How to Make a Fused Plastic Bag Tote
Want to strike back against the plastic shopping bags that are taking over your kitchen? Fusing them to use in projects allows you to create unique crafts while you help the environment. A fused plastic tote bag is a fun project that allows you to recycle several shopping bags while making a reusable and versatile tote.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Plastic shopping bags, the thinner the better
- Scissors
- Parchment paper
- Iron and ironing board
- Fused plastic bag pieces
- Sewing pins
- Sewing machine and thread.
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Fuse the Plastic Bags
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1
Lay the plastic bag on your work surface, smooth it out and cut off the bottom seam and the handles.
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2
Layer six or eight plastic bags on top of each other with any printed sides on the inside.
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3
Sandwich the plastic bag layers in between two pieces of parchment paper and iron them with a hot, wet iron. Iron each side for about 15 seconds.
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4
Check to make sure the bags have fused, by pulling back the parchment paper from one corner. If the layers are all melted together, gently peel the paper off. If not, continue ironing for a few more seconds.
Make the Tote Bag
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1
Cut two pieces of fused plastic shopping bags to an inch larger than the desired size of your finished tote. For example, cut 15 by 15 inch pieces for a 14 by 14 inch bag. Also cut four strips for handles, they should be 8 inches long and 2 1/2 inches wide.
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2
Place two of the handle strips together right side out and sew all the way around the edges using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Repeat with the other two handle strips.
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3
Pin the ends of the handles to the top sides of the tote bag pieces. Position them two inches down from the top and placing each end four inches from the closest end of the top edge. Sew the handles in place.
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4
Lay the tote bag pieces with their right sides together and their edges aligned. Pin in place. Sew around the sides and bottom of the tote, leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
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5
Turn the now complete tote bag right side out and fill it with anything you like, from books to return to the library, cookies to carry to a friend or sandwiches for a picnic.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Open a window while you are fusing the plastic bags. You want to avoid the fumes.
Be sure to keep the iron moving while you are fusing the plastic bags together.
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Comments
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This idea and the word recycling shouldn't be on the same webpage in my opinion. For me, the word recycling invokes the sentiment of prolonging and protecting nature by reusing and repurposing items. Here we are releasing numerous toxins into our atmosphere. Does it happen every day? Sure. But should everyone be doing this? Nah. Not sold on this as eco, natural, recycling or whatever you want to call it. recycling would be making the bag out of plastic bags without melting them together. just sharing me.
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love the idea of recycling plastic bags to make a cool purse or tote... there is a class scheduled at the CC art center sometime next month... think I will take the class and make one... looking forward to it... anyone want to join me?
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wiggins6
Dec 15, 2009
great article, I will definitely do this, Ive been needing more totes for my sewing stuff & this will work perfect for fabric :) & I can separate each project frugally :) thanks -
Marlene Wessel
Oct 16, 2009
Good idea! Creative too! With a little work, you can make a great reuseable shopping bag. 5*
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Marlene Wessel
Oct 16, 2009
Good idea! Creative too! With a little work, you can make a great reuseable shopping bag. 5*
