How to Sew to Sell & Gift Lined Tote Shopping Bags FREE Beginner Tutorial Sustainable Fabric Sewing
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- In this free tutorial, I'll show you how to make one of my most popular bags. After the success of my supermarket shopping bags of which I've made over 3000 to date, I'm finally going to add some lining to the bags for something a little more stylish.
I love to rescue and reclaim fabric, and these were made with upholstery fabric.
If you'd like to make them without lining, here's the original video. • DIY Sew to Sell My Bes...
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3 great looking bags. Whenever i sew boxed corners, I always do an extra row of stitching about 1/8" - 1/4" away from 1st line, just for extra strength. I've made a few for a local charity. Thanks for this video Christine 🤩
That's a great idea Lesley 🙂
Greatful that you share how you price your items. This is invaluable for those thinking about selling and teaches us not to undervalue our work.
Thanks 😊
Thank you Michelle 😀
Thank you for converting the measurements into inches. I'm so going to be making these very soon.
You're very welcome Erika 😀
Me too. I love making bags. Many thanks for your videos Christine from Sheffield, South Yorkshire.❤
You're very welcome Margaret😀
Thanks for another simple and fast project that will save me from having to wrap a single gift this year! 😉
They'll be perfect to put gifts in Lara 😀
Dear Christine, I've also been sewing bags for 15 years now and found your vlog some weeks ago. In your joyful way you explain so well, have so many great tipps I hadn't known, information and backstories, that I enjoy very much! Also, your Videos have a very calming effect on me. :-) So here is a "Big Thank You" from Austria (the one without kangaroos) to Australia!
Thank you Lilli. I was once your neighbour in Germany😁
Greetings from the UK. Love the bags! Clear instructions. Thank you.
Thanks Jane 😀
Everything you make is so nice!!! And I love your clear instructions!!! Thank you so much!!!
That's lovely Deborah. Thank you😁
You are a wonderful instructor. Thank you for sharing your talent!
You're very welcome Deb 😀
I sew these also. For a special gift I usually add machine embroidery or at least a nice monogram. People go nuts for these and they’re fast! Thanks for another great vid. Love your channel! Hope your hands are all healed and that Chris’ shoulder has recovered.
Thanks Cyn. Hands are working well, and Chris is getting better each day. We're both taking things easier this year. I like the monogram idea. I've often thought about getting another embroidery machine, but whre do I find the time to use it? 😁
Thank you so much. You do a wonderful job of explaining everything & I can’t wait to make some. Very efficient. Absolutely loved your video Christine. 😻
Thanks so much Shelley 😀
Hello from the US. I love your videos and the useful products you make. You are a very good instructor.
Thank you.
Thank you so much Kim 😀
Great bags. I use cheap polyester shower curtains as lining fabric to give a water resistant lining in my shopping bags. I follow a slightly different process to keep the fabric flat for longer: after tacking the handles in place I sew the lining fabric to the outer fabric at the top, then understitch from the lining side. I then sew the side seams, matching the top seams together and leaving a gap for turning in the lining side. I then press the seams open. I then turn the fabric right side out and put the lining into the outer bag. The understitching at the top of the bag is often enough to keep the lining from showing when pressed, but at this stage you can top stitch around the top of the bag. I make sure the lining is fully pressed into the corners. I then mark the boxed corners on the outside of the bag, fold them into the triangle shape and stitch the boxed corner seam through both the outer and lining fabrics. I then trim the seam close to the stitching, turn the bag inside out and stitch again to form a French Seam at the corners. I find that these French seams help the bag to stay open when I load up with groceries and keep the lining from flopping around inside the bag.
Thanks Helen. I've copied and pasted this comment to my to do file. I'd like to give your method a go. Might do a video if that's ok 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs No Problem, I tried to make the process as simple as possible, keeping everything flat for as long as possible.
When I was in elementary school we made bags like this in Home Ec. I loved it! You brought back really great memories. My friend’s husband owns an upholstery business, I am going to ask for his leftovers 😂 thanks so much!
