Sew a foldable eco-bag with us! This project was created with no-waste in mind. We had half yard remnants and leftover pieces of elastic from mask making projects lying around was waiting to be utilized. That was when the inspiration struck! These bags are easy to sew (no serger required) and can be done in 30 minutes or less!
For this project, we will be using fabric from Robert Kaufman available on our shop. You can also check out our grab bags and bundle deals here.
We would recommend quilting cotton or lightweight canvas so that it would not be too bulky to fold.
Supplies:
- 0.5 yard of main fabric
- 18cm elastic
- Heat dissipating fabric pen
- Wonderclips
- Scissors
- Thread
- Ruler
- Sewing machine
Step 1: Cut Out Fabric
- Cut (1) 18" x Width of fabric for main body of the bag
- Cut (2) 10cm x 18" for bag handles
Step 2: The Bag Handles
- Prepare the bag handles by folding them lengthwise wrong sides together. Press in a crease.
- Fold the raw edges in on both sides in towards the crease and press again.
- Fold strap in half with folded edges matching up. All raw edges should be facing inside the handle.
- Clip to hold.
- Using a 2.5mm stitch length, top stitch 1/8″ down both sides of bag handle.
Step 2: Making The Body Of The Bag
We will be using french seams to sew up the main body of the bag.
- With wrong sides together, stitch the side seams of the main fabric, leaving the top and bottom open. Use a 0.5cm seam allowance.
- Flip the right sides together, stitch the side seams of the main fabric, leaving the top and bottom open. Use a 1cm seam allowance.
- Flip the wrong sides together, stitch the bottom seam of the main fabric, leaving the top open. Use a 0.5cm seam allowance.
- Flip the right sides together, pushing out the corners neatly.
- Stitch the bottom seam of the main fabric, leaving the top open. Use a 1cm seam allowance.
- Turn the bag inside out, pushing out the corners neatly.
Step 3: Putting It All Together
- Fold bag in half lengthwise and use the pen to mark the centre notch on the front for the placement of elastic.
- From the centre notch, measure and mark bag handle placements, 8cm and 10cm on the left and right.
- With the wrong sides together, fold the top opening 1cm and 1cm again. Clip to hold.
- Place elastic and bag handles on markings. Clip to hold.
- Sew the bag handles and elastic with 1/8" seam on the bottom fold.
- Flip the bag handles and elastic upwards. Clip to hold.
- Sew the bag handles and elastic with 1/8" seam down on the top fold.
Step 4: Adding The Finishing Touches (Optional)
- Mark 3cm down from the centre notch for the label placement.
- Preheat DRY iron to medium-high heat.
- Place label on fabric, text side up.
- Cover label with fabric or parchment paper and press firmly with iron for 8–10 seconds.
- Once fabric has cooled, topstitch label as close to the edge with matching colour thread.
@deelyn.t ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco