How to Make Reusable Shopping Bags

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Reusable shopping bags are the green way to go. This tote bag is perfect for groceries or other shopping. The ones you buy from the grocery store tend to be pretty ugly and not that durable. By making your own, you can choose the fabric and they’re stronger than the store bought bags.
If you want to be able to machine wash your bags, cotton or cotton blends are good choices. I’ve also made a bag with outdoor fabric and an oilcloth lining. These materials shouldn’t be machine washed, but the outdoor fabric is water and stain resistant and the oilcloth is waterproof and easily wipes clean.
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[@onlinefabricstore]

Shop Online Fabric Store: www.onlinefabricstore.net/ See the full written instructions: www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/how-to-make-reusable-shopping-bags/ Shop Décor Fabric: www.onlinefabricstore.net/decor-fabric.aspx Feel free to comment, like, and subscribe!

[@pamelagermon9576]

OnlineFabricStore.net p

[@TifSC]

I like the bag, I'll give it a go. Just one query, is the stabiliser the fabric we call "iron on interfacing" in the UK?

[@anazharden7928]

Do you have to use a stabilizer or can you use regular batting

[@carolpilgrim1469]

Love it

[@miamimice6572]

I have been sewing for over 60 years and you just taught me how to make a cute bag! Excellent video and great instructor. 😊

[@KK7THK]

Thank you for this tutorial- I’ve made two bags since yesterday for an upcoming bag ban in my state (both paper and plastic), and I used one today at Costco. The cart loader loved the bag- it was the perfect size! Came home and made the second one.I think I may make a few more sets for family members’ Christmas gifts.

[@onlinefabricstore]

I am so happy we could help! This is a super fun one. Best of luck with the rest of your bags!

[@thedementianurse]

Three years in and your excellent video made my day! I've been working hot and heavy on multiple quilting projects for friends and family the last few months. Today, I decided to make something for myself - making this bag was so easy, no glitches, no seams or rows to line up within a sixteenth of an inch. Therapeutic and super cute. Thanks!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Great job! Enjoy!

[@cynthiasimpson78]

I like that you have FABRIC written on your scissors. Using the sewing scissors only for fabric was one of the first things my mother taught me when learning how to sew.

[@meezymoon]

I'm a beginner sewer. I just made this bag for Mother's day for my partners mom who gave me her sewing machine. The bag turned out beautifully and I made a matching pouch to go with it. So excited to give it to her today. Thank you this video. I found it very easy to follow along with and you explained things well.

[@Xelenteontae_]

How did it go?

[@s.porter8646]

I just moved to Japan, and bags are either bring your own, or your going to get whacked purchasing, after seeing your design I made 20, thank you

[@reese863]

This is exactly the video I needed. I am looking to make a shredder cover and was just going to buy a reusable grocery bag. I couldn't find one deep enough. I'll be making this without the handles. I can't wait!

[@marilyndavis2389]

This is the BEST tutorial! Unfortunately for me I tried cutting a different size and have a much smaller bag than I intended to but I plan on making another with her exact dimensions! Easy to follow tutorial! Thanks for this tutorial!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad it was helpful, thank you!

[@fazaro1]

And this is how every single instructional video should be. Great video!!!!

[@punkin59ella]

This bag is easy to make and the instructions are quite clear. It might be better to clarify 'wide' and 'long' measurements especially for people using directional fabric. The bag doesn't stand up on it's own when empty, unfortunately.

[@prismcat40]

This was a fantastic video. Clear, concise instructions, straight-forward walk through, and no extra verbal filler. I wish more DIY videos were like this one. Great job!

[@laylasgigi]

I made one of these a few years ago using canvas exterior and Ottercloth™️ interior. Now that VA charges for plastic bags I decided to make more. I finished one today and I think the next one I will cut one long piece for the interior so there’s no bottom seam in case something leaks. I have enough of the two fabrics to make some smaller ones as well. I love this tutorial and refer to it when I need to make a bag.

[@maureenmatthews5070]

Thank you for a short and sweet tutorial. You have a soothing voice and are a good teacher. Now I know what to do with all my leftover mask fabric.

[@onlinefabricstore]

You are so welcome!

[@sharonharmeston775]

Thank you, just made my first one and second one is cut out. Very easy to follow with great instructions I have made bags before but this pattern is by far the easiest to do

[@normakinchelow6791]

I made my first bag today. The instructor's video made this so easy for me to follow. I used left over material which made it even more fun to make. Thank you!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yay! Happy to help!