That's so lovely Eva. Thanks for sharing your story. You're going to get some amazing fabrics from your friend 😃
Wonderful. Great tip not having to measure again. I enjoy your videos. Thanks
Thanks Pjacks 😀
The addition of the lining is really excellent
Thank you 😀
Thank you so much Christine. Great tutorial as always I’ve made several of these already. Much quicker than my usual process. Many thanks from Glasgow Scotland xx
You're very welcome Margaret. Thank you 😀
Thank you very much.
You are welcome Dyana 😀
Love them. Your prices are fair.
Thanks Josie 😀
Thank you for another wonderful tutorial, Christine! You are always fun to watch and have a great way of sharing your ideas and skills. I enjoyed this bag and your others that you’ve shared. I would love for you to show us how to do a bag similar to this but that has fabric that can cover the top as well and then gathers with a ribbon or chord- something that could be used as a gift bag but then keeps the contents of the bag covered. I think especially with Christmas coming up, something like this would be good to give a present in but would still hide the contents to keep as a surprise. Then, it can be put under the Christmas tree but used again and again and not thrown away like wrapping paper.
I've been meaning to do a video of a bag just like that. Not sure that I'll get time before Christmas though. So many ideas.... 😀
Another great project Christine.
Love your work!
Thanks Janet ☺️
Absolutely loved this tutorial! You are excellent at explaining the process! Thank you so much! I appreciate you sincerely.
Thank you so much Glenda 😊
Thanks a lot for this wonderful tutorial. Many greetings from Bavaria in Germany. Susanne
You're very welcome Susanne. I'm originally from Stuttgart 😀
This was a super helpful video. Thank you for recording your process and for all the helpful tips.
You are so welcome! Thank you 😊
I really enjoy watching your videos and have picked up some good time saving tips. Thank you Christine.
You are so welcome Madge. Thank you😀
I love your bags so pretty
Thanks Alaina😀
Thank you for this! I appreciate your expertise,
You are so welcome Vicky. Thank you
Love all this information great info ❤
Glad you enjoyed Anita😊
You always take your time to give us as much information about making things as you could . Thanks for that.
It's a pleasure Karen😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs well I only had one done this time Christine, as I have bad arthritis, he felt it was safer this way, plus he did a little extra, it appears my right hand is ?..disease it is swollen all along a tendon, so a bit different , plus the carpel tunnel. I am very left handed so feel really stuck.hehe. I was horrified this morning , when I woke up I had blood all along one side of the bandage, and my arm is bruised, I have no idea of the cause, consultant didn’t mention it bleeding, so not real sure if this happens or not, it hasn’t bled today. I don’t think I do not take this bandage dressing off till Monday, did you find yours bled at all sorry I am asking you questions, but good to know someone had same op, and how they found things. My second one being done in June. Hope your both well.
It's funny, I had a lot of blood all over my left wrist, and I was concerned I had done some damage, but when the final bandage came off the following week it was all good. The right wrist had barely any.
Interestingly, the right healed slower than the left, and the scarring is a lot worse on the right too. You can really notice it in my videos, whereas I can't fing the left scar. My right is still a little touchy where the nerves are concerned, and i've been getting a fair bit of numbness on the right when I sheep. Not as bad as before though. I think this may be from overuse though. I'm really not very kind to my body😊 As difficult as it is having only one good hand, it's probably better that you are doing them seperately given that you also have arthritis to deal with. Take care😊
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs ah I am so hoping that I have done no damage either, this was the first night I woke up with blood through the bandage. Yesterday I had bruising right down my arm.as well. I had dissolvable stitches as well, I watched him do it , he did a good job I thought, mind you I commented not a lot of blood, and he said more than usual. So I wonder if there is a haematoma that build up and released. I will give them a call tomorrow before taking the bandage down. Thank you for telling me about you, I have been so worried. I so appreciate your advice and help. Sorry away from sewing.
