As the Governor of California recently signed a bill banning those single-use shopping bags that we all get at the grocery stores, we’ve all been buzzing about what to replace it with. There is still the paper bag, but a section of the bill suggests paying 10-cents for each shopping bag (even though Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s now offer them for free). Whether you hate this bill or love it, a shopper still needs to come up with a way to carry their groceries home.
I made my first bags out of lightweight canvas, and figured out how to get two out of one yard of fabric. Because these are canvas, I didn’t need to put the handles all the way to the bottom seam. However, if you are making it out of lightweight cotton, you might consider doubling up on that to make it sturdier, or yes, buying some webbing for your handles.
Whenever I use these, I get positive comments from the checkers. . . and a whole slew of awful stories about those re-usable plastic bags that some people have. One clerk told me that he unzipped one and a whole bunch of moths flew out into the store. Another talked about the smell of those bags that are re-used and re-used. I think we quilters have the best possible world with our cloth bags, which can be thrown in the washer. Apparently bags at the produce counter and at the butcher’s counter are still okay, so I don’t have to worry about those grocery items messing up the cloth bags.
I’ve written it up in a downloadable PDF pattern that is free: OPQuilt’s Shopping Bag Pattern.
Just send back some good karma, if you wouldn’t mind, and always practice good attribution, acknowledging that it’s from OPQuilt.com. To do so, please do not post the pattern on your blog, nor print off five copies for your friends. Instead link back here, and let them print off their own. Thanks.
OccasionalPiece--Quilt! 
I’m still hoping that the attempt to overturn this bill will win!! These are very cute and your choice of fabric is perfect. Thanks for sharing the project with us.
You don’t know how timely this post is! I’ve been thinking about going to QuiltCon, aware that Austin also has a no bag policy, and I was concerned where I’d put any purchases I might (ha!) make at the vendor mall. Your PDF is the answer to my dilemma! This looks like a great design. Thank you very much for sharing this, Elizabeth!
Thanks Elizabeth. I’ve never made a bag, so might try this ; ).
Super cute fabric for a shopping bag. I think I might try my hand at these!
This fabric is darling and so appropriate. Thanks for the pattern!
Thanks a bunch, Elizabeth. Nice and straightforward.
I’m always leaving my reusable bags in the car and not thinking about it until I’m checking out. We don’t have a statewide law here yet, just city by city so far.
Very nice! Thanks so much for the pattern….I’ve been thinking about making some of these.
Very nice! I really like the fold-y bags they sell at the stores and have long thought it might not be too hard to make one out of better materials. Guess I better get on it before the ban bags here too!
Thanks for the pattern. Here’s a handful of good karma for you. I’m finally in the habit of bringing my bags with me from the car, and if I forget and have to go back, it’s exercise I probably need. I’ve washed my store-provided papery bags a couple of times, and they’re getting pretty tired. Time to make my own.
Excellent tut, Elizabeth. Thanks ever so much for sharing it. I’ve put it on our Guild blog too.
Thank you for grocery bag pattern. I hate the purchased ones from the markets. A few places have deniim/canvas which I look for and buy. I came upon yr site and loved the circular EPP but so far I’ve only found one pattern. If you see my comment and can lead me to the others, I’d appreciate it. Thanks again!
Thanks for the tutorial. I made two very quickly and have enjoyed using them.
Love the canvas FABRIC PATTERN…I am searching and searching.. Can you share a clue as to where to find it??