Reusable shopping bag....makeover!

We have all seen the reusable bags that are available at most grocery stores. I bought mine for $1 a bag and every time I use them again I get a few cents off my grocery bill. I LOVE mine, but got tired of being asked if they were new or if I had previously bought them......despite the big permanent "R" I had put on them. SO....I decided to make them a little bit more fun. I guess only going grocery shopping once a month I was not breaking them in fast enough :)

Here is what I did, SIMPLE SIMPLE!!!


Depending on what you are trying to cover up, cut strips of fabric just a little larger then what you need to cover. I decided to cover the part in the middle of the bag, so I used that as my guide. I also covered BOTH sides of the bags.




I folded and pressed the fabric like this,



to fit inside the part I was covering.

Turned the fabric right side up and and pinned it like this to the bag. I found it easiest to slip my hand inside the bag as I pinned, making sure not to pin the bag closed.

Now it's time to sew. This part can be a little tricky, just make sure to not catch the under part of the bag because it would make it so it doesn't open.....oops, I had to use my seam ripper a couple of times!! Sew a full rectangle making sure to close all the ends of the fabric.

There you have it! I think they look a lot cuter now and more used!!

**** I chose to sew fabric on the bags instead of using heat n bond or some other iron on adhesive only because of the material the bags are made of. I didn't want to melt anything.

I think these are a great way to dress up an ugly bag, stained bag or I even think they would make a great wedding gift!

Happy Sewing!