It's always best if you're concerned to talk to the doctor Karen. They'll understand. 😁
I have been making some lined bags as well as grocery non-lined bags. Thank you Christine (hugs)
That's fabulous Dee. Having options/variations for people helps increase sales 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs , I seem to be giving more away than what I am selling. lol. Looking forward to getting more sales very soon. :)
Really great details you shared about making the boxed corners!
Thanks Vikki 😀
Very nice video, going yo make so.e for my shop, THANK YOU!❤
Thanks Linda. I hope they do well for you😁
I really enjoy watching your videos and appreciate your tutorials. I have learned a lot. Thank you so much.
Thanks Rebecca ☺️
Clear instructions, along with helpful hints.
Thanks Sandi ☺️
Great tutorial!
Thanks Andrea ☺️
Christine, Kristi here from North Pole Alaska. To shorten the time try: I would suggest on your bags at the top before turning right side out to stitch in the ditch on the lining side and may even make it so you do not have to to stitch on the right side or at least should make it quicker.
That might just work Kristi. I may give it a go in a future bag 😀
Good to hear from you 🤗💕🇦🇺
I really appreciate how you teach and that you give price suggestions. I really appreciate you very much.
Thank you Margaret 😀
Excellent video, your instructions were so easy to follow, I can't wait to give this a try!
Thank you. Hope you enjoy making your bags😊
Thank you so much for sharing with all these great videos. Now that I am retired, looking for that extra income, this is a great idea. Can you show us, when you sell your beautiful bags online, how do you package them for delivery, and how much to charge for shipping. Thank you.
Thanks Maria. When posting, I just use the satchels that are available from post office, and my website automatically works out prices based on weight of product and location of customer.
I rarely wrap products as my aim is to waste as little unnecessary product as possible 🙃
Thank you for your reply. Have a great week.
Thanks for showing the lined version, seems quite easy as well. Thanks for explaining the pricing.
You're very welcome DS. This is a quite easy bag too 😀
I love you sowing
Thanks Jennifer 😀
I love your videos how do you stay motivated to keep sewing
Thanks Eduarda. It helps to have variety in my sewing. I tend to do a little for myself that keeps me satisfied, and then the rest for work. Plus I just love to sew, sew, sew🤪
These bags are awesome Christine,I’m learning so much from you so thank you. I always thought that I couldn’t sew anything but when I go back and think about what I’ve already done over the years, and I haven’t sewed anything really for a long time. I can do a lot more than what I think. I’m going to enjoy doing a lot of new things after watching and listening to you. I’m looking forward to it and it helps knowing that your videos are there for me to refer back to. The only problem I have is sitting at the machine for any length of time. I have back injuries that prevent me from sitting, standing and lying down for any length of time but I’ll work it out by getting up and having a break etc. I’m getting excited to get my sewing machine down here with me. It’s still sealed up in the box. I did have a new one prior to this one but it got smashed up in a car accident. I always had second hand ones prior to that.
Thanks Pamela. I have loads of back trouble from sewing because I sit way too long. I have my machine and work table away from each other so that I have to stand and stretch. When it gets too much, I'll go stretch out on the couch😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs yeah Christine I can relate to that. It’s awful but there’s not a great deal you can do about it. I’ve had 2 lots of back surgeries with steel pins in my back but they are not touching me again. EVER. Take care and hope your not in too much pain. Have a great weekend.
I love the fabric colors you choose for this bags tutorial!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge to us.
Thank you so much Luan 😀
You have great shortcuts. I wouldn't think of.
Thanks Ellen🙂
I love the swatch that looks like a Bargello quilt! Gorgeous!
I thought the same Brenda. I've made a few Bargello quilts. They're so much fun 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs I am in the middle of making my first one. They are fun!
Thank you, looks great. I don't usually line my bags but it really looks better. I will try it thank you
You’re very welcome 😊
Thank you for all your tips!!
You are so welcome Pam 😀
I really like your products. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Carla 😀
Fabulous tutorial. Good learning and sharing. Thank you.
You're very welcome!😀
Love the bag fabric pattern and color 👍💚
Thank you! 😊
I love it!!
