What type of fabric...

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-23-2008, 11:03 AM

I am planning on making some reusable grocery bags, and I need opinions on what type of fabric I should use. I would love to use canvas, but it is so expensive, I just don't want to spend that much right now!

Any ideas for an inexpensive heavy duty fabric that would work on a tote to hold groceries? I need something that will be strong enough to hold cans & won't wear too quickly! I think I am going to make about 10 of them, and I'm guess that I'll need about 1/3 of a yard for each tote.

**Missy** · 01-23-2008, 11:07 AM

denim? or double up on other fabrics??

**PrairieRose** · 01-23-2008, 11:19 AM

Use old jeans...(not your's where there are holes but otherwise it's great for bags and will hold up well). You can usually get all the old ones you want if you'll mention it to family and friends...they'll pass more along than you want/need.

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-23-2008, 01:10 PM

Aha! Jeans! I love it! I have 2 little boys who constantly outgrow jeans, and I have a whole basket full of them in their closet. Maybe I could patchwork them into bags!

BRILLIANT! Thank you!

**nuisance26** · 01-23-2008, 02:00 PM

~I like to use cotton/polyester sheets. They're super cheap at Walmart and come in great patterns. A king sized flat sheet will make about 8 bags with side panels and fabric straps. Mine have been going strong for 4 years now. I don't like working with denim because the seams are so bulky and needles get dull VERY quickly.~

**quiltergirl** · 01-23-2008, 07:29 PM

Recycled jeans work quite well -- I've done that. I've also used twill slacks or skirts from the thrift store. You want something nice and heavy that will wear well and wash well -- they do get dirty.

**shortcake** · 01-23-2008, 07:54 PM

Look at your local hardware store or maybe even places like Walmart. Canvas is expensive at the fabric store but they usually sell it for a good price as painters drop cloth. Why it is less I have no clue because it is the same heavy duty stuff. Maybe the color is off or might have a defect but you can work around that. At my fabric store they have a section in the back that has seconds goods with minor defects. I tell the lady what use I need the material for and she tells me if she has anything suitable in the less expensive seconds.

**sunshine** · 01-23-2008, 10:29 PM

Jeans as stated

I've also used old curtains (even lace ones are pretty sturdy), and I took a part an old fake fur coat and made a tote from that -- look at your thrift stores for any outdated , cheap clothing that would be good material (some of the double knits are good too).

**mom2matty** · 01-23-2008, 11:44 PM

I was going to say jeans as well!!

**Izzybeff** · 01-24-2008, 12:20 PM

Ours are made out of upholstery material.

**mommy4ever** · 01-24-2008, 01:06 PM

Denim, uphostery, recycled pants and skirts, use webbing for straps. These are cute.(I wanna make some of those). And Darn! I just brought donations to Good will..lol. I'll be watching the give aways though.

Our grocery stores here sell bags for .99 so I have a few bought ones too. They get used for everything.

Hmm...what else? Old table cloths, Outdoor canvas. Canvas

Look in the discount section of the fabric store, there's often chea p cheap stuff for sale that'll work.

**julieb** · 01-24-2008, 01:26 PM

My neighbor threw out some old drapes, I asked her if I could have them and made them into reusable grocery bags. The material is heavy and washed beautifully. I have been using these bags for two years now and they are still going strong!!