REUSE YOUR EMPTY FEED BAGS! | DIY Feed Bag Tote

[@MasonDixonAcres]

What other kind of sewing projects would you like to see?! I'd love to make a dress or skirt out of recycled linens.

[@indirapulimi2433]

Wonderful,appreciate it.

[@tuotieful]

apron?

[@nancyhull2124]

Love this! Your instructions and demos are so clear. I would like to see how to create the same bag, but with long straps that go around the entire bag - down the sides and across the bottom - for extra strength.

[@suewoughter5829]

I love this tote! I'd love to see instructions on adding some egg gathering slots. I wonder if that would be practical. My daughter has a hard time carrying all she needs for chores in the morning, so a tote with egg slots would help her carry things and eliminate the need to carry an egg basket as well. She has an egg apron but I think it's too much effort to put on, and especially in winter it's not very practical.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Love these ideas!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

I love making these bags. I prefer webbing v. the plastic straps. Some years ago I saw a video where a church used these bags as a two-fold community project. They solicited the bags from the community (partnering with retail outlet to disseminate info. They then used these bags a a community outreach project by (1) donating a sewing machine to them; (2) teaching them the basic skills to make the bag; (3) paying them for each bag created and (4) selling the bags in the community with the proceeds refunding the program. I thought it such a wonderful program. These bags are so strong.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Wow that's so amazing! What a great program! Sewing is a very valuable life skill as well.

[@petrasbodyworks2448]

Please what do you mean by webbing? I'd love. to learn more.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

@@petrasbodyworks2448 webbing is strapping like with leashes and collars and straps

[@ginamarina]

Thank you! I made some 10 years ago (I’m still using them!) but forgot exactly what I did. I have these same Dumor bags, they’re huge and great for groceries. I used the clear poly thread that’s like fishing line, and an old wallpaper seaming roller to fold the creases. Thanks again for the great video!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for the info on the thread you use and the roller! I'm still using this Dumor bag and I made it like 3 years ago at this point! We switched over to a feed that's packaged in paper now!

[@chellymiller6306]

This is perfect. I originally saved all my chicken feed bags to put cans in, but it took up so much space and after a year I finally took them to be recycled. I was just going to toss the bags out, but I said, that seems like a waste, I'm sure I can find a use. Again, this is perfect!

[@dianelechner1314]

This is an excellent video. I love how you show each step and then speed up the video while you are doing the procedure. This is the best bag making video I have seen, and I have watched several. I am making these from horse, chicken, and dog food bags, for a nonprofit organization to either sell, or to use as gift bags at an event.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I’m glad you found it to be helpful! That is a great idea to sell them as a fundraiser. I’ll probably make more out of our bird feed bags to give as gifts 🙂

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Super video! If your bag isn’t big enough to cut off pieces for the straps you can make straps from another bag,or from nylon webbing. For strength, I recommend polyester thread (rather than cotton) for stitching on this material. You can, if you like, stitch along the final creases you make.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for giving some tips!! I don't sew super often so I appreciate it 😊

[@barbryan834]

I love the way you attached the handles! It was WAY easier than what I had been doing.

[@monaliza3]

Looks like sewing on the straps before closing the bottom of the bag makes it much easier to create the handles. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@whitevalleyfamilyfarm6931]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have hundreds of feed bags and I was saving them up to be able to make these. I just learned how to use a sewing machine (I've always hand-sewn everything). I'm a firm believer in efficiency and minimal waste. I'm so excited to put my new skills to use and reuse something that would otherwise be thrown out!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Ahh awesome!! Hundreds of bags?? You will be busy for quite a while! Glad you got some use out of this 🙂

[@petrasbodyworks2448]

Good

[@gracewoodard9134]

Love it. And love the crinkly sound of the bag as you make the tote.

[@guildfounder]

Lovely video, sewing secret for you: If you sew all the way around a tube there is no need to back stitch at all. simply overlap your stitch about a half an inch when you reach the beginning.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Great tip!

[@alicecowan3499]

I saw your video today and sat down and made one. We heat with pellets so I used one of those bags. When hubby goes out to feed the chickens, I will have him bring in some feed sacks. Thank you for your instructions and time to put into this video. Oh yes, I also am a young 71 year old!!! 👍🏼💜

[@MasonDixonAcres]

So glad you were able to make a tote successfully with this video! Sounds like you'll have plenty to make in the future too :)

[@garrixgirl18]

Thank you for this tutorial! Yours is the easiest I’ve come across! I can’t wait to start my bags!!! 😁

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful! Happy crafting!!

