Mini Grocery Tote! Perfect For Your Shopping Buddies and Small Shopping Needs!

BY FAR my most popular KZbin tutorial is the grocery tote. It’s such a quick, simple sew. Perfect for beginners and those of us needing a sewing confidence boost. This time, we’ve reduced the size of the bag and added a couple extras to jazz it up. This is a great size for your shopping buddies. It’s also a perfect size for those small trips to grab makeups, medications, etc. I’m working with waterproof canvas again today, and it really helps keep the bag in an upright and easy to use position.
Check out the amazing blog post that started it all, by Purl Soho! www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/...
Original Grocery Tote Video: • My favorite grocery to...
Materials:
Fat Quarter for Contrast Fabric (Half Yard if using for straps as well)
Fat Quarter for Exterior Bottom
One Yard for Lining and Straps (Half Yard only if not using for straps)
Fat Quarter of Woven Interfacing (Half Yard if using quilt cotton straps)
------------------- Fabric Cut List ---------------------
Contrast Fabric:
Exterior Tops
(2) 14.5” x 5” (add woven interfacing if using quit cotton or cotton lycra)
Pocket
5” x 8” (add woven interfacing)
Bag Loop
5.25” x 2” (woven interfacing optional
Exterior Bottom Fabric:
14.5” x 18” (I suggest duck cloth canvas)
Lining:
14.5” x 23” (I suggest waterproof canvas)
Straps:
(2) 5.25” x 24” (I suggest waterproof canvas. If using quilt cotton make sure to interface. You can also use 1.25” wide cotton webbing)
Timestamps for each step in the first comment!
Happy Sewing!
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Links!
Crashing Waves Embroidery Designs: crashingwavesdesigns.com/
*Waterproof Canvas: amzn.to/2QkpzwJ
*Sewline Air Erasing Marker: amzn.to/39ToKTr
Inked Papers Bag Labels (Use OKLAROOTS for 10% off): bit.ly/3mewRSL
*That Purple Thang: amzn.to/2xHTfNZ
Here are your Time Stamps!
Intro - 0:00
Materials - 5:48
Cut List - 7:17
How To Change Height of Bag - 8:33
Interfacing Chat - 10:04
Build the Straps - 12:55
Build the Pocket - 15:32
Build the Bag Loop - 18:26
Build Outer Panel - 19:14
Attaching The Pocket - 23:21
Putting It All Together - 25:56
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Say "Hi!" to me on some other platforms:
OklaRoots Website: oklaroots.com/
Instagram: / oklaroots
Facebook: / oklaroots
Patreon: / oklaroots
------NEW! OklaRoots now has a Facebook group! Come join in on the conversation! Search OklaRoots Creatives on Facebook.
I love receiving post cards and letters! Feel free to snail mail me:
Jess OklaRoots
PO Box 2071
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004
Don't forget to tag your makes with #OklaRootsTuts so we can connect!
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My favorite sewing tools -
Twill Bag Labels: USE CODE OKLAROOTS FOR 10% OFF YOUR ORDER bit.ly/3mewRSL
Wool Pressing Mat: sewsweetness.com/products/fel...
*Cordless Iron: amzn.to/2LBGDMc
Auriful Thread: www.hawthornesupplyco.com/aur...
*Clover Clips: amzn.to/2P6IKtR
*Frixion Eraseable Pens: amzn.to/39aTJJI
*Chalk Marker: amzn.to/2RApaaV
Tula Pink Snips: www.ihearttulapink.com/collec...
Tula Pink Tweezers: www.ihearttulapink.com/collec...
Binding Babies: doohikeydesigns.com/collectio...
*Batting: www.fatquartershop.com/kyoto-...
*Skinny Juki Presser Foot: amzn.to/2MDF3Kh
Affiliate Swoon Link: swoonpatterns.com/?ssp=799
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My sewing machines -
*Main workhorse (Juki TL 2010q): amzn.to/2YGTZur
Portable workhorse: Bernina 350
New Kid in Town: Bernina 770QE
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Filming Equipment Used:
- Video: Samsung Galaxy S10+
- *Audio: amzn.to/2k1sQUE
-*Boom Mic: amzn.to/2GYK5ye
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* Indicates affiliate links. I receive a small percentage from the seller if you purchase this item using the link. All proceeds go back to supporting the channel. Thanks!
#DIYGroceryTote #SewYourOwn #ReusableGroceryBag

[@OklaRoots]

Here are your Time Stamps! Materials - 5:48 Cut List - 7:17 How To Change Height of Bag - 8:33 Interfacing Chat - 10:04 Build the Straps - 12:55 Build the Pocket - 15:32 Build the Bag Loop - 18:26 Build Outer Panel - 19:14 Attaching The Pocket - 23:21 Putting It All Together - 25:56

[@valerylancaster8350]

Jess OklaRoots X

[@nataliearena3744]

Great video!Simple informative easy to follow

[@pm_davidjones]

6 hours, 40 ounces of Mountain Dew, a half a bag of pretzels, and a bunch of rewinding this video, and it is DONE! I just finished making this little tote for my girlfriend. This is my first tote ever. It turned out fantastic! YOU, Jessica are a rock star. If I can pull this off watching your tutorial, anybody can. Thank you for the great instructions!

