Cotton Bags

How could I make my own reusable grocery bags?

I don't want to but the ones from stores, since I shop at multiple places, and it would be weird pulling out some cotton bags from Wal-Mart and using them at Fry's. So is there any way for me to just make my own? What kind of material should I use? Is there a specific pattern I should follow? Thank you ahead of time :)

Public Comments

1. buy a big bag/purse thing like at pac sun or hollister where they have big ones and use that
2. You can get some types cloth from a craft store and stitch one
3. a backpack?
4. Greenpeace suggests you cut up old tires.
5. use grandma's skull
6. Canvas and a heavy duty thread would work. Why go to the trouble, I am sure you can buy them without merchants names on them.
7. i actual got a couple from toys r us. i no it sounds weird but most of them dont say the name. they are just colors. so this way u can use them anyway and not have to make ur own.
8. do you crochet? you can collect the plastic bags and sew or tie them together end to end to make a long rope of plastic and use it to crochet a bag to the size you desire. these are pretty sturdy too.
9. You could use old sheets (lightweight and easy to get in a purse) Here's a link to 7 patterns: http://www.alteredcloth.com/blog/2007/07/top-7-tutorials-for-making-your-own-shopping-tote.php
10. One reason I didn't like canvas is that it doesn't wash particularly well. But, there is a washable fabric that they use to make outdoor cushions that works very well, is sturdy and durable and comes out of the washer just fine. You can find it a JoAnnes. I simply took a Trader Joes grocery bag and used that as a pattern, but I made the handles longer.
11. If you have any old shirts, you can make totes out of them: http://www.leethal.net/zine/?p=351 http://www.gurl.com/findout/guides/articles/0,,605406_688856-9,00.html If you need more ideas on how to make them, just google "how to make a shirt tote bag". (:
12. Purchase 1 reusable bag from any store. Take it home and cut open the sewn seems, laying it flat on a table. Trace the pattern of this bag onto a flattened piece of newspaper. Tape several pieces of newspaper together if need be. Go to a nearby clothing store/dry-goods store/craft store and purchase a couple of square yards of your favorite color swath of material. Pin the newspaper pattern to your material and cut the pattern out. Sew the pieces together to create your own special reusable grocery bag. Don't forget to decorate it with little trinkets that will bring out your own personality and style. Good luck! And most of all -- HAVE FUN!