[@marythomas6478]

First time making one! Followed right along and got it done! Thanks so much.

[@mauricebrown9094]

Ok you can sew , there is another skill you have which in some parts of the world is a dying art. Well done. Years & Years ago when i was a lad, my Mum taught me how to darn socks, and sew on buttons, and hand sew little holes in clothing items . I never forgot. I don't know any kids that learn this anymore. I am pretty sure parents over the years just don't teach that anymore. Now i really feel old..hahaa.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I hope to learn more sewing skills! This was my first time sewing since middle school.

[@signlady7443]

I've been wanting to do this!! I LOVE recycling & have dozens upon dozens of feed bags!!! I use them as garbage bags & storage bags, but really want to make the totes! My 2cent tip: instead of making straps I got 25 yard rolls of 2inch nylon webbing-strap ($25) for the handles - just a little time saver - and (ugg) not TOTAL recycling - but I'm hoping to sell the totes if possible. Also will use wide jute strapping bc it's more organic looking. I found your site bc I was wondering specifically how to do the bottom! Your instruction was perfect! Thank you so much!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yay!! I'm glad you found this tutorial to be helpful! I'm really big into recycling and reducing waste as well. That's a great idea to sell the bags! I've thought about that too but never pursued it! Thanks for your tips.

[@tlsnana9539]

Cute and earth friendly idea! I use clothespins to hold straps in place. Made easier than remembering to insert as sewing. Thank you for sharing your idea.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Great tip, thanks!!

[@user-jd9hv5cq9n]

Glad I found your video first. You made everything so simple, no big fancy sewing needed. I saved maybe 30 horse feed bags, wanting to make some bags. Also bought a very nice used sewing machine. So now I have no excuse not to make them.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome!! Glad we helped in upcycling those 🙂

[@cdstein67]

Awesome tutorial! My pattern is just a tad different but for the smaller bags. I like your size of the handle using a 3" width. That is perfect. I make the bottom a bit different by cutting out a square. I found your channel researching ideas for the larger bags. Thank you so much! I know these tutes can take a lot of time to do.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you!! Hope you found it to be helpful! They are a bit of work, but we like saving them from the trash 🙂 -Elaina

[@lindaedwards9756]

We have a store that sells those bags for a good amount . I loved them but thought I might could make my own. Your video was just what I needed . 👍

[@karenhamilton504]

My daughter-in-law just told me she could make me a bag out of my 50lb. dogfood bag. Well, I sew, so of course I got on KZbin and found you making your bag. I'll be making one myself. My dogwood bag is a pretty one, so I'm excited about making it. Thank you for the easy to follow instructions.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

So exciting!! Glad you found the video to be helpful!

[@jj-se5tu]

I started making totes/bags like these but I use one strip from bag, fold it/sew it and then cut it in half for two pieces for the handles. I really like your way to sew the handles on though, I'm going to do my next batch that way. Thank you for the video.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Sure thing! Glad you found it to be helpful. Always like to hear how others do it as well!

[@davidcastillo2543]

I just made one following your instructions, great video, you made it easy to make

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Great to hear!!

[@JacqueC-c4o]

Absolutely the best video!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Wow, thanks!!

[@VinnieP.B.]

SUSTAINABLE, just perfect!

[@cindyschaefer3390]

Thank you for sharing; this was the easiest tutorial I have watched. I have 4 bags I am gonna stitch up this weekend!!!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Wonderful! So glad it was helpful! hope it works out for you!

[@laurachandler7994]

Great video and very practical information. Especially appreciated the recommendations about the thread to use for sewing.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margem4754]

I have just finished two totes. They turned out great. Thank you for your easy to follow instructions.

[@MaryannPaycer]

I just made my 1st feed bag tote and I love it. Thank you for explaining step by step giving perfect directions . Can't wait to check out what other projects you have!!!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Wonderful! Glad the video helped :)

[@indirapulimi2433]

I sew it and used it , it's good.Thanks for your sharing such useful.keep posting such .

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome! Glad the video helped!

