Many states are already charging you a fee for not using recyclable grocery sacks. If you haven’t started using them for yourself, maybe it’s time sew up a few for yourself. There are several styles available: For those who prefer totes,
BurdaStyle has their free charlie bag pattern and Alicia Paulson released a new pattern, the Jane Market Bag while McCall and Simplicity have their own versions.. There are numerous free tutorials as well including this one from The Sewing Republic, a classic tote from Sew Mama Sew, and this one that folds into a handy wallet size pouch!Do you prefer the shape of plastic bags, but still want cloth? Butterick recently released their own market bag pattern. However, this free, lined version is available on Craftster.
Have a favorite style or pattern not listed? Make sure to leave a comment, I’d love to know about it!
May 9, 2009, 11.04 PMby cat1
I don’t know whether Burdastyle has addressed this question that was raised on the comments section of the Charlie bag pattern, but how do you get the bag into the pocket?
May 5, 2009, 07.24 AMby ralarkins
OK, I see lots of patterns, but not a lot of material/fabric ideas. Most of the reusable bags you get at the store are made from a lightweight, strong, quick to dry fabric. Has anyone seen fabric by the yard like that for sale? I like the style of the ones at the store as they fit the pizza boxes my family likes, but I am getting tired of advertising for stores where I bought them. I found some interesting references to fabric that is made out of recycled plastic called Eco-fi, but I can’t find it locally or online. Does anyone have ideas where it could be found? I like the idea of using recycled goods to make eco-friendly grocery bags.
1 Reply
Nov 3, 2009, 03.50 AMby maiestia
I’ve been using calico to make my bags, it’s strong enough to make a bag out of and because it’s cotton if/when it wears out it’ll be biodegradable.
May 4, 2009, 04.39 PMby auntchelle
I just wanted to say that this is a very timely post. Yesterday (4th May) in South Australia plastic shopping bags became illegal. If you don’t bring your own you will be charged for the bags you use. The bags stores must use must be either compostible cellulose or recycled multi-use bags. I’ve been using Stuffit brand bags for about 5 years – the type that fold back into themselves. Unless I make them for gifts I have no need to make bags at the moment. Hmmm… Mother’s Day is this weekend…
May 4, 2009, 04.04 PMby bathina
japaneese GrabBag
Bread Bag
Nice Basic Bag
The recycle classicer and for who likes more stabile plastic bags Pattern 4 Recycle Bags Recycle Bag II Last but not least a free Software to create your costum made Shopping bag ( and more ) Using the bags in different scale makes them to a shoppingbag.
I can´t understand why this kind of pattern cost more than 5$ – We should get more be motivated to make our own one
This could be a nice challange on Burdastyle – couldn´t it be?
But hey, lets see, what you found online.
May 4, 2009, 10.46 AMby kbendtsen
I bought a handfull of ugly grocery bags from a local supermarket before I thought of making the bags myself.
Although I’ve made a few charlie bags that I mainly keep in my purse for impromptu purchases, I still use the ugly, heavy duty, store-bought ones for major grocery store purchases. Stumbled upon this great link for “cutifying re-usable bags” and will certainly do this in the near future. It’s a great way to personalize those bags and cover up the logo.
http://ferferfly.blogspot.com/2008/03/tutorial-cutifying-re-usable-grocery.html
Go Green!