What you need to make a grocery bag

A grocery bag is one of the easiest sewing projects because it has only four seams and no closures or zippers. You need two pieces of fabric cut to the same size, thread that matches or contrasts with your fabric, a needle or sewing machine, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape. Most grocery bags are made from cotton or linen because those fabrics hold their shape and wash well.

The finished bag should be roughly 15 inches wide and 16 inches tall — large enough to hold a loaf of bread or a few cans without stretching. The handles add another 8 to 10 inches of length. If you want a sturdier bag, use two layers of fabric sewn together, or buy pre-made cotton fabric sold specifically for bags.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two identical rectangles of fabric, each 15 inches wide by 16 inches tall, then sew three sides closed, leaving the top open.
  • Fold the top edge down half an inch on both pieces before sewing them together so the raw edges stay hidden inside the bag.
  • Sew fabric strips or folded strips of the same material to the top corners to create handles that can support the weight of groceries.
  • A basic grocery bag takes one to two hours by hand and 20 to 30 minutes on a sewing machine, including cutting and pressing.

Cutting and preparing your fabric pieces

Lay your fabric flat on a clean surface and measure out two rectangles, each 15 inches wide and 16 inches tall. Use a ruler and a fabric pencil or chalk to mark the lines lightly — you want to see them but not have them show on the finished bag. Cut both pieces with sharp fabric scissors in one smooth motion rather than sawing back and forth, which can fray the edges.

Before you sew, fold the top edge of each piece down by half an inch and press it flat with an iron. This fold hides the raw edge and gives the bag a finished look at the opening. Pin the fold in place if you are sewing by hand, or leave it pressed if you are using a machine — the heat will hold it temporarily.

Sewing the sides and bottom together

Place the two fabric pieces with their right sides facing each other — the pretty sides should touch, and the wrong sides should face outward. This way, when you turn the bag right-side-out at the end, all the seams will be hidden inside. Pin along three sides: the left, right, and bottom. Leave the top open.

Sew a quarter-inch seam along all three pinned sides. If you are using a machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew slowly so the line stays even. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch or a backstitch — the backstitch is stronger and better for a bag that will carry weight. Backstitch means pushing the needle forward through the fabric, then bringing it back to the end of the previous stitch and pushing forward again, creating a solid line.

Once all three sides are sewn, trim the corners at a 45-degree angle about a quarter-inch from the seam. This step, called clipping corners, prevents the corners from bunching when you turn the bag right-side-out. Turn the bag inside-out through the open top so the seams are now hidden on the inside.

Attaching handles to the bag

Handles can be made from the same fabric as the bag or from webbing or rope if you prefer. If using fabric, cut two strips, each 3 inches wide and 20 inches long. Fold each strip in half lengthwise with the right sides together, sew along the long edge, then turn it right-side-out so the seam is hidden. Press flat with an iron.

Pin one handle to the inside of the bag at the top left corner, with the raw ends of the handle pointing downward into the bag. Pin the other handle at the top right corner. The handles should be about 10 inches apart. Sew the handles in place with a box stitch — a small square with an X through it — which distributes the weight and prevents the handles from tearing away when the bag is full.

Finishing the top edge

Fold the top edge of the bag down by half an inch all the way around, with the handles tucked inside. Pin this fold in place. Sew around the entire top edge a quarter-inch from the fold, which seals the opening and locks the handles in place. This seam will show on the outside of the bag, so keep it as straight as possible.

If you want extra durability, sew a second line a quarter-inch below the first one. This double-stitched top is common on store-bought bags and adds strength without much extra work.

Pressing and final details

Press the entire bag flat with an iron on a low to medium setting — high heat can melt synthetic fabrics. Pay special attention to the seams and the top edge so they lie flat and look neat. If you used a contrasting thread, the stitching will be visible, which is fine and often looks intentional. If you used matching thread, the seams will blend in.

Try the bag on by holding it at the handles and placing a few items inside to make sure the handles are comfortable and the bag holds its shape. If the fabric feels stiff, wash and dry it once — cotton and linen soften with use and washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a grocery bag without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand sewing takes longer — usually one to two hours instead of 20 to 30 minutes — but the process is identical. Use a backstitch for strength, and make sure your stitches are close together, about an eighth of an inch apart. Hand-sewn bags are just as durable as machine-sewn ones if the stitches are tight.

What fabric works best for a grocery bag?

Cotton and linen are the most common because they are sturdy, washable, and inexpensive. Canvas is even thicker and lasts longer but is harder to sew by hand. Avoid thin fabrics like cotton voile or muslin — they will stretch and sag when full. If you want a waterproof bag, look for laminated cotton or oilcloth.

How do I make the bag bigger or smaller?

straightforward adjust the size of your fabric rectangles. A 12-by-14-inch bag holds about half as much as a 15-by-16-inch bag. Remember that larger bags need longer, stronger handles and thicker fabric to support the extra weight.

Can I add a bottom gusset to make the bag wider?

Yes. Instead of sewing the bottom as a straightforward seam, fold the bottom corners outward before sewing to create a boxed bottom. This adds width and lets the bag stand upright. Search for "boxed bottom grocery bag" for detailed instructions on this variation.

How do I keep the handles from stretching out?

Use a sturdy fabric like canvas or heavy cotton for the handles, and make them at least 2 inches wide. Sew them with a box stitch or an X stitch, and consider sewing a second line of stitching for extra reinforcement. Avoid thin or stretchy fabrics for handles.