[@KarenKarabell]

Sending thanks from St. Louis (Missouri, USA). Can't wait to try this.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

yay! Hope it goes well!

[@MaryGisse-b7p]

Okay, Mary, again, I took out the heavy duty thread and am using regular thread, 90/14 is working good. The tension on both the bobbin and upper thread were my real issues! Mary

[@brendamitchell1252]

I made some bags prior to seeing this video and will do the handles this way next time. The only issue I have is slipped stitches on the reverse side. I haven’t figured out how to adjust the bobbin tension. I probably need to check the sewing machine manual.

[@scottallison9887]

Thank you for such great teaching. God bless

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@candacebroomhead6639]

Awesome!! I'm going to try this with my industrial machine with thick string normally for leather, this will be a hit-- I'm excited! Thank you for making this video!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

That sounds perfect! I've been using my bag for several years now, and it holds up great! Carries lots of groceries :)

[@JacqueC-c4o]

I love this video and have made several bags.

[@ausnein7139]

I love it ❤. Most of my feed bags are made of cardboard but the cat feed bags are plastic. I hope my sewing machine will make it. And btw you seem to be a very friendly person!

[@TwoFamilyHomestead]

I've wanted to do this for some time now - glad you reminded me !!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Hope it works out for you! They are great to give as gifts too 🙂

[@janetteperry4521]

Thank you. I just made one for my brother in law. Turned out fine

[@lyndavaughn1187]

I like the music and you made a lovely tutorial. Thank you!

[@walterbuller9171]

Excellent idea. I've been wondering what to do with my collection of feed bags. Your husband married a sweetheart.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

This is a great way to give them a second life!

[@nantraxler9683]

The video was very easy to follow. Great job! I'm going to give this a shot.

[@dominickdeflorio193]

Very well done instructions! We have hundreds of feed bags stacked up. Thank you for your help!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Oh wow! You will have plenty of bags to sell or donate! Glad this was helpful.

[@petrasbodyworks2448]

I thumbed up, subscribed and liked. Thanks for emphasising on ways to make to make the strength, sure.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you!!

[@rachelpeacock6674]

I just saw your video looking up how to repurpose fast food bags and you came up on the thread. Your idea is fantastic! I’m definitely going to find some feed bags to start making bags for my family and friends. Thank be you for sharing your craft.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@jenniferurbanurban1020]

Oh My Word! THank you so mych! I just did this and came out pretty good! I HATE throwing away feed bags, so this made my day

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yayy!! Let me know how the project goes for you!

[@amyinmaine]

Thank you!!!! So satisfying! You explained it so well!!!

[@Goody2shzToo]

I just made one after watching your video using a 40 lb. kitty litter bag. I also incorporated some techniques from another video to give the side folds more structure. It came out a bit smaller than yours and the smooth plastic was kinda difficult to work with, but overall I'm very happy with it. I'll definitely be trying this with one of my 50 lb. chicken feed bags. Thank you so much!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

We've made several of these from kitty food bags! Gotta keep our barn cats fed ☺ Glad you found the video to be helpful! I love that you combined other ideas too! It's always fun to experiment and figure out what works best for you!

[@mathangelaz5799]

@Goody2shz Do you remember which video gives that instruction for the sides? Am making my first one today from a big bag. Thank you😊

[@Goody2shzToo]

Sorry, Ange, I did not see this till today. Unfortunately, I don't remember which video I was talking about. Possibly a how-to on sewing boxed corners...? Anyway, I hope you were successful with your project.

[@rosesummers5075]

Love the video. Bag production is in my near future. Thank you so very much.

[@sherryevans7944]

Great video and point on instructions!😊

[@rhyararose]

Thank you so much! I've been wanting to do this for a while and finally looked into it. I love reusable totes, and it means so much more when you can give things new life, especially when you do it yourself! And now I have cute chicken bags to show off lol Thanks again!❤️

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@daleperron6772]

just made this, you're directions were great!! Love the music too.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

That’s so great! I’m glad you found the instructions to be helpful. I plan to make some into gifts for the holidays next year 🙂

[@Jenchurray]

I found a dry erase marker to be helpful. As long as you are careful not to smudge it before you sew, you can sew and then wipe it off. Very nice tutorial, thank you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

That is a great pro tip! Thanks so much for sharing

[@maryjanesteinbrecher3953]

Washable Crayola markers work and come in variety of colors.