Thanks Wynette 😀
Hi Christine I am new to this and been watching your videos and thought i try this one out first i live in Southern Ireland and thinking of starting a upholstery Business and thought these bags would be a good start for me I have a brother heavy duty sewing machine so hope that is going to be ok keep up the good work
I first started my bag making with an old Janome machine Arthur. I think you'll be fine with yours. Good luck with the business😀
Thenks.
You're welcome Maleka 😊
Hi Christine I recently happened to see your video. It is very motivating for a person like me. I started sewing tote bags watching UA-cam videos, some of them didn't come out right. So I gave up,but now feel like to restart donig it for selling.
Thanks.
Soniya, you can do it! I wish you good fortune 😁
Thanks Christine. 😊
Lovely
Thanks Heidi 😀
Hello! I'm binging your videos. Would you consider doing a video about interfacing? I'm new to sewing and I don't know the difference or what is used for why or why not.
I'd love to Mortessa. I've tried contacting companies to send me samples to work with, but no luck yet😁
Awesome video
Thanks Arlene ☺️
I make my webbing to go all the way around the bag. The bag is so much sturdier. I have bags that are ten years old and still great because the webbing takes the load.
My original bags were the same Nan. It's especially great when you use cotton fabric. I've been planning a video with that technique 😀
Yes about the handles. I like my lining attached so when it gets washed, they stay together. Have you ever tried sewing the lining to the main bag wrong sides together? Then put them together and sew the handles, so you don't have to pull the bag through the lining. My bags are 1/2 yard each side and like your single bag, I keep my corners on. Saves time and never had any complaints. Will definitely start reinforcing my straps though. I use a double needle for the top with the handles that I do an automatic back and forth - SS on my machine for the stitch length. Hope that helps.
Thanks Robin. Doing this method would the lining seams be shown?😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs no. I sew right sides together on each, box my corners, then attach the corners - wrong sides to each other - just the corners. Then put the lining in the outer fabric, (or put the outer fabric around the lining - so as you would see it for sale), line up where the handles go, sew the top with a fold on the top - so raw edges aren't showing, handles in between the two bags. Hope that helps.
I think I get this. I might have to give it a go. Perhaps even do a video for it. Thanks for the clarification Robin 😀
Thank you so much for measurements in cm.
You're very welcome Nataša😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs 👍👋
Love the tutorial! You do such an awesome job explaining everything. I was curious what kind of thread you use on upholstery Fabric? Thank you for sharing with all us folks out here on UA-cam. Have a wonderful day. 💖
Most of the time I use Gutermann thread Melodie. It's convenient for me as it's what I always sold when I was a fabric store 😀
Thank you Christine, love listening and watching you. Did you say you wanted some ideas , Ive got one, do you think you could make a makeup bag with a brush holder attached?, just an idea . Xx
That's an interesting idea Tracey. Where would the brush holder be placed? Inside the bag, our outside? 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs on the outside, sewn in the bottom and folds over the makeup bag. Does that make sense lol
Thank you
Thanks Cynthia ☺️
Lynn here on Hubby's phone 😏, Love these bags , I've made bags like that , but you wouldn't be able to get that price here in England, even at craft market's , love the blue striped one tho 🤗 Take Care Love xx
Thanks Lynn. Keep in mind that my prices are in AU $, and that the conversion would be almost half that where you are. I'm always doubtful that I'll get the asking price for my products, but I've been very pleasantly surprised 😀
Love you tutorial what size needle do you use on this fabric
Thanks Donna. I'd recommend using 90/14 or 110/18 if you have those. I'm also guilty of using 80/12's with these bags when I'm too lazy to change the needles 😀
Thank you for another great tutorial! For me, cutting the fabric is the worst part of the procedure! My back hurts so much by the time I finish the cutting, I need to go sit down.
I have the same problem Linda. Always a pinch in the same spot😁
Where does one find material that you freely acquire? Love your videos, thank you
Thanks Fran. You can ask around at furniture stores and upholsterers. I did a video in this topic a little while back😃
Thank you need to know are all you bags washable?