[@OklaRoots]

David!! That's fantastic! Congratulations! Did she like it???

[@pm_davidjones]

@@OklaRoots Yes! She LOVED it!

[@sunneedaze57]

Sounds like my sewing! lol.

[@petethemeat9010]

This is Mrs Pete. This is a fantastic size bag. Made these for trick or treat bags. -12 in total. And of course my husband had the fun of filling them with goodies for our 5 favorite neighbors kids, nieces and nephews.

[@annalockwood3021]

I've made so, so many of these, in various sizes. The smaller ones are handy for managing small collections of stuff that need to be portable. One has all my prescriptions and supplements, another the bits for a hand sewing project I can pack up easily for travel. I do prefer making my own straps out of matching fabric.

[@dianaportillo-burger5771]

Hi Anna, can you tell me the bag's dimensions based on the fabric measurements in the video? Thanks

[@patriciamaeanthony3838]

As a long time shirt maker, I always stitch a triangle at the upper corners of the pocket, starting and stopping at least 1/2” below the top of the pocket, or at the bottom of the top cuff if the pocket if there is one. I also sometimes reinforce that area with interfacing to prevent the pocket corner from causing a tear in the body of the shirt.

[@ariadnasunol356]

I would like to see a beginers backpack tutorial from you, if possible. Your videos are so easy to follow, you're such a great teacher! Thanks a lot! :-)

[@OklaRoots]

I have some backpack videos coming out this summer! I can't wait to try them out.

[@ariadnasunol356]

@@OklaRoots Yeah!!!

[@maryannmjones6021]

Will skins this you confused me.

[@MelissaH05]

Whenever I see a new video of yours it automatically makes me smile!!! Your personality makes your videos so enjoyable to watch!!! Thank you for taking so much of your time to share with us!!! I hope you know how greatly appreciated you are!!!? ❤️

[@OklaRoots]

You are so SO sweet Melissa! I have never felt as much love as I have since I started this channel. I love hearing how these videos help people follow a pattern or brighten a day. Definitely feel like I have accomplished some big life goals. Thank you!

[@carolsiems8650]

Out of all the bag patterns I researched, this one is definitely the best. Thank you so so much.

[@PumpkinSpice1960]

This little bag is so darn cute and the little hand sanitizer pouch to go in it. What a great idea!!! Will be making a ton of these. I love all your fun tutorials. Thank you so much!!

[@TheWanderingWife]

That is cute enough to use as a purse, maybe with a snap closure!

[@helencookes3296]

Just done the larger size now this smaller one, I love the step by step guide you're an excellent narrator and teacher. ❤️

[@maryingram2949]

Thank you for the great tutorials. I am a beginner and you find the easiest ways to make beautiful totes, thank you so much. I would like to see a video on how to make reusable produce bags. I am trying to eliminate plastic bags.

[@donnarowe6027]

I made your pattern! I used cork for the bottom portion. It’s amazing! Lots of pockets inside and a magnetic closure too. It’s such a great size!

[@monicab28]

That Mickey on the pocket of the larger bag would drive me nuts!! Lol

[@ruthwilson7451]

You make such beautiful bags and Wallets. I just love to watch your videos and learn about this whole process of making nice useful things ☺🌷

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Ruth!

[@marlenereimchen9141]

Love this!!! I especially love the colors. thank you!!

[@Coffeedrinker291]

Love that you always mention your thread and needles

[@zousans]

Stuck at home...would love to make this. Thanks for sharing 💖💖💖💖

[@Gadesign30]

I love that tip on how to do a great fold of the edges. Will be using it with my sewing.

[@lorirodgers4119]

love the addition of the loop, good for keys, etc., too.

[@OklaRoots]

Right? I feel like it can be used for a lot of different things.

[@barbaraoverdorf5467]

Love, love, love this!

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

Perfect tote! It's such a cute size. I actually do use a tote that size for my other rolled up grocery totes. I'd like to try the waterproof canvas. Thank you.

