What you need to sew a basic grocery bag

A reusable grocery bag is a rectangle of fabric folded in half, sewn on two sides, and fitted with handles. You can make one in an afternoon with a needle and thread, a sewing machine, or even by hand. The simplest version uses two pieces of fabric about 16 inches wide and 18 inches tall, two strips for handles, and basic stitching.

Gather these materials before you start: two pieces of fabric (cotton, linen, or canvas work best), scissors, thread that matches or contrasts with your fabric, a needle or sewing machine, pins, and a measuring tape or ruler. If you want the bag to hold its shape better, you can add a piece of interfacing — a stiff fabric layer you iron onto the inside of your outer fabric — but it is optional for a first bag.

The fabric pieces do not have to be new. Worn-out sheets, old clothing, or fabric scraps from other projects work perfectly. Two layers of lightweight fabric are easier to sew than one thick layer, and the double layer makes the bag stronger.

Key Takeaways

  • A basic grocery bag is two rectangles of fabric sewn together on three sides, with handles attached at the top corners.
  • You can sew by hand or machine; a machine is faster but hand-sewing works just as well and needs no equipment beyond a needle and thread.
  • Fabric scraps, old sheets, and worn clothing are all suitable materials and cost nothing if you use what you already have.
  • The whole project takes one to three hours depending on whether you sew by hand or machine and how much you customize the design.
  • Reinforcing the bottom corners with extra stitching prevents the bag from tearing when you carry heavy groceries.

Cutting and preparing your fabric pieces

Measure and cut two rectangles of fabric, each 16 inches wide and 18 inches tall. These dimensions make a bag that holds a standard grocery load without being so large it becomes unwieldy. If you want a bigger or smaller bag, add or subtract 2 inches from the width and height equally.

Lay one piece of fabric flat with the right side (the side you want showing on the finished bag) facing up. Place the second piece on top with its right side facing down, so the two right sides are pressed together. This is called right sides together, and it is the standard way to sew fabric so the seams end up hidden inside the finished bag.

Pin the two pieces together around all four edges to keep them from shifting while you sew. You do not need many pins — one every 3 or 4 inches is enough. If you do not have pins, you can hold the fabric steady with your hands as you sew, but pins make the work faster and neater.

Sewing the sides and bottom

Sew along three sides of the rectangle: the bottom and both sides. Leave the top edge open — that is where you will insert the handles and turn the bag right-side out. Use a straight stitch and sew about half an inch from the edge of the fabric. If you are sewing by machine, use a medium stitch length (around 2.5 on most machines). If you are hand-sewing, make stitches about a quarter inch long, going through both layers of fabric.

At each corner where two seams meet, sew a small square of stitches back and forth — this is called backstitching — to reinforce the corner. Corners take the most stress when you carry groceries, so this step prevents the seams from splitting later. Sew the square about half an inch on each side of the corner point.

Once you have sewn all three sides, trim the corners diagonally, cutting off the triangle of fabric at each corner about a quarter inch from the stitching. This reduces bulk when you turn the bag right-side out and makes the corners lie flat and neat.

Making and attaching the handles

Cut two strips of fabric for handles, each 4 inches wide and 20 inches long. Fold each strip in half lengthwise with right sides together, so it becomes a long thin rectangle 2 inches wide. Sew along the long edge, a quarter inch from the fold. You now have a tube of fabric.

Turn each tube right-side out by pulling one end through the opening. A wooden spoon handle or a pencil pushed through from one end helps. Once the tube is right-side out, press it flat with an iron so the seam runs down the middle of one side. The handle should now look like a flat ribbon with the seam hidden inside.

Pin the two handles to the top edge of the bag, one on each side. Position each handle so its ends are about 4 inches in from the side seams of the bag. The handles should be on the outside of the fabric (the side that will show when the bag is finished). Sew the handles in place with a rectangle of stitches — sew a small rectangle around each handle end to anchor it firmly.