[@AntW11]

Thank you this is a great tutorial. I just got a machine that is nearly 70 years old. It is my first machine and first time sewing with a machine. I have made over ten covid masks and next I want to do a bag like yours. Thanks 😊👍

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your projects!

[@theMermaidRhonda]

Love this! A great way to use those smaller amounts of outdoor fabric you find on clearance, as well.

[@bladersandbella]

I just finished this bag tonight! Im so happy at how fast this came together! I love the stabilizer in the bottom. I used canvas for the exterior and broadcloth for the liner. Im excited to experiment with different fabrics!

[@zenaidabelbis6571]

The steps in assrmbling the bag were very clear n systematic. I was able to memorize the tutorial at once.

[@catfinkuk]

Found this tutorial recently,. This plus the handy PDF guide has been really useful. I’ve been making the smaller sized ones, using fat quarters for the lining. My family are getting one each for Christmas. Each one unique with different lining. More please!

[@2631salwood]

Love that you have fabric written on your scissors! In my household, I would have to have “Fabric ONLY” as nobody seems to understand how much it drives me crazy when they pick up my scissors and cut paper with them 🤣

[@onlinefabricstore]

You gotta do what you gotta do lol

[@melparadise7378]

Hands off my Fiskars! XD

[@christinao.7236]

This is way nicer and looks much more sturdy than a store bag! Thank you for this easy tutorial! I think it would be easy to add a pocket also.

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome :)

[@denisetheriault6415]

Thank you so much Clara for your easy to follow instructions and great visual with the angle of the camera. Made a lovely tote and added a pocket inside and foam interfacing for the handles as it easier on the shoulder! I plan to make a lot more for my Maine friends!

[@onlinefabricstore]

You are so welcome! Best of luck with the rest of your bags!

[@mokshithkamal6450]

Thank you for the tutorial.... Plastic is banned in the place I live.. This tutorial reached me right on time! Thanks a ton from India..👍👍

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome :)

[@mokshithkamal6450]

I've Made 3 of these bags too.. I'm so happy on the outcome!!! thank you again 😊

[@ummi7292]

@@mokshithkamal6450 what fabric did you use for lining ?? ...is it stain resistant ... I live in India too ..your reply would help me make these too

[@cassandrahood1838]

I made this bag. While making it I realized the video did not say whether the 20 inch side or 21 inch side is your top/bottom or sides. So when I added my stabilizer I had 3 1/2 inches on each side instead of four. I sewed with 21 from top to bottom and 20 inches wide.

[@merritt8025]

So it's a wider bag at 21" bottom. Then shorter with 20" tall, for the correct way via the video. 21" wide, 20" sides

[@Marla.22]

She said 21" wide and 20 " long

[@sherdenethompson2231]

Thanks for the tutorial. I made my first bag yesterday but without the stabulizer. I noticed the bottom was more narrow than the top of the bag. Buy I'm still impressed with my work it being my first attempt to sew anything.

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome, thanks for watching our video!

[@nuvoclassic]

Most impressive! Great job.

[@pamketron]

Awesome bag! I use the drop in lining method all the time. Best way to add lining to a bag. Gonna make a few of these. Thanks!

[@joannestarr2726]

My state will start collecting 5 cents a bag at the stores soon and I plan to give this a try, I'm thinking this size and then I'll enlarge it a bit so I'll have two sizes. My family is already asking me to make some for them, guess I better get busy. Thank you for this excellent tutorial.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Happy to help! Good luck with your project!

[@brigittedost-tauschl8624]

Habe die Tasche aus zwei alten Jeans, einem alten Tshirt und einem alten Rock genäht. Super! Vielen Dank für die Anleitung!

[@sarjenka]

Thanks for this very clear tutorial! I'm going to make one with fabric from old jeans and shirts and I am going to add a zippered pocket in the lining as well; I always like a pocket in any bag; it's easy to put in small items or receipts, when you are shopping.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Awesome, great idea!

[@latanyaclark7205]

I just made 2 of the large bags for my girlfriend for her birthday. I’m a big supporter of not bringing another plastic bag in my home, I hope to convince her to shop sensibly.

[@kuromipolygon6847]

Love, thank you! I made my second bag today and it came out perfectly. Great tutorial! I even added a pocket onto my bag with a cute scrap of fabric from an old pair of pajama pants!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Nice! We love when people add their own customizations!

