Cotton Shopping Bag

I was lucky enough to get given a cotton cloth bag when I brought some goodies from one of my favourite gift shops in Conwy called The Secret Garden (http://www.secretg.co.uk/).  The bag is so useful and I always have in in my handbag ready to put some things in when I'm in a supermarket or the like.  In Wales we now have to pay for plastic bags so these are becoming really useful to have.  Use any fabric you like, use oddments so you have the front and back different, or odd handles, go for it!

Instructions to make one:

What you'll need:

• Cotton fabric 2 bits (one piece for front and one piece for back both measuring approximately 40cm by 45cm this size includes the seam allowance), plus another two bits that measure 9cm by 40cm each for the handles, these don't need to match so don't stress if you have oddments!
• Measuring tape
• Scissors / cutter and mat
• Sewing machine, thread, needle etc
• Buttons (if you want to make it look fancy...) 

What to do:

1)  Iron the fabric to remove any creases then, measure and cut the fabric in the measurements as follows:

• 2 pieces 40cm x 45cm (includes the seam allowance)
• 2 pieces 9cm x 40cm (includes seam allowance)

If you want to make your bag smaller or larger or handle shorter or longer then tweak the measurements and see what works for you...

2) Take the front and back pieces and fold over the top twice (about 1cm) like the images below and pin in place...

3) Next take the pieces for the handles and fold them as indicated in the pictures below...

4) Now sew down the hems you've made on the 2 handles and the top part of the bag.

5)  Decide where you want your handles to be positioned. Tuck them under the seam (as shown below) and pin in place.

 

 

6)  Now sew your handle in place securely, I recommend that you do a cross like in the image below. Tidy off any loose ends by tying knots and threading them through the fabric then trimming.

 

 

 

 

7)  Lay your two pieces face together with the handles directly on top of each other (at this stage don't worry of the front and back don't match up, just trim off any excess material) pin in place and sew down the sides and along the bottom approx. 1/4 inch from the edge. I also suggest that you zig-zag down the outside of your seam so as to minimise fraying.

 

 

8)  Turn your bag the right way round, tidy off any loose threads securely, add any buttons or embellishments you like and ta dah, one handy shopper!

 

Enjoy!