What You Need to Make a Basic Reusable Bag

A reusable shopping bag takes about two hours to sew and uses fabric scraps you may already have. The simplest version requires two pieces of fabric roughly 18 inches by 20 inches, thread that matches or contrasts with your fabric, and handles made from the same material or from webbing tape you can buy at a fabric store. You will also need a sewing machine, scissors, pins, and a measuring tape.

Cotton canvas, denim, or quilting cotton work best because they hold their shape and wear well. Avoid thin fabrics like cotton voile or linen blends unless you plan to line the bag, which adds another hour to the project. If you are using fabric from old clothes or sheets, wash and dry it first so it does not shrink after you sew.

Key Takeaways

  • A basic bag uses two rectangular pieces of fabric sewn together on three sides, with handles attached before the final seam closes the top.
  • Handles can be made from folded strips of the same fabric or from purchased webbing tape, and they must be pinned inside the seam so they do not show on the finished bag.
  • The bag is stronger if you sew each seam twice, running your needle over the same line a second time after you finish the first pass.
  • Turning the bag right-side out after sewing the three sides creates clean edges and hides the raw fabric ends inside.

Cutting Your Fabric and Preparing the Handles

Cut two pieces of fabric to 18 inches wide by 20 inches tall. Use a ruler and a fabric pencil or chalk to mark the lines before you cut, so your edges are straight and your two pieces match. If your fabric has a pattern you want to face the same direction on both sides, lay both pieces with the pattern facing up before you cut.

For handles, cut two strips of fabric 3 inches wide by 24 inches long. Fold each strip in half lengthwise with the right side (the pretty side) facing inward, and sew along the long edge using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Turn each handle right-side out by pulling one end through the tube you just created. Press flat with an iron so the seam runs down the middle of the back.

If you are using webbing tape instead, cut two pieces 24 inches long and skip the folding and sewing step — webbing is already finished on both edges.

Pinning the Handles and Sewing the Sides

Lay one piece of fabric right-side up on your work surface. Place both handles on top of this piece, positioning them so they run from the top edge down toward the bottom. The handles should be about 4 inches from each side edge and should point downward into the bag, not outward. Pin them in place.

Lay the second piece of fabric on top, right-side down, so the pretty sides of both pieces face each other and the handles are sandwiched between them. Pin all the way around the edges. Sew three sides of the bag using a half-inch seam allowance: the bottom and both sides. Leave the top edge unsewn for now. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the thread.

Sew each of these three seams a second time, running your needle over the same line you just created. This double seam makes the bag strong enough to carry heavy groceries without tearing at the corners.

Turning the Bag Right-Side Out and Closing the Top

Reach into the opening at the top and grab the bottom corner of the bag from the inside. Pull gently until the entire bag turns inside out through the opening. The handles will now point upward and outward, and the seams will be hidden inside. Use your fingers or a chopstick to push the bottom corners out so they are sharp and square.

Press the entire bag with an iron, paying special attention to the top edge. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward by half an inch on both the front and back pieces, and pin them together. Sew around the top edge using a quarter-inch seam allowance. This seam closes the bag and hides the raw edges at the same time.

Reinforcing Stress Points for Durability

The corners where the handles meet the bag take the most strain when you carry groceries. After you close the top, sew a small square or an X shape at each handle attachment point, going through all layers of fabric. This takes two minutes per handle and doubles the life of the bag.

If you want the bag to hold its shape better when empty, sew a line across the bottom about 2 inches up from the seam. This creates a boxed bottom that stands on its own. It is optional, but it makes the bag easier to pack and unpack at the store.

Variations and Customization Options

Once you have made one bag, you can add features without much extra work. A zippered pocket on the inside holds keys or a shopping list. A gusset — a strip of fabric sewn into the side seams — makes the bag wider and able to hold more. Lining the bag with a contrasting fabric hides the seams and makes it look more finished, though it adds about an hour to the project.

You can also make bags in different sizes. A smaller bag 14 inches by 16 inches works for produce or library books. A larger bag 22 inches by 24 inches holds a full grocery run. The sewing steps stay the same; only the measurements change.

Caring for Your Finished Bag

Wash your bag in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, because heat can weaken the thread and cause seams to fail. If a seam starts to come apart, you can sew over it again by hand using a needle and thread, or run it through the machine one more time.

After a year or two of heavy use, the handles may fray or the fabric may thin at the bottom corners. You can reinforce these spots by sewing a patch of fabric over the worn area, or you can make a new bag — by then you will be fast enough to finish one in an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a bag without a sewing machine?

Yes, but it takes much longer. You can sew the entire bag by hand using a needle and thread, using a running stitch or a backstitch. Plan on four to six hours instead of two. The seams will be just as strong if you keep your stitches close together and consistent.

What fabric weight should I use?

Use fabric that is at least medium weight — quilting cotton, canvas, or denim. Lightweight fabrics like cotton voile or flannel will stretch and sag under the weight of groceries. If you love a lightweight fabric, line it with a heavier fabric on the inside to add structure.

How do I make the handles longer or shorter?

Cut the handle strips to whatever length you need. Standard handles are 24 inches long, which gives you about 12 inches of usable handle length after you fold and sew them. If you want handles that fit over your shoulder, cut strips 30 to 36 inches long instead.

Can I use old jeans or t-shirts to make a bag?

Yes. Cut the legs or body of the garment into the size pieces you need. Wash and dry the fabric first. Avoid seams from the original garment if you can, because they create thick spots that are hard to sew through. If you cannot avoid them, use a heavy-duty needle and sew slowly over those areas.

What should I do if my thread keeps breaking?

Thread breaks when the tension on your machine is too tight or when the needle is bent or dull. Check that your presser foot is down before you sew — the foot engages the tension discs. Replace the needle with a fresh one. If the problem continues, loosen the tension dial slightly and test on scrap fabric before you sew the bag again.