Folding Bag tutorial..

Here in South Australia the plastic bag is about to be banned. The 'green' bags they sell at the supermarkets are not washable and pretty bulky. This handy shopping bag folds into it's pocket. Making it tidy to carry around in your handbag.

You need:
Cotton fabric for bag 16.5 inches by 42 inches
Contrast scrap for the pocket 9.5 inches by 11 inches
Sewing machine,
Overlocker (optional)
Threads, scissors, pins etc

Cut from bag fabric:
One Body of bag 16.5 inches by 34 inches
Two Handles 4 inches by 16.5 inches

Cutting Guide:

Cut the pocket 9.5 inches by 11 inches
Fold in half length wise.
Sew down each of the short ends.

Turn the pocket, pushing out the corners.

Fold the bag in half, longwise.
Position the pocket onto the front, 8 inches above the bottom fold of the bag
Place the raw edge at the top and pin the pocket.
Make sure you only sew the pocket on the front of your bag not through both layers ;)

Sew the raw edge of the pocket into place a 1/4 inch from the raw edge.

Fold the pocket up over the raw edge.
Pin into place.

Sew around 3 sides of the pocket, leaving the top open.


Sew another line of stitches 1/4 up from the bottom of the pocket.
This encloses the raw seam, so it won't be seen when you turn the pocket when you fold the bag.

Fold your bag up, with right sides together and sew a 1/4 inch seam along each side.
You can use an overlocker here or a straight seam and zig zag the seam allowance together for strength.

Fold a double hem at the top of your bag.
Fold over 1 inch and then over again 1 inch.
You really need to do this to add strength to your bag. This reinforces the handles.

Cut the handles 16.5 inches by 4 inches
Press them in half lengthwise
Bring the raw edges to the middle and press
Fold over again, four layers of fabric.

Top stitch down both sides of the handles.

Position the handles.
I mark the center of the bag and placed the handles 2.5 inches from the center pin.
Place the handles with the raw edge towards the top of your bag, 1/4 from the top.

Sew the handles with a straight stitch
Make sure you backstitch and secure this row of stitches.

Flip the handles up and sew them again.
This time with a Box and cross to make them nice and secure.
Be gentle with your machine this is pretty tough going.
There are 11 layers of fabric at the base of those handles!

This is a box and cross - in case you weren't sure.
Attach the other handle and your done.

Folding your bag into the pocket

Turn the pocket to the table. Fold the sides towards the center.

Fold the top down and the bottom up.

Push the bag into the pocket as you turn the pocket inside out.
And you are ready to shopping.

My pocket is wide. You can make the pocket narrower if you prefer. The pockets would look nice with a cute stitchery on them. Personalise them as a gift for a friend.