I love being able to convert things I already have into things that I need, especially items that would normally be thrown away. Today’s project is to recycle animal feed bags into shopping totes. Not only is there satisfaction in being self-reliant but I know it is better for the environment as well. This is a technique that we learned in 4H with the kids. I love being able to go to the store and pull out my dog/cat/chicken/rabbit/alpaca shopping bags. I actually think these bags are so cute that we have even used them as gift bags.
Recycled Feed Bag
Recycle Animal Feed Bag Shopping Tote Supplies:
Animal feed bag
Sewing Machine
Quilting triangle
Scissors
Rotary tool
Permanent Marker
Measuring tape
Tape
Various sewing supplies
Process to Sew a Shopping Tote from a Recycled Feed Bag:
remove bottom closure
The first step in preparing your bag is to remove the stitching at the bottom.
wash bags
After the bag is open on both ends, wash the outside. Next, turn it inside out and wash the inside as well. We usually wash the bags off outside. Especially if the grain had any molasses in it, as it will require a hose to get it all the way clean.
trim ends
After your bag is cleaned, you will want to trim off each end so you have a nice straight edge with no stitching marks.
cut handles
Then, cut two 2.5 inch strips off the bag for your handles. Pay careful attention to the picture on your bag as this will determine if you cut the strips from the top or bottom of the bag. The top will only fold down one inch so the picture can be pretty close to the top.
cut handles open
For your handles, you will need to cut the strip open. I fold it and cut off 3 inches of the back (6 inches when it is not doubled.) Most bags are doubled up and glued at the back and this is the portion I cut off.
test tension
Use these scraps to set the tension on your sewing machine. Because it is plastic it tends to slide and each brand is a little different.
mark handle placement
Before sewing your bag, mark the top for handle placement. Be sure the picture is well centered in your bag. Measure in 5 inches from each corner and mark it. Repeat on the other side.
fold and press handles
Fold the handles in half lengthwise and press them flat by using something with a hard edge. I like to use a quilting triangle but I have used the edge of the table before.
It is now time to sew the bags.
stitch both sides of the handles
Sew down the length of the handles first go down the folded side, then stitch down the cut side leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Recycle feed bags to shopping totes – stitch the bottom closed
You will want to close up your bag by sewing the bottom together with a 5/8 inch seam allowance.
pin corners
Now, it’s time to prepare your corners in order to have a flat bottom bag that stands up on its own. We do this by folding the corners with the bottom seam of the bag lined up with the center of the side of the bag. Pin each corner of each bag section.
mark 3 inch line on machine
Sew 3 inches in from the point. I like to place a strip of tape at the 3-inch point on my machine.
keep corner tip on line as you sew
This makes it easy to keep it straight as you just keep the point of the corner on the tape line.
trim off corner excess
Trim the excess off the corner.
If you are confused about this last step, make sure you watch the video for a detailed tutorial.
stitch on handles at mark
It’s time to sew on the handles. Center the handle on the mark you made earlier and stitch it 3/8 inch from the edge. Use the other side of your handle to attach to the same side of the bag being careful not to twist it. Repeat on the other side of the bag with the other handle.
press top edge
Using the quilting triangle press the top edge and the stitched handles over one inch all the way around.
sew top, folding handles up as you go
Sew around the top 3/8 inch from the cut edge of the top. As you are stitching, when you get to the handles, fold them up toward the top of the bag.
reinforce handles
After going around the entire top of the bag, reinforce the handles by stitching the top 1/4 inch from the bag top. I like to go over it about 3 times. (Forward, back, and forward again.)
push out corners
The FINAL step is to turn the bag right-side out. Press the corners out well so it has a nice crisp shape.
Recycled Feed Bag
That’s it, you have a super cute shopping tote to fill and you can feel good about keeping one more thing out of the landfill.
