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!



11 comments:

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

    Thanks!

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

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

    http://carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/

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  10. 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.

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  11. 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

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