[@amandalawrence2100]

Fantastic tutorials I’ve been binge watching your work . They are all fantastic 💖

[@ArdenKuhn]

Thank you for this video. I finally had a chance to make this and love how the corners look.

[@Epiphannie1]

LOVE your outfit!

[@aprilgideon4093]

Made my first canvas tote bag following your tutorial, thank you!!!

[@beckybramlett3515]

That would make a wonderful bag period….love it !!

[@ronagallup4037]

I have 9 grandbabies and everyone is going to get this bag for their Easter bags. What an amazing idea! You are such a joy to watch and you make my Mondays a great day.Thank you so very much and keep up the great work🙋

[@OklaRoots]

Rona thank you so much! Those kidos are going to love them.

[@kimhicks1571]

I love your walk-throughs. 💗💗💗

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Kim!

[@Jaded6911]

Too cute! This would be great for small hauls

[@OklaRoots]

It's really good for those small, quick trips. Let me know if you make one!

[@deniseabel2527]

Thank you so much for all your great videos. I have learned so much from you!

[@brendaseverns9704]

What a cutie pie bag! Thx! 😍

[@helenhart4778]

fantastic - perfect for small errands and love the hand sanitizer holder

[@OklaRoots]

It really is a great size

[@piabk1186]

Thank you so much! I made my first canvas tote this afternoon following this video. I feel so accomplished! Thank you!

[@ctrl-alt-del333]

Hi. I watched your tutorial on the grocery tote.last week. Never made one before. I have two lovely bags now. One with a pocket. I'm so pleased with them x

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Wow such a big difference between the first video and this one awesome 🤩

[@carolineirwin2716]

Great size!! Love it!

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you! It really is a great size.

[@docb8316]

Perfect for library books. Should hold several.

[@sharonw667]

Really Jess, another wonderful gift idea!!! Many thanks.

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Sharon!

[@sherrieleeberry]

You rock. Thanks for your positivity and clear instruction. :)

[@OklaRoots]

Thanks Sherrie!

[@clombard7134]

Thanks for the clear instructions for this handy tote! Your time stamps are so helpful! Genius!

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you!

[@stephanniemetz3610]

Sew fun! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talents with us!

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Stephannie!

[@dawntemple9674]

I love the smaller grocery tote!! So so cute. I also, need to get some of the waterproof canvas! Thanks jess- great bag.

[@OklaRoots]

Thanks Dawn!

[@ToriLynnH]

So beautiful! You make good stuff!

[@OklaRoots]

Aww thank you Victoria!

[@karenpresley7101]

I need to make a couple of the bigger ones. Great tutorial. Thank you Jess. 😊

[@OklaRoots]

Thanks Karen!

[@kathywelch8722]

Great little tote.

[@51katz]

I really do like your original video with your first grocery tote. You're so energetic and so cute! Keep the videos coming. You explain everything very well. :)

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you so much!!

[@tonyaporter7072]

I luv everything you make!!! I need to make at least one of each. You make it look so simple and easy. I look forward to watching new videos you put out! Keep up the good sharing!!💗

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you so much Tonya!

[@suecallaghan1978]

Love it! Cute tote!

[@OklaRoots]

Thanks Sue!

[@nancycronin601]

I love your tutorials. So easy to follow and your upbeat personality is a joy. Staying in due to crazy times and crafting up a storm Thanks for all the time you spend on these.

[@OklaRoots]

I hear you Nancy. I'm just making away over here as well, prepared to gift these to so many people once we can all come together again.

[@brendadavis7416]

I love your tutorials. They are so easy to follow. Just pause the video step by step. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. Blessings!

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Brenda, I'm so happy to hear they're helpful!

[@solydiaz3401]

Thanks for the great idea of using the canvas waterproof material which Is an awesome idea. You did such a great job with the tutorial that any beginner can follow your instructions. I look forward for more of your videos. I will definitely look for the waterproof canvas.

[@OklaRoots]

That's so kind of you Soly, thank you!

[@bethb9131]

Perfect easy & pretty bag for groceries. I’m gonna make multiple sizes. I love the way you popped in the video to talk about the waterproof canvas. Personally I think the waterproof canvas looks good either side depending on the look your going for. The “ wrong side” looks like raincoat material. I live in Florida also so I love your Mickey ears ring🖤. Thanks again for your sweet teachable spirit. 💜

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Beth! Where are you in Florida? I'm up in Saint Augustine. I hope you're holding up well during these crazy times.

[@Ana-ns8fs]

I made it and it came out beautiful!! Thank you for your excellent tutorial! You are s great teacher!!

