. Thank you.

[@bardhakarrabecaj]

Sandi Meyer She used yards , instead of cm 😬

[@SuperSandra513]

She cut 18"x36" pieces sewn together. Sandy

[@ginabell7962]

Thank you, that was quick and easy. Can you let me know where did you buy that heavy duty twill tape please. I bought some from e-bay , but it wasn't strong just like a hearing bone for the apron.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Gina Bell I buy mine from Twilltape.com

[@ginabell7962]

Thank you very much Tia.

[@caroltownsend2722]

Thanks for the tip---, I used my lipstick ---but-- Sure was hard on my tube!!!!@@

[@mikeloretta]

If i wanted to make actual handles, what size would i make them? Thanks!

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Loretta Norman you would make them whatever size you want them. measure how long you would want them, or measure the straps on a bag you like and make them that length.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Funny--lipstick as fabric marker. I almost missed it!

[@pegasusquilts]

Lipstick is almost impossible to wash out of fabric! If you choose that, be sure to sew carefully beside the line so it doesn't show on the outside of the bag afterward! (Of it does, you can see another line farther toward the center.)

[@pegasusquilts]

I mean, it may have been meant as a joke, but we've all used our kids' crayons, etc, and you could actually use pretty much anything if you're careful how you sew!😉

[@shezcal]

Love the fabric. Thank you for providing this easy to follow tutorial. Shouldn't the horse fabric be facing the other direction though?

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

thanks! the horses direction all depends on your perspective doesn't It? my horses are charging up and down mountains instead of across the flat plains

[@shezcal]

Yes it does depend on perspective. It's gorgeous fabric whatever way. Thanks for the quick response.

[@jagadammanair8448]

Good

[@vickikhuskins6883]

Love this bag! What size needle? Type of thread? Using my canvas for these. Twill tape is the way to go!

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Use a denim needle. Either a 90 or 100. Also use whatever thread is convenient. It doesnt really matter

[@vickikhuskins6883]

Thank you very much! Blessings!

[@SallyO716]

Love this tutorial! Where do you purchase your twill tape? I'm having trouble finding it.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

SallyO716 thank you so much Sally, i order my twill tape from twilltape.com

[@SallyO716]

Thanks for your response!

[@TheMarymarymary]

What width twill tape do you order?

[@joanneszewczyk15]

I couldn't find the kits on the etsey site.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Joanne Szewczyk they are all solld out. If you send me a conversation I will be happy to put one together for you.

[@merabalaji6665]

Very nice please write in the screen side ant writh nd breath of the cloth.so easy to measure

[@whitneyirvin2498]

What width of twill tape would you recommend? Also, should I choose lightweight or heavyweight?

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Whitney Irvin I like the 1.5 inch heavyweight twill tape

[@whitneyirvin2498]

Tia Curtis awesome that's what I was going to get, thanks!

[@whitneyirvin2498]

Does a regular sewing needle go through the heavy weight twill tape?

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Yes! A regular needle should be just fine

[@francoisethepot9414]

why not the flat seam? I do prefer this one

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

You can do whatever you want. I prefer the french seam because it is nicely finished inside the bag and you wonder have to worry about the seams fraying.

[@kelposch2839]

How wide is the twill tape that you use?

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

this twill tape is 1.5 inch, but any width is fine

[@TheMarymarymary]

Yay, I was wondering too.

[@chrissteed4107]

Hi, Tia! I recognize your name and your original artwork (We share a friend in Sharon Smith!) Small world!

[@gwendolynbeatty2058]

They are great for car road trips : blanket, extra phone chargers,reading materials and other miscellaneous items.

[@jacquelinecoyne1041]

What width tape did you use?

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

1.5 inch

[@Mymar5]

Thanks for the tutorial. Sounds like your machine needs oiling

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

thanks for the tip

[@yvonneluke456]

Why couldn't you do a French seam on the bottom also???

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

there isn't a bottom seam on this particular bag. but if you were using two pieces of fabric you certainly could french seam the bottom. no problemo at all.

[@yvonneluke456]

I meant on the bottom where you measured to square it off.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

you sure can. I feel it isn't necessary to be that fancy, but you can do your bag however you want.

[@yvonneluke456]

I would measure it at 5-1/2, sew it on the outside then turn it and seamless it on the inside. Couldn't that work to strengthen it too!

[@yvonneluke456]

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to reply to my questions so quickly.

[@sauzzielumpkin]

I love your shawl scarf ! Can you share were you found the pattern??

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

Thanks! The pattern is Dessent by North Bound Knitting. You can get it on raverly ♡

[@sauzzielumpkin]

@@TiaCurtisQuilts ..... thank you😊🧶

[@Marla.22]

It dont stand up, it needs interfacing or cardboard in bottom

[@deniserohrer3080]

Sea Turtles Rock

[@barbaranees1038]

Your horses are running sideways.

[@suebean3873]

Barbara Nees And they should be, shouldn’t they?

