Organize Your Plastic Bags with This Simple DIY Holder

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making the Hanger
4. Sewing the Lining Fabric
5. Sewing the Outer Fabric
6. Joining the Lining and Outer Fabrics
7. Creating the Channel
8. Final Touches
9. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Welcome to today's tutorial where we will be making a hanging bag carrier. This carrier allows you to easily pull your bags from the bottom and put them in at the top. It features a hanger and can also be reversible with a lining. Let's get started on this fun and practical project!

Materials Needed

To make this bag carrier, you will need the following materials:

• Two fabrics: one outer fabric and one lining fabric (cotton poplins are ideal)
• Cutting tools
• Elastic (6 mil, 8 inches long)
• Pen or chalk pencil for marking
• Pins or clips
• Iron

Making the Hanger

The first step is to create the hanger for the bag carrier. Take a piece of fabric measuring 8 inches by 2.5 inches. Fold it in half lengthwise and press with an iron. Open the fabric and fold both sides into the middle. Then fold it in half again and press. Sew along the open edge, across the bottom, up the other side, across the top, and back to where you started. Set the hanger aside for now.

Sewing the Lining Fabric

Next, we will work on the lining fabric. Take the lining fabric and fold down one of the shorter edges by about a quarter of an inch. Press it with an iron. Flip the fabric over with the wrong side facing up and fold it in half so that the right sides are together. Pin or clip the edge and sew it down a quarter of an inch. Open the seam and iron it flat.

Sewing the Outer Fabric

Now it's time to sew the outer fabric. Just like the lining fabric, fold down one of the shorter edges by about a quarter of an inch and press it. Using a pen or chalk pencil, measure an inch and a half down from the top of the folded edge and draw a line. From that line, measure another half an inch down and draw a second line. Repeat this process on the other side of the fabric. You should have four lines drawn on the wrong side of the fabric. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides together and sew along the top, starting at the fold, and stopping at each line. Iron the seams open.

Joining the Lining and Outer Fabrics

Take the lining fabric with the wrong side facing out and push the outer fabric inside it, keeping the non-folded edges aligned. Pin or clip the edges together and sew around the top a quarter of an inch from the edge. Then, turn the bag right side out by pulling the lining fabric through the opening. Match the seams at the bottom and iron the top to ensure everything lines up nicely. Topstitch around the top.

Creating the Channel

To create the channel for the elastic, sew along the two lines you previously drew on the right side of the fabric. Make sure you're not sewing the two pieces together. Turn the bag around, match the seams at the bottom, and topstitch along the top and the two lines. Iron the bag to flatten it and get rid of any pen or chalk marks.

Final Touches

The last step is to insert the elastic. Using a bobbin or safety pin, thread the elastic through the channel at the top and bottom of the bag. Make sure to keep hold of the ends and adjust the elastic so it's evenly distributed. Stitch the ends of the elastic to secure them in place.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully made a hanging bag carrier that's both functional and stylish. Now you can easily organize your bags and keep them within reach. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don't forget to share pictures of your completed project and happy bag organizing!

Highlights

• Create a practical hanging bag carrier with a reversible option.
• Use cotton poplins for the outer and lining fabrics.
• Sew a hanger for easy storage of the carrier.
• Construct the lining fabric and iron the seams flat.
• Join the lining and outer fabrics and topstitch the top.
• Create a channel for the elastic and insert it.
• Secure the elastic in place and enjoy your finished bag carrier.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different fabrics for the outer and lining fabrics?

A: Yes, you can use any fabrics of your choice as long as they are suitable for the project.

Q: How long does it take to make this bag carrier?

A: The time required to complete this project may vary depending on your sewing skills and experience. However, it can typically be completed within a few hours.

Q: Can the bag carrier hold heavy items?

A: While the bag carrier is designed to hold bags, it may not be suitable for carrying heavy items. It is recommended to use it for lightweight items.

Q: Can I customize the size of the bag carrier?

A: Yes, you can adjust the dimensions of the fabrics to make the bag carrier larger or smaller according to your preference. Just make sure to maintain the proportions of the hanger and channel.

Q: Are there any safety precautions to consider when making this bag carrier?

A: When using sewing tools and equipment, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution to prevent injuries. Keep sharp objects such as scissors away from children and use an iron with care to avoid burns.