Wednesday, November 19, 2008

TUTORIAL: How to Make a Fold 'n Zip Shopping Bag (Handmade Holiday Gift Idea #3)

I am proud to say that I hardly ask for a plastic bag anymore when I'm out shopping. I do so only when I totally forget to bring a reusable bag with me. So as to have no more excuse, I thought of making a shopping bag that I could easily bring with me in my everyday bag, at all times.

I'm pretty sure you've seen one of these shopping bags before...

I remember when I was young, my mother always carried something like this in her handbag. The photo inset shows how it looks like all folded up and zipped. The size is very convenient for those light shopping days or quick trips to the library. Please pardon me for using such dull calico fabric. This was sort of a test run and I did not wish to waste any nice, expensive fabric. Thankfully, it turned out well and just as I had imagined it would.

Use pretty, coordinating fabrics and this shopping bag would surely make a great holiday present!

UPDATE: This tutorial is no longer available for viewing. The detailed 'how to' has been modified to make it even more understandable and easier to follow and will now be offered as an eBook (PDF) for a small fee at my Etsy shop, Simple Things. Thank you!
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11 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 19, 2008 at 3:43 PM

    This is awesome!
    I will try to make one this very weekend, haha.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LoralynnNovember 20, 2008 at 12:07 AM

    What a fantastic idea! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rachel@oneprettything.comNovember 20, 2008 at 9:38 AM

    Oh WOW! This is so creative and so useful! No more bulky bags that I need another bag just to carry around. I LOVE this idea! I'll be linking.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LotussoozNovember 20, 2008 at 12:41 PM

    This is so awesome!!! I have one of these from Target, it's the best. Thanks fo rthe awesome tutorial!

    Ps. I'm having a little giveaway on my blog please go and enter it... If you win you will get a set of fabric covered tacs... It's under the heading 100th post giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 20, 2008 at 2:19 PM

    Thank you for another wonderful tutorial!!! I can't wait to make this!

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  6. AnonymousNovember 22, 2008 at 9:36 PM

    Thank you very much for sharing. The best tutorials on the net are always here :)
    Have you found a new sewing machine already?

    ReplyDelete
  7. CorinneNovember 24, 2008 at 10:30 PM

    Hi Alicia,
    Still using the same old sewing machine, unfortunately!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousNovember 24, 2008 at 11:30 PM

    Another great tutorial for me to have a go at! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  9. KrystalNovember 26, 2008 at 7:06 AM

    AWESOME! I wanted to make these for a long time. We linked back to you.

    http://carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM

    YOWZA! I love it!@!!! I was just looking to make a wrap skirt and somehow surfed onto your site. I love the bag and I cannot wait to see if I can make one! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnneAugust 17, 2009 at 4:25 AM

    This is brilliant!!! I love that it folds and zips for easy storage!!

    I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-fold-and-zip-shopping-tote/2009/08/16/

    --Anne

    ReplyDelete

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