Reuseable Shopping Bags - Cool Idea

 

So I have been seeing lots of people using these shopping bags. If I didn't have three little kids to get into the store and keep track of it might be eaiser to rememeber to bring my own bags. When I get a chance I will defintely make this cute little bag to match my personality. Hey! This would be great for Christmas gifts to someone you want to give just a little something to. I found this pattern at the Olfa website.

Go Green Bags


by Sheila Reinke

All the grocery stores have them, but you'll love how easy it is to make your

own coordinating pair of 'green' bags. This bag makes up quickly, and you

can use your own choice of fabrics making it uniquely yours. A bag like this

also makes a great alternative to a paper gift bag that will eventually be thrown

away.

Do your part to reduce waste, and do it in style - make your own 'green'

shopping bag!

Materials -

· 1 yard decorator fabric

· 1 yard contrasting or coordinating decorating fabric

· 1 yard nylon strapping (per bag)

Suggested Tools

(beyond standard sewing supplies)

· OLFA rotary cutter

· OLFA self healing mat

Project Level: Beginner

Construction –

· Main fabric: cut 2 pieces 12½" x 18", 2 pieces 12½" x 9", 2 pieces 7" x 43"

· Coordinating fabric: cut 2 pieces 12½" x 4"

· Use a 1/4" seam allowance for the entire project

· Reference the diagram for your cutting layout and instructions.

· Cut nylon strapping into two pieces (18” each)

· Sew together pieces "A" and "B", inserting ends of strapping in a U-shape in the seam. Sew piece "C"

to the bottom of piece "B"

· You now have a 30" x 12½" panel - repeat to create a second panel.

· Fold each of the panels in half, now measuring 15” x 12½” and press with an iron.

· Sew one "D" piece to the END (the 7" measurement) of the other "D" piece. Creating one piece, 7" x

86". Sew the free ends together - creating a large circle.

· Place the seams of your circle together, and fold with these seams in the middle of the folded circle -

press folds with an iron - this ironed strip measures 7" x 42", this is the "gusset" or side band of your

bag.

· Sew the gusset to each of the panels created in the earlier steps - starting with one fold of the gusset at

the fold of your panel, and working around to the other side. Then add the second panel and sew it in

place.

· Make sure that your bag handles and coordinating fabric strip are on the OUTSIDE of your bag as you

sew.

· Complete the bag by covering the seams with bias tape.

Pattern designed by Sheila Reinke

Pattern can be reproduced for personal (not for sale) use.

For more patterns by Sheila, see her blog at: http://sheilareinke.wordpress.com/