[@BobbiHann]

Great tutorial. I make these for gifts and people love them. I usually pick up canvas or outdoor fabric from the Goodwill.

[@Mary-mz9kj]

Great video! Especially like sewing the strap to the lining so outer bag does not have the X stabilizer stitches : )

[@tnwanda1963]

Thank you so much! The stabilizer fused to the bottom of the outer fabric solves SO many problems for me, and I'll be able to use this method in future hand bag projects, as well! Awesome!!!!

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! Glad we could help :)

[@miamimice6572]

Great video! No unnecessary steps and clear directions.

[@Margo140lbs]

Thank you so much. The best directions. I made my bag just by following along with the video. Beautiful!!

[@lisamock7795]

Thank you for this amazing bag. Super easy to make. I am obsessed with making them. Finally a stylish way to shop without the plastic reusable bags!!!

[@kathycarter3420]

To make it extra sturdy, sew all seams twice. May overlock some materials before sewing it up.

[@katycolen]

Adore the matching color. Nails and bag. 🙏💙

[@jilliansmith7123]

Awesome. Beautifully done. Will watch again until I can get it straight in my mind. Will probably watch while I'm working on mine.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks Jillian!

[@spicybeantofu]

Thats how I do it.

[@mymagicworld4474]

Me too

[@aprilfrederick819]

So easy to make and came out amazing. I made an unlined bag by upcycling a used canvas banner that otherwise would have been trash. Win win.

[@glennalinder]

thank u for a clearly explained (visual and audio) step by step process for making a reusable shopping bag. SO HELPFUL!!

[@DoloresJRush]

You make it look easy to sew! Thanks for the clear instructions!

[@heatherraeslocum]

I repurposed my denim jeans into a tote bag with the help of your tutorial. I had to attach pieces to get the desired effect, but it came out great. I wish I could attach a photo to share. Thank you.

[@heatherraeslocum]

I also added a pocket inside, as well as sewing a denim back pocket onto another pocket that I attached onto the front.

[@fashionfashionguru]

Brilliant idea to sew straps to lining since sewing to self fabric and folding over with seam allowance gets really bulky

[@mamasaidsew4843]

Thanks. This is one of the most clear and concise videos on this bag that I've seen.

[@onlinefabricstore]

You are so welcome!

[@charlipug]

Just made one of these bags, thank you for the fabulous tutorial, it was so easy to follow for a beginner like me x

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angharadswansea9343]

I wanted to make a bag in which I could carry my hiking boots, it would need to be washable because obviously my hiking boots are going to be dirty sometimes. This is a perfect bag for doing that. I think I just won’t make it quite as deep. Thank you!

[@MaryvelFriesen]

Fabolous! Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for sharing! I really like the idea of making this bag in different sizes. Great Christmas gift idea, specially now that more and more stores no longer provide bags.

[@teamofcreatives1150]

Your nail polish compliments the colours of the fabric, good video👍🏻

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thank you!

[@gailavandee2794]

Thank you so much for your bag tutorial. I made one today with a few of my adjustments. But I thought it was an easy project. With your tutorial, I was inspired and it gave me confidence to attempt it...

[@melodie155]

WOW! You make it look so easy. This was such a good tutorial. Easy to understand. I love it! ♥

[@huzairalization6739]

Thank you so much for this easy tutorial. I'm just done making it. Took me two hours but the product came out wonderful. ❤

[@nannetteharris757]

Tried this tutorial for a day care bag. Worked well and will make more bags,

[@gracielaguzman9366]

Thank You so much for this wonderful tutorial. I just made my first bag and it turned out beautiful 😍.

[@charityscolton1164]

I just made one! My first one with a few mistakes but overall very easy. Thank you!

[@onlinefabricstore]

So happy we could help! Practice makes perfect!

[@deborahwright6504]

Best tutorial ever, so easy to follow. Thank you so much!

[@traceylafontaine8893]

Hi Clara 😊✌🌼 Absolutely great project, like your choice of fabrics. Where i live, they banned the use of plastics bags, this pass June.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thank you Tracey!

[@tinathomas9428]

I made it and it came out perfect! I made couple of mistakes initially but was able to go back and fix them looking at the videos. Thank you for the awesome tutorial.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Happy we could help😊

[@Marialla.]

The one thing I always thought shopping bags needed but never had was a clear plastic pocket on the outside, that you could slide your shopping list into for reference. If you ever remake this video, would you consider adding that feature?

