Feed-Sacks-to-Tote-Bags upcycling project at Fish Bowl Farm
Order by phone 206-304-1049 or email wigleyemily@gmail.com $15/bag + $5 shipping. Island locals – no shipping!
- Recycled polypropylene feed sacks re-purposed into to tote bags
- Perfect for groceries, laundry, produce, sports gear, books, gardening, etc.
- Wet or dry, they’re sturdy and strong.
- Buy a tote – keep a feed sack out of the landfill!
- $15/each Email wigleyemily@gmail.com or call 206-304-1049 to pick yours up today!
Tutorial: How to Make a Tote Bag from a Feed Sack
Making tote bags is simple, but you have to be patient because the poly bags are really awkward compared to regular sewing fabric.
I use a regular sewing machine. It’s a 1982 Elna Stella portable. All metal, it’s tough and versatile. I use whatever needle is in the machine, and normal sewing thread. I used to own a waterproof breathable equestrian gear company, so I have a bunch of cones of polyester thread, so that’s what I use – regular sewing thread!
Clean your feed sack with a damp cloth.
Unstitch or cut the bottom of the bag so it’s a tube.
Decide how you want the graphics on the bag to be centered (or not) on your finished tote, and about how big it will be.
From either the top or the bottom of your tube, cut two strips twice as wide as you want the tote handles to be. Some bags have a cool border pattern you may want to consider using for interesting, snappy handles. (See photos of the Standlee hay pellet bags. I use the stripes of diamonds for handles because I like the look.). Separate the nonsewn seam on each of these by peeling it carefully apart to make two long strips. Trim the very thick or thin end(s) of the strips as necessary to make nice stips to make the handles. Set these handles-to-be strips aside.
Turn big tube (bag to be) inside out. This always scares my dog, because it’s so noisy. Sorry, Radar!
Stitch the bottom right sides together with at least 1.5″ seam allowance.
Fold over the edge of the seam allowance and stitch so the raw edge is hidden when you…
Turn the bag right side out. Push the newly sewn seam down neatly into the bottom of the bag.
Decide how tall you want the bag and where on the design you want the top and handles to be. I usually make a double hem at the top so it is sturdy and nicely finished.
Make the straps out of the two pre-cut strips. First fold a 1/2″ on either long side of the strps and sew it down. Be bold with the fold and it will be easy to stitch! Then fold the strips in half and stitch it together.
Sometimes I get on a roll and just fold the sides, fold in half and stitch it once. This looks better (less stitching so it is neat).
Measure and mark the handle placement. I use a pencil to mark it, making sure the front and back handle straps line up. Stitch on each handle by sewing an “X” at each end of both handles.
You’re finished! Post a pic of your tote bag to admire and inspire!
Added 11/25/11: I now stitch about half the original amount of seams, because I fold twice and stitch once. It saves a lot of time — I can stitch up two bags in about 50 minutes now, which is pretty good. The first twenty were not so fast, so unless you’re going into production, don’t think so much about going fast, think about making it look great!