[@mathangelaz5799]

A Bic pen works well also 😊

[@nancypan23]

Thank you. So easy to follow. Can’t wait to try !

[@fredericchopin6089]

This was an excellent tutorial! Great explanation & speed of directions. I look forward to seeing your other videos.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@allieGirl146]

I want to line mine. Adorable

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Great idea!

[@moonistew]

turned out nicely and big!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

It’s a great bag! We use it all the time 👍🏼

[@lorettaehnes6588]

Well done Grasshopper

[@hollyward4594]

I made your bag and LOVE it as does everyone I show it to. Now I am in business! Thank you and looking forward to more of your videos.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

aweee yay!! I'm so happy to hear that!! I'm hoping to find some more time for crafts like this but it may be hard with gardening season just around the corner!

[@carinacarden6275]

How much do you price them at?

[@НаталиПаскаль-в1х]

Суперрр))) Обожаю переработку))) Вы молодчина!!!

[@pattywykes5873]

Wow, This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@diannafoster7057]

Thank you! I always wanted to do this and made two bags with you today!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

awe yay!! That makes me so happy! I'm glad the instructions helped!

[@annettehough2792]

Great project and well done.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you!

[@Mesagsp]

Such a cool video! I had a birdseed bag and thought I wonder if I could make a bag . Also it looks like youvsrw on a vintage Kenmore. Cool

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you, give it a shot! And yes it's an oldie but a goodie 🙂

[@junegore1680]

Thanks for the video! I'm making my first tote bag this afternoon. Excited to see how it turns out. Thanks again!🐓

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yay!! Let me know how it goes!

[@bubbles2868]

What a great idea

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

It’s ok to say it’s been rat-chewed. Every homesteader has them (even if they won’t admit it)🤣 Thanks for the detailed instructions!❤

[@beckymyers7982]

Very good instructional video! I wanted to mention that if you do get some magic marker in a visible spot on your bag, it can be easily removed with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. I'm also going to make some of these as large as possible and use them for my recyclables and returnable bottles. I already use empty feed bags for returnables, but putting the handles on them will make them that much nicer. Also the squared off bottoms will stand up better.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for the tip!! Glad you will get some use out of this!

[@lmbrown47]

Thank you for such an excellent video! My dogs get 25lbs of vet dog food so I thought I would make the vet some bags!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

That's a great idea!

[@janieharner5136]

I am trying my hand at it tomorrow! Thank you. Looking forward to other videos 🤗🤗

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yay!! Let me know how it goes! Hope you found the video to be helpful.

[@janieharner5136]

@@MasonDixonAcres I have cats so that is what I used. Went great wish I could insert a picture 🤗

[@lauriepreston4262]

I've collected a fun variety of feed bags from friends, featuring chickens, bunnies, and even a darling piglet! Your tutorial is very clear. The question I have is about making the gussets: Do you always stitch across your triangle at 5"? The sides of my bags vary from 3 1/2" to 6"! Should the triangle line that you draw equal the width of the sides? Thanks in advance, and great tutorial!

[@ginalicious27]

This technique is called boxing the corners. You can find lots of tutorials for this technique.

[@dianelabrecque691]

Great tutorial!

[@tammyjourden1624]

Medium weight upholstery thread works great in my machine, I have a Jazz

[@joannashiu]

Now I can make tons of them with my feed bags instead of throw away .... Thanks for sharing

[@MasonDixonAcres]

They are a great gift!

[@MrsSoapPeddlersHomestead]

You made this a project I can actually do. Thank you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

ahh yay! Love to hear it! Another feed bag saved from the landfill! We use our bags all of the time for groceries.

[@sleepswithquilts4268]

Great tutorial!!!

[@OrlaQuirk]

I saw someone had made a tarp out of these feed bags. It was made to fit a frame for summer patio shade.

[@chrisrobinson4184]

Love this idea!! Making some of these!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Have fun!

[@9catlover]

i love it so so much. We all need a water proof tote. so unique too♥♻

[@MasonDixonAcres]

thank you!!

[@gypsiemomm]

AMAZING, THANK YOU!!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad you found it to be helpful!

[@michelesleitweiler5963]

I have been searching for an easy way to recycle these bags....thank you so much for posting this tutorial.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Of course! Glad you found it to be helpful. I have since switched over to a feed that is packaged in paper bags. If you're in the MD/PA area there are several farms that sell the brand. It is called Homestead Harvest. I highly recommend it! We pick it up directly at the farm.

