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5 cents for a plastic grocery bag? Any easy patterns recommended?

5 cents for a plastic grocery bag? Any easy patterns recommended?

Old 11-07-2012, 06:04 PM
  #71  
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OK
To solve the issues of plastic bags and shopping bags.
When I lived in Alaska people would knit or crotched the plastic bags that were made into strips by bunching together and then making them into some sturdy bags. You could even do a design with all the different colored grocery bags.

Just had to share.
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Old 11-07-2012, 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by GrannieAnnie View Post
I cut mine longer than you do. About 20" from the waist. Then cut the crotch seam more or less straight so I can make a center seam. I use leftover leg fabric for the handles.
I think I made my longer too, cut below the crotch. It has been almost 5 years since I made them, I was trying to remember how I did it. Anyway I forgot to mention how handy the pockets are for coupons, receipts, keys and phone as I don't carry a purse. I worked in a grocery store for 16 years, a very high end chain, and I came home dirty every day. Big box stores are dusty and the bottom shelves gets dirt and wax kicked up when they run the buffer over the floors, so they aren't spotless either.
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Old 11-07-2012, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by misskira View Post
Or the grocery cart you're pushing around the store putting your groceries into in the first place... Or all they washed hands that touch the food between production until it gets to your shelf.
I'm picturing a diaper leak from the kid a hour ahead of me! Nope------------the bags are no problem at all.
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Old 11-07-2012, 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Janette View Post
Connecting Threads is now selling plasticized fabric for use in raingear. Possibly it would make good bags. I wait until I go to Canada each year and get my grocery bags in the supermarkets. They sell all sizes from 79 cents to $1.

There's no way I'm going to use waterproofed fabric when I can use a $5 bag of pants at the last rummage sale (get about 10 pr of pants in one bag). I wash them in the sanitizing wash on my fancy dancy machine the first time out and with towels after that.
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Old 11-07-2012, 09:05 PM
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Sometimes we get a little paranoid about cleanliness. I've been reading more and more in different places about why our children have so many allergies. They had no opportunity to "play in the dirt". Much of the bacteria we are so afraid of is actually good for us. We shouldn't be killing it.

I have two strong plastic grocery bags that I have been using for more than 20 years. Sometimes they get used several times in one day. The get washed when the spirit moves me. - Not too often.
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Old 11-07-2012, 09:56 PM
  #76  
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Originally Posted by ragquilter View Post
I made grocery bags from old jeans. The bigger the waist size the better around 44"- 48" makes a good size and men's have bigger pockets. They are washable and sturdy. I carry 2 gallons of milk in one all the time, I made mine about 5 years ago. Take the jeans and cut straight across a little above the crotch, I sew the zipper and waist closed. Then turn them inside out and sew the curve of the front seam straight and you can trim the bulk out. Then sew the bottom shut, I sewed the seam twice, then zz with a narrow tight stitch then went back over with a wide zz stitch. Lay one of the legs out straight and trim off the seams, fold in half and half again, the front and back make 2 handles. Sew the handles to the bag, I did a square and then an x to make them sturdy. If you want longer handles belts from a thrift store work well.
this wins hands down for the best idea i've seen in a long while. amazing!

thank you!

aileen
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Old 11-07-2012, 11:57 PM
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I've been using denim bags I made for about 20 years. I guess I was ahead of the curve here. I think I essentially made the pattern up from a regular grocery bag - similar measurements. Very heavy handles, never had a problem. They don't need to be washed often, if something is spilled on one I throw them it in with the regular wash.
I think today I would follow what others have suggested and just buy a bag and make a pattern from it. I wonder how many plastic bags I've kept out of the ocean in 20 years.
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Old 11-08-2012, 05:52 AM
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I've purchased several of these bags, material, for $1.00. I keep them in great shape and keep them in the trunk of my car after each shopping trip. I also keep a few in my DH truck, in case we need them. Placing them back into the trunk of the car is my greatest challenge! lol We also go to these shows, where vendors provide brochures for home improvements, and they give out free bags, great colors too! Doesn't matter to me if we're helping them advertise!
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Old 11-08-2012, 06:00 AM
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The very best grocery bags to have are what was used in EU in the 80's...a crocheted, mesh bag. It folds up to nothing so he can cram it in his pocket and it expands to hold TONS without breaking or tearing. Here is a free pattern I looked up for you along with a picture of what I'm talking about. I have all kinds of bags in the back of my car and this remains my favorite. http://theadventuresofcassie.blogspo...ocery-bag.html
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Old 11-08-2012, 06:05 AM
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For the past few years I have been picking up sturdy tote bags at thrift stores. Many people donate totes they bought or were given and don't use. Many will name places or charities or schools, but they are great for groceries. I have assorted sizes and some with insulation (great to keep frozen items frozen in warm weather). Most are in brand new condition.
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