One Piece of Fabric into a Foldable Shopping Bag Miarti Sewing Tips 🪡🧵✂️ 👜 #miarti #sewing #tips, by Miarti - Sewing Tips on YouTube. 2 min 9 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 9 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Cut one rectangle of canvas or sturdy cotton about 45 cm wide and 110 cm long. Press it flat so the edges are straight and easy to pin.
Cut two handle strips 8 cm wide and 55 cm long from the same fabric. Fold each strip in half lengthwise with right sides facing out and press it flat.
Fold the bag piece in half with right sides together and pin the two side seams. Sew each side with a straight stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance, backstitching at both ends.
Box the bottom corners. Flatten each corner into a triangle, measure 4 cm up from the point, draw a line across and sew along it. Trim the excess fabric 1 cm from the stitching.
Turn the bag right side out through the open top. Push the corners out neatly with a turning tool or the blunt end of a pencil.
Fold the top edge under 1 cm and press, then fold it under another 2.5 cm and pin. Tuck the raw ends of each handle 3 cm inside the fold, one handle on each side.
Sew around the top close to the lower folded edge, then sew a second line 1 cm above it. This locks the handles in and gives the opening a strong finish.
Sew a small loop of elastic or a fabric strap inside the bag near the top. Stuff the bag into itself through the loop so it folds into a compact pouch.
Tips and common mistakes
Pre-wash and iron your fabric before cutting so the bag does not shrink after the first wash.
Use a jeans needle and a slightly longer stitch length on thick canvas to avoid skipped stitches.
Clip the seam allowance at the boxed corners before turning so the corners sit flat.
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and cut fabric with sharp scissors pointing away from your body.
Questions
What fabric works best for a foldable shopping bag?
Canvas, cotton duck or a firm cotton weave holds its shape and carries weight well. Thin quilting cotton works but will sag with heavy groceries.
How much fabric do I need?
About half a metre of 110 cm wide fabric is enough for the bag body and both handles. Buy a little extra if you want a matching pouch.
Can I make this without a sewing machine?
Yes. Use a strong backstitch by hand with doubled thread, and sew the side seams and top hem twice for strength.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