[@OklaRoots]

You are so welcome!

[@mairimacleod9486]

Fantastic Tutorial, I actually managed to make this bag and it turned out great. Thanks Jess your videos are amazing and I love watching them. You've got me into sewing and I'm absolutely loving it. Thanks.

[@OklaRoots]

That's fantastic Mairi!! I'm so happy to hear you're loving sewing. It really is a great hobby.

[@lauriemiller2441]

Thank you for your videos and your time

[@OklaRoots]

Anytime Laurie! Thank you for watching

[@beaulatfrrkeboshoff4114]

You are the best i'm do in love with my first try and it looks beautiful ❤

[@vickipetrarca3617]

So cute!!

[@OklaRoots]

Thanks Vicki!

[@shaunachristensen3289]

I loved your first video. I loved your personality and your whit. Oh and I love the bag.

[@sallysewing]

Again, just brilliant!

[@OklaRoots]

Thanks Sally!

[@allisonlewis8211]

Love the bag.

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you!

[@somoslatinaz]

Best bag tutorial!!!! I'm following you!!!!

[@OklaRoots]

Yay! Thank you!

[@StillLearning-123]

You are adorable. I really love your videos.

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Karen!

[@GUMA8107]

love your tutorials.. LOVE your BB8 necklace...

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you! 😊I just love Disney and Star Wars related jewelry

[@gaurigirme1000]

Super cute bag mam. Great teaching as usual Thanks for sharing

[@OklaRoots]

So nice of you! Thank you!

[@Ana-ns8fs]

I love it! I am going to make it! Rhank you so much!!

[@OklaRoots]

Have fun!

[@1960Connie]

Jessica this is absolutely the most fabulous bag and I have just got to make this one! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!!

[@OklaRoots]

That's great to hear Connie!

[@1960Connie]

Jess OklaRoots when Oklaroots pops up, everything else go on hold! I 🏃‍♀️ to your video!

[@tennysoneffie6943]

The lining looks so good I think I will use it as the outer fabric....

[@OklaRoots]

That's a great idea! It would be very durable.

[@markwilliams1824]

This was a delight to make.. 2nat a time, didn’t box the corners so it’s fully reversible ... Wonderful and absolutely adore the on screen tips, ie stitch lengths etc.,, Wonderful! Thank you 😊

[@OklaRoots]

That's awesome Mark!

[@luckyleoliz]

G’Day from Melbourne, Australia! Oh my goodness! This is my new fave tote tutorial! I’ve already made 3. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas!!!! I have binged watched all your videos while recovering from surgery. Thank you sew much! Can’t wait for your next one :)

[@OklaRoots]

Awww yay! I'm so happy to hear that! We use our mini bags every day, they are just perfect.

[@tinaaustin8083]

Love this

[@bethcoull3038]

I made a really cute one for my kids bday. She loves it.

[@robinbarber5888]

Loved it

[@vickiehooper5951]

Love this and your channel

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you!

[@melissadelarosa224]

I love you so much. Thank you for this.

[@OklaRoots]

Haha thank you Melissa!

[@craigwhite9927]

Giving a "thumbs-up" just for the "future Jess" segment 😀😀😀

[@OklaRoots]

Haha thank you! I was stretching my editing skills there.

[@shondra6]

This is great. I’ve subbed you now after watching your tote bag videos. These would be great for my grandaughter s and as I have an embroidery machine , I can personalise them. TFS 🙏🙏🙏

[@MaureenEChandler]

I love your videos and have made a dozen of the bigger grocery bags and will give them at Christmas. I have two in my car for myself! I'm going to hunt through my fabrics and make this one too - love the size! Thank you so very much for all you share - you make things doable and these bags have been a great use of the batiks I have hoarded for years!! Thank you so so much! Stay safe and be well!! XOXO Maureen

[@OklaRoots]

That makes me so happy to hear! I love bags like this because we can really show off our fabric that we love so much.

[@carraboucrafts]

Future Jess, haha, you're adorable! Thanks for the video, love your easy to understand explanations!

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you! 😃

[@BarbaraOpett]

Hi Jess, tuning in from the Panhandle of Florida. Thanks for another great video. Your doing great!

[@OklaRoots]

Hey neighbor!

[@shannona6533]

I don’t know why but I’m always excited to see which machine you will use in your videos. Great video and cute project.

[@OklaRoots]

Haha I like to mix it up. I try to give all my machines a little screen time.

[@donnakimball3822]

This is a great size.

[@nancys4874]

Jess, love your videos! I could watch you make this same tote dozens of times (and I think I have!). I've made about 40 using your original video (mostly late Christmas gits), but have always added the loops for the grocery store plastic bag holders. I made my loops longer and sewed them like the handles, sticking out at the top so they would be easy to see and use. The reality check is that I'm the only one who uses them when I go to self check out. I've used bags at lots of stores and had discussions with many checkout clerks. The bottom line is th clerks I've spoken with don't find them useful. One gal told me the only time she does is if they also have the side loops to hook onto to the metal plastic bag holder so the bag actually stays open. I use twill tape for the top loop and put side loops on a couple of my newer bags, but again, it seems like I'm the only one who uses them... I'll continue to add them, but just cause they look so cute! Looking forward to your next video.

[@OklaRoots]

That's great information Nancy! Thank you for sharing. I know our grocers are also not using the loops, they seem fine filling the bags without that. It's always good to have options, you just never know!

[@tontoof3]

I love how you make sure your straps are well sown! I hate seeing others use only one seam or even hot glue them! Plus the French seam the ends! I am going to sew the straps instead of both sewn on the front and the other two on the back, I’m going to sew them front to back on each side so I can just slide it onto the arm of my electric wheelchair.

[@OklaRoots]

That's such a great idea Tanya!

[@lecindarhone4852]

Thanks for the video

[@kaiyune472]

Love your video's.

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you Kathleen!

[@sadiejosiemom]

I was going to tell you last week that you had your waterproof canvas backwards but I thought maybe you did it on purpose!! I think it's the kind of fabric that backpacks are made from. Thanks for the tutorials and look forward to them!

[@OklaRoots]

Thank you! Always make sure to let me know if I'm doing something wrong, I'm learning with the rest of you here.

[@olivers333]

That little top hoop is great for hanging keys too

[@OklaRoots]

Great idea Sonia!

[@klhay23]

Love it

[@marionlewis4703]

I would be sewing down the french seam as finishing touch.

[@yettaloyd507]

Brilliant

[@susanwenzel9516]

You’re my newest love!!!!❤️

[@OklaRoots]

Awww thank you Susan! That means a ton!

[@joannepierce941]

What a great bag thankyou so much, we are in isolation for 2 weeks from the Coronavirus so I will give this ago. Stay well from Jo in the UK 😊😷

[@joannepierce941]

@@bethb9131 I totally agree but sad Harry has taken this decision as we know how much he loves doing his royal duties. Feel so sorry for her Queen the last thing she needs at this time, but understand his love for his own family. Stay safe and thanks for your great videos 😊😷♥️

[@OklaRoots]

You take care of yourself too Jo! It's crazy how connected I feel with so many people across the world, even though we quite literally cannot be around each other. We are all experiencing it together.

[@juliechao3638]

Enjoying the replay ❤

[@OHlookSHINYthing]

Man, that's pretty enough to use as a purse.

[@mariangies]

I love your videos. I made the other tote bag and it was beautiful and very sturdy. I’m wondering if you have or if you can make a video on how to make an easy basic apron? Please and thank you! 💕

[@seamsuneven7824]

Hi Jess, Well Done this bag is sooo cute! I had to watch the video 3 times because the video kept watching me because I am recovering from surgery and couldn't stay awake haha. I made it🤣! I had an idea and think it would be so lovely to add a zipper panel and a flap with a magnetic clasp to turn this bag into a mini backpack. 🤔 When you were done and holding it up...that's what I saw. It had that shape to me. Another cute on Jess! Love it, love it!!

[@OklaRoots]

That's a great idea! I'll have to see if I can modify it that way. Take care of yourself during recovery!

[@sewhappydesigns]

You are just a natural teacher Jess! So thorough on every step. Kudos to you. I'm going to make a bunch! Don't worry about early videos...as a past quilt teacher I know everything gets better with practice. Keep on being your awesome self and please keep yourself and family safe and healthy. Just keep us sewing in these tough times!

[@OklaRoots]

That's so kind of you Cindy! I love sharing these with all of you. Especially now, we all need a stinking break right?

[@vanceandbonnieneuberger8881]

If you don’t have a small acrylic ruler, or a Jean-A-Majig, you can use a plastic case needles come in-like Schmetz!!

[@OklaRoots]

That's a great suggestion! Thank you!

[@kimlightfoot]

I made these baby totes a few years ago, fully lined and gorgeous. no pattern lol. I made them for my grandsons second birthday, as goody bags for parents of kids that came. Turned out not many kids were there, so the adults got them all. roflol. My daughter loves hers, and gets compliments on them all of the time. She uses hers for a lunch bag to work. cuzz it has inside pockets as well as being reversible.

[@OklaRoots]

That's beautiful Kim!