While still trying to think of what to sew for the church fete, someone suggested a grocery or plastic bag holder.  I was like, “What!  People still use them?”  because the last time I saw one of these was in my mum’s pantry made out of a tea towel, 10 years ago.

Hubby pointed to the box in the corner of our kitchen and said, “We could use one of those holders ourselves”

So here’s the grocery or plastic bag tutorial – an easy project to hide those ugly plastic bags cluttering your home.  There are tonnes and tonnes of photos too cos I just took lots plus I hope they might clarify some points.  You know what they say – a picture is worth a thousand words.

You can easily customize it to suit your needs, my finished size is approximately 15″ (w) x 19.5″ (l).

All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated.

This is what you’ll need

  • Top Panel:  16″(w) x 14″(h)
  • Middle Panel:  16″(w) x 4″(h)
  • Bottom Panel:  16″(w) x 6″(h)
  • Drawstring:  25″(l) x 1.5″(w)
  • Elastic:  8″(l) x 1/4″(w)

and the usual sewing supplies.

So here we go.

Pin right sides together the top edge of the middle panel to the bottom edge of the top panel and stitch.

Now do the same for the bottom panel, this time, the top edge of the bottom panel to the bottom edge of the middle panel and stitch.

Now that your patchwork panels are done, finished the raw edges in your preferred method and press seam open.

Top stitch on either side of the two seams about 1/8″ from the seam.

Make the bottom casing by pressing under the edge (of the bottom panel) 1/4″, then press again another 1/2″.

Then make the top casing by pressing under the edge (of the top panel) 1/4″, then press again another 3/4″.

With right sides together, fold the panel in half lengthwise, matching seams and pin.  To make the drawstring casing, stitch from the bottom to the top, but stop within 1″ of the top and backstitch.  Above it, leave a 3/4″ gap unstitched, then stitch the last 1/4″ backstitching on both ends.

Finish the raw edges on side seam and press.

Using the previously pressed markings (1/4″ then 1/2″), pin bottom casing and stitch (close to the top edge), leaving a gap of about 1″.  Backstitch both ends.

Now grab your elastic and thread it through the opening in the bottom casing (making sure that you’re holding onto one end of the elastic)  and around to the other side.  Sew both ends of the elastic together a few times.  Then sew up the opening.

This is what it looks like.

Pin the top casing using the marks previously pressed (1/4″ then 3/4″), stitch (close to the bottom edge) all the way around the casing.

Now we’re ready to thread the drawstring, let’s make one first, shall we?

You can make a drawstring tape without one of these Clover Bias Tape Makers, just fold and press the strip in half lengthwise.  Open up the strip and turn the sides in to meet at the pressed center fold.  Then fold it in half and again and press.  Stitch down the middle to secure the drawstring tape.

Again, use a safety pin, thread the tape through the hole and around to the other side and knot the ends.

And there you have it, one finished plastic bag holder.  Now go on, go make one for yourself, it’s so practical that you can make some for your friends, as a housewarming gift perhaps?