How To Sew A DIY Folding Shopping Bag

Instead of using plastic or paper bags, sew your own reusable fabric shopping bag! It’s not only very useful but also kind to the environment. So if you want to learn how to sew one, then watch this simple and easy video tutorial by sewingtimes on YouTube.

Materials:

• 2 pieces 47㎝ × 44.5㎝ (18⅝″ × 17⅝″), for the body
• 2 pieces 11㎝ × 50㎝(4⅜″ × 19¾″), for the handle
• 2 pieces 11㎝ × 23㎝(4⅜″ × 9″), for the strap
• 1 piece 5 cm (2″) velcro

Directions:

Step 1

First, assemble the strap of the bag. Stack 2 pieces of the fabric together, then curve the bottom evenly, sew it with a 1cm (3/8″) seam allowance but leave the top open. Fold the seam allowance, then flip and press with hands. Cut the velcro in half, then place it on top of the strap about 1½ inches down, then the other on the lower back about 0.2 inches from the bottom seam. Fold the body in half lengthwise, then attach the other half of the velcro at the center 2 5/8″ down from the top seam, then sew around the edges of the velcro. Fold the other body in half, then fold the strap in half as well and find the midpoint, match the midpoint of the body and the strap, but make sure that the velcro at the bottom side is facing up. Stitch the top seam twice with 0.2″ and 1 inch down from the top seam.

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Step 2

Fold and crease the handle 0.2″ inches inward, then fold another 3/8″, do this while pressing with an iron, then sew as close to the fold as possible. Attach the handle to the body about 3″ from the left and the right side, sew them twice at the top seam with 0.2″ and 1″ allowance. Sew the other end of the strap to the other side of the body, pin it around in place, then sew with a 0.2″ seam allowance. Turn the bag inside out, then press with an iron, and sew with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Fold both sides of the body inward about 2¾” or the same as the edge of the handle. Sew the bottom with a 3/8″ allowance, then insert the handle and tuck it in the body. Fold and press the top seam with a 3/8″ seam allowance, then fold down again with a ¾” inch allowance, and press with an iron. Sew the top seam twice with 0.2″ and ¾”.

*All these images are credited to sewingtimes via YouTube. Give her channel a visit and subscribe for more!

How To Sew A DIY Folding Shopping Bag