REUSE YOUR EMPTY FEED BAGS! | DIY Feed Bag Tote

Turn your feed bags into reusable grocery, tote, or gift bags! This project is super simple for a beginner sewer. Prior to making these tote bags, I hadn't sewed since home economics class in middle school! Special thanks to Alex's mom for helping me with this project!! You can use any type of plastic feed bag: chicken, goat, bird, etc.

Use a 16 gauge needle!

In this video, I demonstrate how to make a feed bag out of a 50lb chicken feed bag. If you are using a smaller bag, I recommend using the following measurements:
Straps- Make sure to cut the straps so that they are at least 12 inches long. You can make them longer if you prefer to put the strap over your shoulder.
Strap Placement- Rather than measuring 6 inches in from the side, try measuring 4-5 inches instead.
Squaring off the bottom- Measure across the triangle 4 inches instead of 5in.

About Us: We are Alex and Elaina, a couple in our 20s who are currently living on the 3-acre farm in southern Pennsylvania where Alex grew up. We have a garden, backyard chickens, and build or fix anything that we need to. We still work corporate day jobs, but are working to eventually leave the 9-5 lifestyle in favor of a self-built, debt-free, homestead on 6 acres nearby.
Something that differentiates us from other YouTube homestead channels is our transparency on the cost of our projects - there is usually a breakdown right in the description!

Follow our journey here on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook!

[MasonDixonAcres]

What other kind of sewing projects would you like to see?! I'd love to make a dress or skirt out of recycled linens.

[notesfromleisa-land]

I love making these bags. I prefer webbing v. the plastic straps. Some years ago I saw a video where a church used these bags as a two-fold community project. They solicited the bags from the community (partnering with retail outlet to disseminate info. They then used these bags a a community outreach project by (1) donating a sewing machine to them; (2) teaching them the basic skills to make the bag; (3) paying them for each bag created and (4) selling the bags in the community with the proceeds refunding the program. I thought it such a wonderful program. These bags are so strong.

[eatwhatukiii]

It’s ok to say it’s been rat-chewed. Every homesteader has them (even if they won’t admit it)🤣 Thanks for the detailed instructions!❤

[ginamarina]

Thank you! I made some 10 years ago (I’m still using them!) but forgot exactly what I did. I have these same Dumor bags, they’re huge and great for groceries. I used the clear poly thread that’s like fishing line, and an old wallpaper seaming roller to fold the creases. Thanks again for the great video!

[dianelechner]

This is an excellent video. I love how you show each step and then speed up the video while you are doing the procedure. This is the best bag making video I have seen, and I have watched several. I am making these from horse, chicken, and dog food bags, for a nonprofit organization to either sell, or to use as gift bags at an event.

[barbryan]

I love the way you attached the handles! It was WAY easier than what I had been doing.

[gracewoodard]

Love it. And love the crinkly sound of the bag as you make the tote.

[monaliza]

Looks like sewing on the straps before closing the bottom of the bag makes it much easier to create the handles. Thanks for the tutorial!

[dorothyyoung]

Super video! If your bag isn’t big enough to cut off pieces for the straps you can make straps from another bag, or from nylon webbing.

For strength, I recommend polyester thread (rather than cotton) for stitching on this material.

You can, if you like, stitch along the final creases you make.

[whitevalleyfamilyfarm]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have hundreds of feed bags and I was saving them up to be able to make these. I just learned how to use a sewing machine (I've always hand-sewn everything). I'm a firm believer in efficiency and minimal waste. I'm so excited to put my new skills to use and reuse something that would otherwise be thrown out!

[mauricebrown]

Ok you can sew, there is another skill you have which in some parts of the world is a dying art. Well done. Years & Years ago when i was a lad, my Mum taught me how to darn socks, and sew on buttons, and hand sew little holes in clothing items . I never forgot. I don't know any kids that learn this anymore. I am pretty sure parents over the years just don't teach that anymore. Now i really feel old..hahaa.

[twillamiller]

You did a great job explaining how to make a shopping bag. Great video.

[tlsnana]

Cute and earth friendly idea! I use clothespins to hold straps in place. Made easier than remembering to insert as sewing.

Thank you for sharing your idea.

[marythomas]

First time making one! Followed right along and got it done! Thanks so much.

[chellymiller]

This is perfect. I originally saved all my chicken feed bags to put cans in, but it took up so much space and after a year I finally took them to be recycled. I was just going to toss the bags out, but I said, that seems like a waste, I'm sure I can find a use. Again, this is perfect!

[jdhvcqn]

Glad I found your video first. You made everything so simple, no big fancy sewing needed. I saved maybe 30 horse feed bags, wanting to make some bags. Also bought a very nice used sewing machine. So now I have no excuse not to make them.

[jdrigot]

Looks pretty easy. I've never been a seamstress in any way shape or form but I really would like to make these. I have many feed bags and I think it's a very good way to reuse them. Now to see if my old sewing machine is up to the task!

[teresahoss]

Thanks, we have so many of these bags for the horses, ducks, chickens, cows, etc., and I was wondering what I could do with them. I will try this, thanks again!

[alicecowan]

I saw your video today and sat down and made one. We heat with pellets so I used one of those bags. When hubby goes out to feed the chickens, I will have him bring in some feed sacks. Thank you for your instructions and time to put into this video. Oh yes, I also am a young 71 year old!!! 👍🏼💜

[cindyschaefer]

Thank you for sharing; this was the easiest tutorial I have watched. I have 4 bags I am gonna stitch up this weekend!!!!