[@s.m.a.a.]

I love your sewing teaching skill. You explained in a very easy and simple way. Thanks alot.

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Great tutorial. Thank you!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks Scott!

[@aok1951]

Great easy-to-follow video which I'll use to make bags galore!! Here in Wales UK all grocery bags must be paid for.

[@onlinefabricstore]

We are switching over to that as well is the US! These have been a great help!

[@lolzymolzy]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you for this, I’m almost done with my bag and it’s so much fun. Thanks again!

[@meghanl6876]

I have been waiting for this tutorial!! Love your teaching style! I’ve been buying up home decor remnants for a while and now I’m ready to make them into awesome shopping bags!!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks Meghan! Let us know how your bags turn out :)

[@tonigetz1453]

very good! I have gobs of fabric and no good shopping bags. Here I go!

[@happiestgirl7217]

ALWAYS look forward for new videos. I love the colors and patterns. I especially love the nail color!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks Stephanie!

[@colleenramos555]

Tutorial is good for someone that has sewing background. For someone that is new to sewing a lot has been assumed in the instructions.

[@joycepamdusu5847]

Thanks for this easy tutorial. I just made mine using African wax fabric and am so impressed at the turn out.

[@sallycashen9924]

Hi, can the wax fabric be washed? Did you line it? Thanks in advance!

[@joycepamdusu5847]

@@sallycashen9924 yes, prewash it and it will line up well. Pressing is to reduce the wax in it

[@sallycashen9924]

@@joycepamdusu5847 Hi Thanks for that, the wax cloth I have bought is badly creased, how do I get rid of the creases?

[@joycepamdusu5847]

@@sallycashen9924 after washing (preferably a cold water hand wash, iron it on mild heat or put a wet handkachief over it and iron the creases out.

[@joycepamdusu5847]

@@sallycashen9924 if it's 100% cotton you have no worries ironing it if it's mixed with polyester, iron carefully or it will burn it

[@moomoopuppy5810]

That bag has the same pattern found on the carpet in the movie "The Shining". Redrum!

[@tammy1190]

I made it Clara, fun fun...thanks for great tutorial!!! I willl be going for more supplies to do more soon. I added a mock leather on bottom up 5 inches . Sew.... Many options but basic instructions Rock !!!!

[@terefrontera3251]

I just made mine. So beautiful. Very good explanation. The only thing that confused me was, what part will be the bottom 20 or 21 inches. Other than that, very easy to sew.

[@nancydegeorge475]

Made my first bag today. Everything went beautifully. Thank you for a great tutorial ❤️

[@onlinefabricstore]

You’re welcome 😊

[@nimaligunasingha]

Mam You told how to cut the fabric it is good for us I learn very much Thank you very very much

[@onlinefabricstore]

Welcome 😊

[@jimhuskins8506]

I like both your pattern and your work. Thanks for posting.

[@sharonmaue6812]

Thank you very much for this wonderful tutorial. I am now making my third bag. I am making them to donate to our city’s Outreach for Ukraine project so they would have somewhere to put the supplies that we are also gathering for them. Because I had two yards, I was able to make three. I’d like to make more with a 1 yard cut of fabric and utilize it as much as possible. Could you please tell me what you recommend? I was hoping to cut it in half so that would leave me with 18 inches. I could make them wider, but they won’t be as tall because of the 18 inches. The other measurement is 42 inches, so the yard is 36 x 42. Also, what would you recommend for the boxed corners and the stabilizer size? I would appreciate your information. So would 18“ x 21“ be OK with the same stabilizer size and the same box corners? It would be a little less tall, but I think that would be OK. I would just prefer your professional opinion before I proceed. Thank you again!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yes, I'd keep all the other measurements the same, so with the 18" cut fabric height, the finished bag would be 13x13x7, which I think is still a great size. I like that the front and back would be square. I'm happy to hear that the bags are being using for such a good cause! So thank YOU and good luck!

[@sharonmaue6812]

@@onlinefabricstore Thank you very much for your quick reply. I truly appreciate it! ❤️🇺🇦💙💛

[@DeruyterIna]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, very clear and easy to follow! My new shopping bag looks great :).

[@onlinefabricstore]

You are so welcome!

