There are a lot of reasons why you should use reusable shopping bags, but we’re going to focus on just five of them. First of all, using reusable shopping bags helps reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills and oceans. Second, they’re better for the environment because they don’t require any additional manufacturing or shipping. Third, they help save you money in the long run! Fourth, they’re sturdy and can hold a lot of weight. And finally, using reusable shopping bags makes you look cool 🙂 In this tutorial, we’re going to show you how to make your reusable shopping bag in just five easy steps!
#1 Why does the use of reusable shopping bags helps reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills and oceans?
The main reason is that plastic takes a very long time to degrade. It can take up to 1000 years for a single plastic bag to break down completely. That means that every plastic bag that has ever been made still exists in some form today. And as we continue to use more and more plastic bags, the amount of pollution they create will only increase. By using reusable shopping bags, we can help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our world.
#2 Why are reusable shopping bags better for the environment?
The manufacturing process of plastic bags is quite harmful to the environment. It uses a lot of energy and produces a lot of pollution. Shipping plastic bags also requires a lot of energy and generates even more pollution. So, by using reusable shopping bags, we can help reduce the amount of pollution that’s created by the manufacturing and shipping of plastic bags.
#3 They help save you money in the long run!
Plastic bags are not free. Each plastic bag costs the store about $0.05 to $0.25. So, if you use just one reusable shopping bag every time you go to the store, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run!
#4 They’re sturdy and can hold a lot of weight!
Reusable shopping bags are typically made from stronger materials than plastic bags. They’re also usually larger in size, which means they can hold more items. That’s why reusable shopping bags are perfect for carrying groceries or other heavy items!
#5 And finally, using reusable shopping bags makes you look cool!
Let’s be honest, plastic bags are not cool. But reusable shopping bags? They’re the epitome of cool. Not only are you helping to save the environment, but you also look good doing it! So what are you waiting for? Let’s make some reusable shopping bags together.
In this tutorial, we’re going to show you how to make your reusable shopping bag in just five easy steps!
Let’s get the supplies together to make a reusable shopping bag. You’ll need a sewing machine, some fabric, and some thread. You can find all of these supplies at your local craft store.
- Main Fabric: A ½ yard of Outdoor fabric or Cotton Fabric
- Lining Fabric: A ½ yard of Cotton fabric or Cotton Fabric
- Handles: 2 yards Cotton Webbing
- Clover Heat Ruler
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Iron
- Clips/Pins
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Excited to get started on this project? Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step instructions! You choose how you want to learn to make this project! The video tutorial is great for those who want to see the project come together, and the step-by-step instructions are perfect for those who want a more detailed look at each component. Either way, you’ll be able to create this project with ease! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Step #1 Cut Out Fabric:
For this project, you’ll need one piece of fabric measuring 18 inches by 36 inches of the main fabric, and one piece of lining fabric measuring 18 inches by 32 inches. Once you have your fabric cut to size, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the process.
Step #2 Prep Main Fabric
The next step is to create a finished top edge on each end of the main fabric. Lay the fabric out with the 18-inch side on the top and bottom. Fold over the top edge 1/2 inch and press in place. Then fold it over again 1 1/2 inch, press, and clip it in place. Repeat this process on the bottom end of the main fabric. This will create a clean, professional edge on each side of the fabric that will help to prevent fraying. Once both edges are complete, you can move on to the next step in your project.
Step #3 Add Lining and Straps
Adding the lining to the reusable shopping back is so easy. Lay the main fabric wrong side up with the finished edges from the last step on the top and bottom. Take the lining fabric and lay it right side face up. Slide the lining fabric under each of the edges you created in the last step and clip it in place. Repeat with the other end. Now you should have two fabric layers, wrong sides together.
To add the strap, start by finding the middle point of the fabric. Then measure out 3 inches on either side and insert the strap under the folded edge on each side. Pin it in place. Next, secure the edge with a 1/4″ inch seam. Then topstitch along the top edge. To finish, flip up the strap and pin it in place. Stitch the strap in place using an X pattern to make sure it is securely attached.
Next let’s lay the bag on with the lining facing each other. Take it to the sewing machine and sew a 1/4 inch seam down each side. This is the first seam of a French seam. I like to trim the seam to create a nice even edge. Then turn the back wrong side out.
Step #4 Pleated Bottom
Before we add the pleat let’s give our bag a good press with the iron along each side. To add the pleated bottom start by folding bottom of the bag up 3 inches and press in place. I like to add clips to make sure it stays in place.
Step #5 French Seam
A French seam had two seams and is a type of seam that is often used in garment construction. It is considered to be a more durable and reliable seam than a traditional straight seam, and it also has a more finished appearance. We already did the first seam in step #3. Now turn the reusable bag the wrong sides out and topstitch with a 5/8 inch seam.
Turn your back right side out and there you have it a professional looking reusable shopping bag.
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So, there you have it! Five reasons why you should use a reusable shopping bag. We hope this tutorial has inspired you to make your reusable shopping bag! Thanks for reading! 🙂
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
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