Craft Me Not: Fold-up Market Bag Tutorial

Aside from being organized, one of my 2012 resolution is to be environmental friendly to our mother earth. So I added this on my project list.

I dont feel good when I throw some plastic bags from grocery stores, and specially when I know this will end up to a landfill. And yep, I'm big supporter of reusable bags and so this is a big hello environmental concious crafty people out there :)

And please after you create a couple of these, put it right back to your car after using or washing it to maximize the use of it. Or keep extra inside your purse just in case you ran to buy something on your way.

Folded Tote Market Bag

Here's what you'll need:

2 fabric pieces 15 x 10 inches (main body)
2 fabric pieces 15 x 6 inches (contrast body on top)
2 fabric pieces 4 x 16 inches (handles)
1 hair elastic band
1 button

here's my cut out fabrics

Steps:

Handles:

First, fold strap in half lengthwise, open the fold up and fold edges again towards the center fold. Better if you iron to flatten it for easy sewing.

Sew along both edges.

Fold one of the main body fabric to locate the center, then fold your piece of elastic in 3/4 and baste at the center and sew it (zigzag). Finish seam with either a zig-zag stitch to have more stronger stitch. Do the same for the other main body and contrasting panels.

After sewing cut the excess.

align the cornets and pin

Turn the bag so that RIGHT sides are facing in and WRONG sides are facing out. Press well. Then sew a 1/2 inch seam down one side, across the bottom and up the other side. It should be look like this... pic below.

After sewing the seams of the three sides, fold half and inch to the seams twice and run a stitch.

Get the two handle straps you created and pin 3 inches in from the edge of the bag. Sew seams across the top to secure the straps in place. Sew your button about 5 inches below the elastic and you're done!