Easy DIY Plastic Bag Dispenser Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Cutting Instructions
4. Sewing the Handle
5. Sewing the Main Body of the Bag
6. Ironing the Seams
7. Sewing the Lining
8. Creating a Channel for the Plastic
9. Adding the Elastic
10. Sewing the Top and Bottom
11. Creating a French Seam
12. Adding the Handle
13. Conclusion

How to Make a Plastic Bag Dispenser

Are you tired of messy plastic bags cluttering up your kitchen cabinets? In this tutorial, I will show you step by step how to make a practical and stylish plastic bag dispenser. It's a simple and fun sewing project that will not only help you organize your plastic bags but also add a decorative touch to your kitchen. So, grab your sewing machine and let's get started!

1. Introduction

Plastic bags are undoubtedly useful for storing and carrying items, but they can quickly become a disorganized mess if not properly managed. This plastic bag dispenser will provide a neat and convenient solution for storing your plastic bags in one place. Plus, it's a great way to repurpose fabric scraps and showcase your sewing skills.

2. Materials Needed

Before diving into the cutting and sewing instructions, let's gather all the materials you will need for this project. Here's what you'll need:

• Fabric scraps (nine pieces, 3.5" x 20" each for the exterior, and one piece, 20" x 25" for the lining)
• Quarter-inch elastic (11" long and 6.5" long)
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Iron
• Safety pin

3. Cutting Instructions

To start, gather your fabric scraps and cut them into matching pieces. You will need nine coordinating prints measuring 3.5" x 20" each for the exterior of the dispenser. Additionally, cut one piece of lining fabric measuring 20" x 25".

4. Sewing the Handle

The first step is to create the handle for your bag dispenser. Take one of the fabric pieces and fold it in a trifold pattern. Fold one side towards the center, iron it down, and repeat with the other side. Then, fold the strip in half and iron it again. This will create a sturdy handle. Sew a quarter-inch seam along both sides of the handle for added durability.

5. Sewing the Main Body of the Bag

Now, it's time to sew the main body of the bag. Take two fabric strips, align their right sides together, and sew a quarter-inch seam along one side. Continue adding fabric strips in the same manner until all nine strips are sewn together. Remember to alternate between darker and lighter prints for an aesthetically pleasing design.

6. Ironing the Seams

After sewing the fabric strips together, it's important to iron all the seams in one direction. This will ensure a neater finish and make the next steps easier. Iron all the seams to one side so that they lay flat and give your bag dispenser a polished look.

7. Sewing the Lining

Next, it's time to sew the lining of the bag. Place the fabric strips for the exterior and the lining right sides together. Sew a quarter-inch seam along the top and bottom edges, ensuring that everything lines up perfectly. This will attach the lining to the exterior fabric and create a clean finish.

8. Creating a Channel for the Plastic

To create a channel for the plastic bags, fold the top edge of the fabric down by a quarter of an inch and iron it. Then, fold it down again by half an inch, creating a clean edge and a tunnel-like opening. Repeat this step for the bottom edge as well. Sew a one-eighth-inch seam all the way down both edges, securing the channel in place.

9. Adding the Elastic

Now, it's time to add the elastic that will hold the plastic bags in place. Take the longer piece of elastic, attach a safety pin to one end, and thread it through the bottom channel. Sew the end of the elastic to secure it in place. Repeat the same process with the shorter piece of elastic in the top channel. Make sure to sew the elastic securely to prevent it from slipping out.

10. Sewing the Top and Bottom

With the elastic in place, sew the top and bottom edges of the bag dispenser to seal everything together. Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end for added strength and durability.

11. Creating a French Seam

To create a clean and professional look, we will use a French seam to conceal the raw edges. Flip the bag inside out and sew a half-inch seam along the previous seam line. This will encase the raw edges, giving your bag dispenser a seamless finish. Turn the bag right side out, and you should not see any raw edges.

12. Adding the Handle

Finally, it's time to attach the handle to your bag dispenser. Fold one edge of the handle inward and sew it down to create a finished edge. Repeat the same step on the other side. Attach the handle to both sides of the bag dispenser, ensuring it is securely sewn in place.

13. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made your own plastic bag dispenser. This practical and stylish accessory will help you keep your plastic bags organized and easily accessible. It also makes for a great gift idea for friends and family. Remember to customize the dimensions of the handle according to your preference. Enjoy your newly created bag dispenser and happy sewing!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Provides an organized solution for storing plastic bags
• Makes use of fabric scraps for a sustainable and eco-friendly project
• Adds a decorative touch to your kitchen

Cons:

• Requires basic sewing skills and access to a sewing machine
• Can be time-consuming, especially for beginners

Highlights

• Learn how to make a practical and stylish plastic bag dispenser
• Repurpose fabric scraps to create a neat and organized storage solution
• Step-by-step instructions with detailed sewing techniques
• Showcase your creativity and sewing skills
• Customize and personalize your bag dispenser

FAQ

Q: Can I use different fabric prints for the exterior and lining? A: Yes, using coordinating prints for the exterior and a contrasting fabric for the lining can create a visually appealing bag dispenser.

Q: Can I adjust the dimensions of the bag dispenser to fit larger or smaller plastic bags? A: Absolutely! Feel free to modify the dimensions of the fabric strips and elastic to accommodate your preferred bag sizes.

Q: Is this project suitable for beginners? A: While basic sewing skills are required, this project can be attempted by beginners with patience and attention to detail. It's a great way to practice sewing straight lines and simple seams.

Q: Can I personalize the bag dispenser with additional embellishments? A: Definitely! You can add buttons, ribbons, or embroidery to further customize your bag dispenser and make it uniquely yours.

Q: How do I maintain and clean the bag dispenser? A: The fabric can be spot cleaned as needed or gently hand washed if necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals and bleach, as they may damage the fabric.

Q: How many plastic bags can the dispenser hold? A: The capacity of the bag dispenser will depend on the size of the plastic bags you use. It can generally hold several dozen bags, providing a compact and organized storage solution.

Q: Can I use this bag dispenser for other purposes besides plastic bags? A: Absolutely! This bag dispenser can be repurposed to hold other items such as socks, fabric scraps, or even small toys. Get creative and find alternative uses for this versatile storage solution.

Q: Where can I find the written instructions for this project? A: The written instructions can be found in the description below the video. Make sure to follow along step by step for the best results.