[@michelesleitweiler5963]

@@MasonDixonAcres I live in Florida. I need to look around and see if we have anyone that does paper.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

@@michelesleitweiler5963 Hopefully you can find someone! If not, at least now you know how to get a second life out of the bags :) We still purchase wild bird feed in bags and I plan to make those into bags to give as gifts!

[@ireneav5071]

Estou no Brasil e amei esse trabalho!!! Obrigada por compartilhar. Abraços!👏🇧🇷

[@ironrose888]

You can use washable markers to mark the bag instead of a sharpie. I plan to use nylon webbing for the straps. 😊

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Great tip!

[@mondokane6364]

Great presentation!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you kindly! Hope your bags turn out great!

[@pamelaconkin1361]

Thank you for this tutorial

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful! Your welcome!

[@freee123100]

Nicely done!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you!

[@lolitapoly123]

🥰 love it.I always save my wild birds food bags, always thinking that at any moment I would turn them into a beautiful 🛍 shopping bags.💖💖💖💖💖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yes!! We love making them and giving them as gifts 💕

[@jj-se5tu]

What can one make from feed sacks? I've been washing my empty sacks and saving them for a new project since I've done alot of bags already. Thank you for how well you explain the steps as you go along.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I don't think I know what you mean by feed sacks? We only have these feed bags!

[@jj-se5tu]

@@MasonDixonAcres Sorry, I guess where I'm at we've always referred to the bags as feed sacks when going to the local farm/feed supply store. I was curious what else besides aprons and totes can be made to recycle these bags.

[@maryjanesteinbrecher3953]

Why not make Zipper pouches for kids to carry crayons etc in. If left over strips from several bags, use those steps sewing together once sewn then make the pouch. The Zipper is put in at the beginning of the project while the 2 pieces fron and back are not sewn together yet.

[@mrsemmas12]

Such a fun idea! Thank you

[@MasonDixonAcres]

You're welcome! Hope your bags turn out great!

[@pattievon6904]

Brilliant idea! Awesome video, thank you!

[@MeadowCreekFarmLife]

This was an awesome video tutorial! Thank you for sharing this great idea! Can't wait to try to make a few myself. They will make great gifts too! 😊

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Appreciate the kind words!! Glad you got something out of it 🙂

[@debbiebarnette9715]

Hi, I enjoyed your video. My sewing machine seemed to jump around while I was sewing. Do you use any special pressor foot or type of thread? Thx!

[@Janett323]

I love this! I never made this but I have a lot of chicken, rabbit, and dog food bags. When you first started how long did it take to make a bag? How long does it take now?

[@joscreativewanderings]

Great tutorial video, thanks for sharing. However I am curious and don’t understand why you didn’t use the bottom piece for a strap by simply cutting off the chewed part? I would have thought that coupled with the top strip you would have had 2 longer handles without much length loss? Just curious! Thanks again for a great idea! And I hope that I “stumble” over more of your helpful videos!

[@grandymommy4531]

Great idea. I subscribed for more interesting ideas. I don't have feed bags myself but I know someone who might.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sewcraftiewithconnie8293]

Great tutorial! I have a question. I've made three and had problems with my tension. It's fine on fabric but on these it doesn't look good. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

[@mathangelaz5799]

I saw that happen too. 😮The tension will likely have to be adjusted differently from sewing cloth. I’ll have to practice a bit on it. Just started my first one today. ❤

[@mathangelaz5799]

@Sew Craftie with Connie (tension comment) 😂

[@SnarlingMaiden]

Cool! Thanks.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Hope it was helpful!

[@noncebavava5560]

Wonderful idea thnx dear to you

[@emmalopez9148]

Gonna try

[@sharronharding8112]

What size needle are you using and what kind of thread please? Wonderful video!!! Thanks so much!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I’m glad you found the video to be helpful!!! I didn’t use any special thread, just standard black thread. As for needle I believe I used a 16 gauge

[@sharronharding8112]

@@MasonDixonAcres thank you so much!!!

[@taralynl2717]

Did you mention the type of thread to use? If so, I missed it. Thank you. I am inspired.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Nothing special if I remember, just basic cotton thread I think!