inside: check out this list of the best free grocery bag patterns. Loads of free shopping bag patterns and tutorials and easy sew tote bags.
As of January 1st, 2023 those of us living in Colorado now have to pay for disposable shopping bags at stores. I was super used to carrying my own bags when we lived in Hong Kong, but I’ve gotten out of the habit the last five years, so now it’s time to dive back in to the world of reusable shopping bags.
I just ordered some fabric this week to sew up a bunch of bags we can keep in our cars and bags. I’ll let you know what pattern I end up using and how my sewing project goes very soon! I ordered the polypropylene fabric linked below.
What fabric is best for reusable shopping bags?
Here are some of the most common types of fabric used for reusable shopping bags and also links on where to find this type of fabric.
- Cotton – easy and inexpensive to buy you can buy cotton fabric nearly everywhere that fabric is sold.
- Jute– A natural, renewable plant fiber. Also called burlap.
- Polypropylene – a form of plastic, a flexible resin polymer. Can be recycled and made from recycled materials. Strong and easy to wipe clean.
- Nylon – Strong, durable and lightweight. Also water resistant.
- Canvas/duck – Strong, durable and heavy duty. Harder to fold and store.
Reusable shopping bags to buy
Making your own bags not your thing? Here are some I found on Amazon to buy. It seems that if I can make 5/6 bags from the fabric I ordered it will be better to make them than to buy them. But again, I’ll keep you posted on that.
- This bags with stuff sacks {10 pack}
- Heavy Duty square totes that fold. {10 pack}
- Foldable and washable totes with snap closure {5 pack}
DIY reusable shopping bags
Ok, now that you are set on fabric and why you might be needing some of these reusable shopping bags, let’s take a look at this fantastic list of bag tutorials.
Grocery bag tutorials and patterns
which of these tutorials works best for you to see some reusable shopping bags.
Karen Kowalchuk says
Thank you so much for the patterns you provide. Your instructions are always clear and easy to follow. It seems whenever I start looking for a particular pattern, I get your news letters offering just what I’m looking for. I appreciate the wide variety of projects you share. I cannot thank you enough.