Yes Maryann. These bags are washable 😃
Love this xx
Thanks Jane 😀
Great looking bags Christine, do you prewash the fabric before sewing them. I have a few bags that I use for my food shopping and after I use them a few times I like to put them in the washer to freshen them up. What are your thoughts. Also when you sew these bags without a liner how do you finish the side seems on the inside to stop them from fraying. Thank you Barb
Thanks Barb. I don't usually prewash the fabric unless it needs it. I do wash them regularly though as I use mine daily for groceries. I use an overlocker/serger to keep the edges neat, and sometimes I do French seams😁
Great videos! What size needles do you use?☺
Thanks Irene. I usually use 110/90, but generally whatever is in my machine at the time 😁
Great tutorial. I'd like to see bag with the zipper.
Thanks Susane. I'll try to do that one soon 😀
I was wondering if you could tell me what weight of poly pro webbing you use. Is lightweight too light? Is it more like a ribbon? Thanks for helping.
Cathy, the first 20 or so bags I made years ago were using a light weight webbing that I found on Ebay. Very poor quality, but I still use and wash the bags that I have. I found a much heavier duty webbing (like what is used in dog leads) that is fabulous. A ribbon would be too light and flimsy for the handles, and probably would cheapen the look. If I didn't have webbing, I'd make the handles and perhaps even use interfacing to give it more structure 😀
Are the handles 44” or 44cm? It could be the video, but they don’t look long enough to be 44”. Thank you for your videos.
Marrianne, the handles are 44", then I cut them down to 22"😀
Do unlined bags sell better than lined? Thank you.
Sally I've sold over 3000 unline bags, and only about 50 or so lined bags. However, I never have much excess stock in the lined bags. There's also the price difference to consider, and dolour options 😀
When you are mass producing what color thread do you use?
Lisa, I favour a shade of grey, or even a blue/grey. I find it blends very well😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thank you
Great job. If you don’t mind me asking, how do you make your labels?
I order my labels from wunderlabel😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs awesome, thank you. I’ll check them out.
How long did you make the handles? Thank you so much for the video…
Tristin, I cut my strapping at 44" (110cm) then cut it in half to make two handles 😀
Christine's Home Affairs
The polypropylene webbing, do you buy the heavy weight or the light weight? I was getting ready to order some because I don't like making my straps!
Hi Sheila, This is where i purchase mine from www.vardhman.com.au/polypropylene-webbing-50mts-25mm-sewing-horse-rugs it's quite a strong webbing. I've tried some from Ebay which was very thin. It still worked fine, but I like the heavier one better 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs
Thank you so much Christine!
You're welcome Sheila 😀
Oh Christine I have to laugh at myself today. Now I usually watch your video beginning to end then I rewatch it pausing as I sew along with you watching directions. But not today! I was feeling a bit confident and decided to give it a go by memory. Well I boxed my corners using a 3 1/2 inch so ended up looking way different than your nice bag. Let’s just say I’ll call it my “short stubby” bag!! Needless to say I will not stray from watching, then pausing you while I do each step.
haha, that's funny Steph. You must have used the corners for the large shopping bags😁
How many inches are the bags
Bertha, the bags are 15 1/2" wide at the top x 9 3/4" high from boxed corner to top edge 😁
Where do you get swatch fabric?
I did this video a while back explaining how I get free fabric 😀
What's the name of the fabric you used to make the bags?
These were made using upholstery fabric samples 😀
Where can I order labels?
Mayr, I get mine from wunderlable. Link is in the description 😀
When you work out your time Christine, do you also add the cutting time in that hour and 20 minutes for 3 bags ?
Good question Dee. I didn't with this lot as there was only one fabric piece that needed trimming to size. (remember, I used sample swatch fabric and most were the same size) Usually when I work out costing for a new product, I'll cut out enough fabric for a few items, and add up all the time taken from cutting to folding or pressing finished products.😀
20 Australian dollars is approx 15 € or $ US.
27 Aus dollars is 17 €or Us $.
You are using Aus $?
That's correct Heidi. I use Australian dollars. I did a conversion video some time back 😀