How to Make a Foldable Bag
If you're trying to live your life greener, plastic bags from the grocery store are probably not a big part of your life. One of the easiest ways to help reduce waste is to bring your own bags when you shop. Many stores sell their own version of reusable bags, but many of them take up a lot of room while being stored, and most are not very attractive. Foldable tote bags in their own storage bags are colorful and have an uncomplicated construction. Even novice sewers can create a set of these in an afternoon, while experienced stitchers might want to sew them as gifts to keep on hand.
Things You'll Need
- Ripstop nylon
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Candle
- Match or lighter
- Chopstick
- Cording
- Large safety pin
Instructions
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1
Cut two squares of ripstop fabric that measure 16 inches in each direction. These will be the body of the bag. Cut two strips of ripstop that measure 2 inches by 18 inches. These will be your bag handles. Cut two squares of ripstop that measure 5 inches on a side. These will be the parts of the storage bag.
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2
Fold down one edge on each bag square in a 1/4-inch fold. Pin this fold and stitch along the fold line. Fold this edge down again in the same direction, using a 1/2-inch fold this time. Pin this seam and sew again, sewing right along the first stitching line that you created. These are the top hems in your bag opening.
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3
Pin the two bag body pieces together with the hem stitching folds on the outside. Leave the hemmed edge open and pin together the other three edges of the square. Stitch along these three edges using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
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4
Light a candle and use the flame to singe the edges of the fabric that you just sewed. This will slightly melt the raw edges and prevent the fabric from raveling. Turn the bag right side out after the edges have cooled.
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5
Fold the two handle strips lengthwise and stitch along the long raw edge. This will create two long tubes of fabric. Use a chopstick or other blunt stick to push the tubes right side out. These are the handles of your bag.
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6
Fold under each end of each bag handle 1/4 inch and sew it closed. Fold the ends under again in the same direction another 1/4 inch. Sew this end again, stitching along the first stitching line. You now have two fabric tubes with the ends hemmed closed.
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7
Measure in 3 inches from the outside edge of the bag and pin one handle end at this point, with 1 inch of the handle laying on the outside of the bag. Measure in 3 inches from the other outside edge of the bag and pin the other bag end in place in the same manner. Connect the other handle to the other side of the bag in the same way.
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8
Sew the handles to the body of the bag by stitching the end of the handles across and down both sides and top and bottom, creating a square of stitching. Stitch across the square in both directions to create an X in the middle of the square. This extra stitching will help prevent the handle from coming loose when carrying heavy groceries.
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9
Pin the small bag squares together and sew along three sides using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Use the candle to singe these three edges to prevent raveling. You now have a small inside-out bag.
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10
Turn the open edge of the bag toward the outside, creating a 1/4-inch fold. Sew this edge down. Fold this edge toward the outside again using a 1/2-inch fold. Sew along the first stitching line to sew down the top hem casing. Stop stitching when you are 1 inch from where you first started. This will create a 1-inch opening in which to thread the drawstring.
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11
Cut a 12-inch piece of cording and stick a pin through one end. Thread the pin through the casing in the top of the small bag, pulling the cording behind it. Pull the pin out the same opening as you entered, completing the circle with the cording. Remove the pin from the cording and tie the two cording ends into a secure knot.
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12
Turn the storage bag right side out. Fold up the large bag and stuff it into the smaller storage bag. Pull the drawstring to secure the bags together.
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References
- Photo Credit crumpled bag image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