Turning the bag right-side out and finishing

You have sewn three sides closed and attached the handles, but the bag is still inside-out. Reach through the open top and pull the fabric out, turning the bag right-side out. The seams are now hidden inside, and the handles are on the outside where they belong. Push the corners out gently with your fingers or a pencil so they are sharp and square.

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward about half an inch and press them flat with an iron. Pin the opening closed. Sew along the top edge with a straight stitch, sewing through all layers. This seam closes the opening and locks the handles in place permanently. Sew slowly and carefully here because you are sewing through four layers of fabric (two from the bag, two from the handles).

Once the top is sewn, your bag is finished. Trim any loose threads. If you want extra reinforcement, sew a second line of stitches around the top edge, a quarter inch inside the first line. This is optional but makes the bag more durable.

Reinforcing the bottom for heavy loads

The bottom of the bag takes the most stress when you carry groceries. To prevent the bottom seam from splitting, sew a second line of stitches along the bottom, a quarter inch inside the first seam. This is called topstitching and is visible on the outside of the finished bag, but it makes the bag much stronger.

You can also reinforce the bottom corners by sewing a small triangle of stitches at each corner, from the side seam to the bottom seam. This spreads the stress across a wider area and is especially useful if you plan to carry heavy items like canned goods or bottles regularly.

Hand-sewing versus machine-sewing

A sewing machine is faster — you can finish a bag in 30 to 45 minutes — but hand-sewing works just as well and takes about two to three hours. Hand-sewing requires only a needle, thread, and patience. The stitches do not have to be perfect; they just need to go through both layers of fabric and hold them together.

If you hand-sew, use a running stitch: push the needle through both layers of fabric, pull it through, then push it back in a quarter inch ahead. Keep the stitches even in length and spacing. A thimble on your middle finger protects your finger from the needle, especially when sewing through thick fabric or multiple layers.

Machine-sewing is more consistent and faster, but if you do not own a machine, do not let that stop you. Thousands of bags have been hand-sewn, and they last just as long as machine-sewn ones.

Customizing your bag with pockets and linings

Once you have made a basic bag, you can add features. A straightforward inside pocket holds small items like receipts or coupons. Cut a rectangle of fabric about 6 inches wide and 8 inches tall, fold it in half, and sew it to the inside of one side of the bag before you sew the sides together.

A fabric lining makes the bag look more finished and protects the outer fabric. Cut two lining pieces the same size as your outer fabric pieces, sew them together the same way, but do not turn them right-side out. Instead, slip the lining inside the outer bag (right-sides together) and sew them together around the top opening. Then turn the whole thing right-side out through the opening, and sew the opening closed.

You can also add decorative stitching, appliqués, or embroidery to the outside of the finished bag. These do not change how the bag works, but they make it unique and personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabric is best for a grocery bag?

Cotton, linen, and canvas are ideal because they are sturdy and washable. Avoid stretchy fabrics like knits or very thin fabrics like silk. If you use lightweight fabric, sew two layers together or add interfacing to make the bag stiff enough to hold its shape when full.

Can I sew a bag by hand without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand-sewing takes longer — two to three hours instead of 30 to 45 minutes — but the finished bag is just as strong. Use a needle, thread, and a running stitch. A thimble protects your finger when pushing the needle through thick fabric.

How do I keep the handles from tearing off?

Sew the handles with a rectangle of stitches, not just a single line. Sew the rectangle twice if you are hand-sewing or use a reinforced stitch setting on your machine. Reinforce the corners of the bag with extra stitching too, since the handles attach at the corners and that is where stress concentrates.

What thread color should I use?

Use thread that matches your fabric if you want the stitches to blend in, or use contrasting thread if you want the stitches to show as a design element. The color does not affect how strong the bag is, only how it looks.

How long does a homemade grocery bag last?

A well-made bag lasts for years with normal use. Wash it occasionally in cool water and air-dry it. If a seam splits, you can repair it by sewing over the split with a needle and thread or by taking it to a tailor. The handles may wear out before the bag itself does, but you can replace them by cutting off the old ones and sewing on new ones.