[@vandanagole6625]

HI ..will try this wonderful bag. A couple of years ago I had chanced to buy a wonderful thick base foldable bag from kohl's in the USA. It was light weight ..had a thick cardboard like rectangle base which one could fold into half and button the bag into a neat square when not in use. I have been looking for a tutorial for the same. If you could help us with a tutorial for that it would be wonderful.

[@goldiejewel772]

Thank you for this tutorial. I tried sewing a bag for the first time and it was a success!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Great job!

[@destinyramsey4]

Just be aware the X you sew for the handles to be attached will be visible on the inside of the bag. I didn't really think that through and I had a dark thread on a light inside liner and the bags looks so professional except for the those messy Xs I sewed because for some dumb reason i thought they'd be hidden...

[@thetarotdreamwalker8117]

I'm a beginner and I'm going to try this one next. I feel it's a step up from a pillow cover and sewing an extension on my curtains. Does anyone have a picture of their finished bag to share?

[@tinacarvelli6884]

I make them for Mpls Climate Change - we are Boomerang Bag Volunteers and they are donated to our grocery stores so that people who forget to bring their own reusable bag can have one. Mpls now charges $0.5 for bags. I would suggest serging, zigzagging, or using an overlock stitch on the sewn side seams and at the top before folding it over to make them sturdier and last through washings. Reinforce the seams both on the lining and the outerfabric.

[@dianecfromny3912]

I just finished this for my son in the fabrics he chose & it came out great! Thank you for such a easy an excellent easy and fun tutorial! :)) Now on to make another one. :)

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad to hear it! I've made so many of these bags - they're so useful!

[@wolfschaefer8567]

Awesome tutorial!! I’m an amateur and my bag turned out perfect, very easy and it looks great

[@mariewilliams9409]

I use painters cloth for my inner lining for more strength

[@AEmamdee1757]

Very neat work, lovely fabrics .

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks!

[@heidefries1825]

Nice bag and great instruction. Next time consider showing a visual of the measurements (L x H x W) within the video . Although it is verbally noted, having a visual of the calculations is helpful for those of us who are visual learners (like me) and also for those who do not speak English.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks for the suggestion! We also have the instructions written out which may be helpful in combination with the video: www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/how-to-make-reusable-shopping-bags/

[@newsreader1000]

Lot of thanks for the way you described how to make shopping bags

[@carolswinburne1475]

Wow thanks so much for having this great tutorial on making a great shopping bags.

[@Frankie_902]

Id love to make insulated ones for cold items.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Great idea!

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

You could use old blanket to insulate

[@teresareyes202]

I think this is my first bag ever and it came out great!! Thanks so much for the tutorial!!💚💚💚

[@onlinefabricstore]

You are so welcome!

[@louisebalogh9190]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I'm really happy with the bag I've made. Much appreciated. Louise

[@carolinefromspeakinstitche8888]

Hicks Hexagon! love it

[@sanaamansoura1089]

انت ممتازة. لقد استمتعت بالشرح والتنفيذ

[@YESHASettler]

Fantastic! Just the video I was looking for! Thanks!

[@cek7940]

You did a great job explaining the entire process, thank you so much, God bless you and your sewing room 💙👜🌽

[@tammy1190]

Sweet, thank you Clara! Super Excited to make this!

[@melindagenier9401]

Can you clarify what measure is “bottom” and which is “side” please. Wasn’t clear if the 20 inches or 21 inches is the “bottom”

[@onlinefabricstore]

Hi Melinda, Each 20 x 21 inch piece makes up half of the bag including the sides and bottom. There's a seam that runs down the middle of the narrower sides and bottom. You make gussets to form the corners. The finished size of this bag is 15″ tall, 13″ wide, and 7″ deep. I hope that helps! We also have written directions and photos which may be helpful in addition to the video: www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/how-to-make-reusable-shopping-bags/

[@melindagenier9401]

OnlineFabricStore.net thank you for responding so quickly. Didn’t exactly answer my question… But I did figure it out. Very first step is to put your pieces together and sew the “bottom” . My issue is that this is not a square it’s a rectangle. Which side is the bottom? I Realized that is the side that is 21 inches, not the side that is 20 inches long. Anyhow I just completed the bag and it is absolutely beautiful! I love it. Thank you so much.!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Ah, I understand your question now. Glad to hear it turned out well! I use the ones I made all the time and love them!

[@joancollier4488]

Excellent video. Very clearly explained and filmed. Thank you. I can''t wait to try it out!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad it was helpful! You got this!