[@suebean3873]

Mark Mooney, Oh I see what you mena about running downwards now after putting in the straps.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I have some directional fabrics too (old drapes) and get 2 bags out of one yard, in order to turn it the "right" way. The warp (lengthwise) yarns/threads of a fabric are usually stronger. This is the reason most patterns show placing the pattern pieces on the lengthwise grain of the fabric... less stretching, and most designs on fabric take that in consideration. Of course, this is a grocery bag, so whatever works to get the groceries home.. works! lol. Using this old fabric, also gives some extra to use as straps... A fun, project.

[@TiaCurtisQuilts]

The sideways running horses are really bothering people. I thought it was kinda funny...like" the man from snowly river." I was just making a bag to lug my groceries home. If the direction of the print is an issue you can always piece the fabric to make them go the right way. It is just fabric and I was being stingy trying not to waste it.

[@patneilson2189]

Nb

[@tinydancer7426]

Best grocery bags I ever had are ones I made from black and white mattress ticking my mother found at a yard sale. I took a standard size paper grocery bag and "popped" the glued seams to lay it flat, and then used the primary dimensions as a pattern to cut the fabric. I had just enough of the fabric to make 4 full sized bags and a "shorty" bag which is usable for packing groceries at the store as well as being perfectly sized to store the full sized bags when folded in half. The handles go all the way to (and are stitched into) the seam of the bottom of the bag (that seam is double stitched) and the handles are doubled stitched down the sides. The bags all have "boxed" bottoms to accommodate the box shaped bottoms of the paper bags. The bags are stored with the paper bags in them, properly folded down pleating in the sides of the fabric to match the pleats in the paper bags. When I go to the store, all I have to do is grab the little bag with the folded larger ones and I am all set. I made these shopping bags around 1996 (of course the paper bags have been changed many times over) and they are still going strong. I designed the cloth bags to accommodate the paper bags, the paper bags serving as disposables liners to keep the fabric clean from food spills and leaks, the paper helps to keep cold foods cold longer on the trip home, makes the "unit" stand better for loading and better defines the shape and space into which my purchased items are to be packed, making for a more stable package of goods for the trip home. Can;t tell you how many times I have had people ask me where I bought them, only to have them standing there flabbergasted when I tell them that I made them ...... and how many years ago. Gee, it is so ice to be crafty. I have also made some smaller "grocery" bags that are essentially the same as the standard plastic bags that so many municipalities are now passing legislation and prohibiting stores from having the plastic bags for shoppers. I have made these handled bags single and double thickness. Only have a few right now, but when I have more, those will be going to the store with me for produce.

[@brenda5555]

Well you really had a lot to say, why have you not made your own video, instead someone else's. Nothing like trying to get attention on someone else's shirt tails, brag much.

[@tinydancer7426]

@@brenda5555 Brenda, I could say something snarky and nasty in response. But I was taught to behave better than that.

[@denveringram2304]

I like my straps to go all the way around the bottom also. I hadn’t thought about stitching them into the bottom seam. I use my serger to stop the edges from fraying, but canvas gets thick in a hurry. You have some great ideas.

[@suebean3873]

Love this bag tutorial. I’ve done French seams before on pillow cases, love them!

[@patriciadoyle1161]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video. I just finished my bag, and your instructions were absolutely great! So simple. Such a terrific end result. Well done, Tia. Well done.

[@evepaludan7713]

Thanks for explaining the French seams so well. I also liked it that you did not cut off the triangles of the bottom gusset. So excited to make these.

[@judybohanan1508]

I live in California and by law we can't use plastic bags at grocery stores unless we buy them from the grocery store. I voted for this law and I see most people bringing their own bags. YAY! Thank you for your video as some of our bags are wearing out; therefore I will be making a lot of new bags for ourselves. I can't wait to get started! Thank you Tia!

[@markmooney5662]

My wife Gilly loves this vid...so easy to follow and a great way to use up the huge stash of fabric she has gathered. I think everyone she knows is getting one as a gift now. Mark and Gilly in Norfolk UK

[@lauragreer5240]

This is exactly what I am looking for in a grocery bag! Great video! Easy instructions! Simple to assemble!

[@alaaalholimi1873]

So excited to sew my own. You make it sounds so easy to do .. thanks a lot for sharing 💕

[@nancymichaud1427]

Love this and so easy to follow you... thank you!

[@EMuro0531]

thank you so much for making this video! I love your explanation!

[@donnarichey144]

I love the bags. Thanks for sharing

[@phyllis262]

Cute scarf. Nice tutorial. I've made and worn out plenty bags of all types... fun, and useful stuff. Thanks !

[@amandaspencer1833]

Can't wait to get some supplies to make this!! Easiest video I have seen. I also love the music you have in your video.

[@LyndaThomasflymefree54]

Thx. An excellent tutorial. Very easy to follow so I subscribed. Hoping there are more to save our wildlife.