How to make a simple cotton bag

Think making a bag is too hard? Think again, craft expert Christine Leech shows how to make one in just a few simple steps, here.

Making your own beach bag or tote is really easy when you follow our simple guide from craft expert Christine Leech.

This simple style of bag is cut from one pillow case, meaning minimum waste of your lovely craft supplies. If you have a sewing machine then you’ll be able to whip these up in just minutes.

Not to worry if you don’t have a sewing machine though, you can always hand sew your bag. We quite like having a hand sewing project on the side, it makes a relaxing craft to do a little bit of here and there, in the evenings or quiet moments.

Pretty enough to sell, these bags are strong and sturdy as they’re made from one large piece of fabric. If you want it to be even stronger try using a calico or canvas-like fabric instead of a pillow case.

You can then sell them as shoppers, totes or beach bags. People love personalised goods so why not offer embroidered initials or name tags to go with your bags, too?

If you already sell your crafts you could always offer these for a small amount extra with another purchase, as a stylish plastic bag alternative.

You will need

-A patterned pillowcase

-Scissors

-Pins

-Sewing machine

-Threads

-Newspaper

-Sequins

-Glue

Step 1

Iron your pillowcase, so it’s nice and flat, then fold it in half lengthways. Cut away the top edges at the end where the pillowcase opens (see the photo above). Turn the pillowcase inside out, then pin and sew the top edges of the case where the handle is formed.

Step 2

Turn over the raw edges of the bag’s openings twice and pin in place. Sew along the edges, then iron them flat.

Step 3

Put newspaper inside the bag (to stop the insides getting stuck together) and glue sequins on the outside to decorate. Or sew them on.

Jessica Dady
Food Editor

Jessica Dady is Food Editor at GoodtoKnow and has over 12 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the must-buy seasonal food hampers and advent calendars for Christmas to the family-friendly air fryers that’ll make dinner time a breeze, Jessica loves trying and testing various food products to find the best of the best for the busy parents among us. Over the years of working with GoodtoKnow, Jessica has had the privilege of working alongside Future’s Test Kitchen to create exclusive videos - as well as writing, testing, and shooting her own recipes. When she’s not embracing the great outdoors with her family at the weekends, Jessica enjoys baking up a storm in the kitchen with her favourite bakes being chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and a tray of gooey chocolate brownies