Sew to Sell DIY How to Make Supermarket Shopping Totes replace banned plastic bag sustainable sewing

In this video, I'll show you how to make your own supermarket shopping bags, and also my assembly line (batch sewing) construction method and processes that enabled me to make over 3500 bags so far.

These are a fabulous substitute for banned plastic bags, and much better for our environment.

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#bannedplasticbags
#totes
#shoppingbags
#sustainablesewing
#beginnersewing
#DIY
#sewtosell

[ShelleyCordes]

Not many people keep track of their time to make the project and that is incredibly important.😊😊

[trishwinstead]

I am so happy that I found your channel. I am 74 and have sewed since I was a kid. For 34 years I was the head of a Fashion Technology program at El Paso Community College which focuses on clothing design, pattern making, computer aided design, and product development for industry. Now that I am retired, I love to watch brilliant production so you are a delight! Thanks for the fun videos.

[sybillen]

One more comment: You are the first person I have discovered on youtube who talks about pricing. 👍👍👍It seems that otherwise a big secret is made of it, for whatever reason. I think it's very important to value your own work enough. Also not to destroy the prices of handmade products. I sold hand-painted silk scarves for a few years and lost the fun of it because I set my prices too low. People should also not underestimate the effort of selling. Running an online shop or selling at markets can take as much or more time than manufacturing the products.
It's always a bit of a toss-up as to what price customers will accept. That's why I think your method of setting the price a little higher first is good. As you say, if it doesn't work, you can still go down.

[grandmalovesmebest]

On SS and w inflation & rents increasing w add-on fees and bldg costs, maintnance, trash, costs of paying offline, added on rental insurance, etc. all added at one go, everything is just too expensive to live! I've been trying to think of a way to make money w my machines but I can't sit up very long due to pain from osteoporosis, and I'm a slow sewer anyway.

This looks like something I could do as I love to make bags, w your techniques I might be able to do enough to increase my income.

Thank you for sharing. You may just have saved another old lady from being booted into the streets!☮❤🙋

[jybby]

You are a great teacher. Even though I've sewn for a long time, your tips and hints are invaluable. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your skill, methods and experience.

[lisagruber]

Love it, thank you! From Indiana USA. 😎👍😄

[itslinziwalker]

9 minutes a bag! It takes me about half an hour per scrunchie! 🙈😂😂

Great tutorial, very in depth. Thank you!

[carolferguson]

How incredibly generous of you to share your sewing skills, tips, and tricks -- I'm off to set up my machine and start sewing!

[janethecat]

I have triangles cut from stiff thin board (Masonite) Line up the bottom and side seams, lay the triangle on top and draw a quick sewing line. Different size triangles for different width of box bottoms. I drilled a hole through all of the triangles and keep them on a ring.

[jordanwhite]

Impressed in USA!! I've been sewing lined variations of this for almost 12 years for my online business, and never achieved such excellent production time. Can't wait to try out this new (better!) method for my unlined bags.

[janesmith]

When I make bags like this, I don't square the corners off like you did in the video: I make a pleat in the bottom edge, so I push the bottom fold that you have up between the two layers of fabric, so that the raw edges on the side look like a W. I hope that makes sense! Then just sew the side seams and you're done. It gives a very nice shape to the bottom, and it's quick and easy. You could instead just fold the bottom three inches of your fabric up to one side before sewing, then do your side seams, and you'll get a slightly different finish which is also nice. It's worth trying out as I found it saved me a lot of time.

[DL-wmqu]

I made my first bag today with the most adorable upholstery fabric! If I hadn't found an upholstery fabric outlet, I couldn't afford it at all. Thank you for your help! I've also made a bunch of puppy poo bags. I'm building inventory for local sales. I had to stop sewing for many years due to zero space, then horrible shoulder damage, arthritis and other issues. It's still very difficult and painful, but your videos and this fabric place have awakened my motivation!! Building inventory will allow me to work at a less frantic and painful pace. Thank you so much! I have no idea what to charge, especially with these beautiful fabrics I'm getting, and my geographic location in NE Oklahoma. I'm so happy, though!! 😊
I wish we could upload photos or short videos for you to see!

[joaneoe]

Thank you so much...I enjoyed you presentation. Am a retired teacher, contemplating doing sewing and this is a great opportunity to start with....Thanks for sharing your sewing skills.

[narelleworks]

Congratulations on getting to keep your new machine. You’ve showed us just how useful it is in batch sewing today. I’m fascinated by the way you make repetition easier. The one that amazed me the most was the handle box. Ingenious! 💜👍🏻😮

[susanperna]

I've NEVER seen such a fabric cutter! Electric WITH a protective bottom shield? Thank you! I'm going to buy one for sure.

[louiselev]

Just a thought - when I have a big project (I just made a queen size denim patch quilt), I use bed risers to add height to my cutting table. I'm not very tall but I find it saves my back.

[seranitrish]

I love all the little things that you do to make life easier, like the box template for the strapping! You are so clever and you inspire me to sew more. Thank you ❤

[lorainejones]

What an ingenious idea for cutting the straps in bulk! Thank you, again!

[SLynnEasler-Weald]

FABULOUS Tutorial. Thank you so much. Very clear instructions both verbally and visually. Great pace to your video. 🐦🐦🐦

[mandyD]

Thanks Christine. I am teaching a young girl to sew. Found your channel today and just want to say I'll be sharing with my apprentice so you have saved me a lot of time. Thanks a million.