Fabric Totes

[Deborah Cunefare]

I have a large collection of cotton yardages sitting around doing nothing. I have a desire to stop collecting plastic bags everywhere we go. I'm looking for patterns/ideas for constructing durable totes to use in place of the plastic the grocery stores use. If you've made some yourself, please share. :) What would you do differently next time? How have they lasted? Any construction tips?

Thanks!
Deborah in IL

[Zoa Conner]

I have used cloth bags exclusively for years now. I have not needed to make mine as there have anyways been plenty passed on to me from my inlaws. The ones that I find best for grocery (and other) shopping have a flat bottom and resemble a paper bag. My favorite bag is from the Hyde Park Coop from when I lived in Chicago. Here's my suggestion based on this bag:

Cut heavy cotton fabric into a rectangle 38"x19"
Cut 1.25" or slight wider soft belting into two (2) lengths 26" long each

bottom of bag is 5.5"x12"ish

1) pin sides together leaving about 5" from bottom free
2) pin bottom to sides so bottom if flat when bag stands up
3) sew sizes together (ideal is serged edges and straight seam 1/4" in from edge) down to the bottom of the bag
4) sew bottom to sides
5) turn top edge under and then make a 1" band around top
6) insert handle ends 5.5" in from each side so handle hangs down into bag
7) flip handles up so they stick up from the bag and top stitch the bag and handles together

Don't think I missed anything, but I'm sure you'll tell us how the project goes!

[Nancy Machaj]

Ive made dozens now! I used the morsbags.com pattern. The only difference is that (oh, I guess there are 2), 1. I dont do the french seam. I just zigzag stitch the edge closed. 2. at the bottom edge, I sew off a little triange on each end which creates a bottom and sides to the bag, making it more 3D than 2D. Mine have lasted all summer :) I also have been making them and using them to "wrap" presents in, so the giftee gets the gift and the bag :) can you host or attend a sewing party? Id come/go with! :)
let me see if I cant upload some pics of mine. also, i vary how big they are and how long the handles are.

[Nancy Machaj]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happychildhood/sets/72157606323469916/

[ps pirro]

I'm getting out of the habit of accepting plastic bags, too. I carry a couple canvas totes with me most of the time now, and they're similar to the morsbag Nancy wrote about (and pictured -- and improved with the boxing of the bottoms -- great idea, Nancy.) Morsbag has a cute animated tutorial on their website and even a middling seamstress like me can make a bag in about 30 minutes.

One thing I like about my canvas bags is their long handles. They can go over your shoulder, which is really helpful. The standard morsbag pattern has short handles (like in Nancy's pictures) that you can easily lengthen. I think mine are about 26".

I've also made totes out of repurposed clothing like t-shirts and sweaters. Verdict: fun for light stuff, but too stretchy for heavy groceries.

If your cotton fabric is really lightweight you might want to cut it in double thickness and reinforce the seams where the handles attach, since heavy cans and jars can tear a lightweight cotton bag.

[Nancy Machaj]

Ive also found great fabrics at the thrift store. Sheets, tablecloths, blankets, actual cuts of fabric that no one ever used.... usually its way cheaper than buying new fabric! Old jeans or pants might work, too. I used one of those calf length jean skirts to back cloth napkins that I made...now Im getting off topic ;)

[Deborah Cunefare]

Ooh, now I have several ideas to try! Thanks, ya'all. :)

I have some canvassy stuff and heavy cottons I know will make fine totes kinda like the canvas collection I already carry everything I own around in. But I'm also hoping to come up with some that are lightweight and compact but strong enough.

If I were truly smart I'd stash some heavy cardboard tote boxes in my car to have the canned goods and such packed into, but I'll probably not get that organized, well, ever. :)