Zero waste is a lifestyle that can be implemented little by little, in each room of the house, in each of our daily actions. Everyone goes at their own pace, without pressure, with the objective of reducing waste and the impact on the environment.
One way to achieve this is to opt for zero waste shopping. Therefore, you will need fabric bulk bags.
Fabric bags can be used to reduce waste at the grocery store but also at the bakery to avoid waxed paper bags.
In this article, we will show you how to make your own fabric bulk bag or bread bag with what you have to hand.
Which fabric to use to make your bulk or bread bag ?
If you don't have anything at home, it's best to use natural fibers like cotton, linen and hemp.
If you have old t-shirts, old drapes, old sheets, mismatched pillowcases, etc., you can use them. This can do the trick! There is no universal size for bulk bags so you can make small, medium or large ones depending on the fabric you have. Plus, it gives your clothes a second life!
Tutorial for making a bulk bag
A video to enlighten you on this manufacturing process :
Several methods exist, try them... you can't screw up! Here is a written explanation of the steps :
Start by drawing two rectangles of the same size on your chosen fabric (for example 20 cm by 30 for a medium bag but take the size you want depending on your desires and the amount of fabric available).
Then cut out the two rectangles.
Draw a 5.5cm line from the edge to make the flap (if there are patterns on your fabric draw the lines on the opposite side of the pattern) and place the fabrics inside out according to the tracing lines.
Pin the two fabrics together to prevent them from moving during sewing.
Begin sewing 1 cm from the edge, starting below the flap line. Sew all 3 edges to the flap line.
After that, iron the edges inwards for the 3 sides. For the side where the opening is, fold the edge by 1cm and iron it (to mark the fold). Then fold the fabric back to the line and iron. Do the same on both sides.
Make a seam at the previously drawn line, making sure to take only one side (so as not to close the bag). Repeat the operation a second time.
Turn the bag right side out.
Finally, choose a ribbon, cord or string to close the bulk bag. Cut it in 2 (1 ribbon should go on both sides) and slide them with a safety pin in one direction and in the other. Make two knots on each side and pull to close.
Tutorial for making a bread bag
For the bread bag, you can do it the same way as for the bulk bag but adapting the dimensions for the size of your bread or baguette.
Here are some size references for your bag depending on the bread you want to carry :
- Baguettes : about 70 cm by 25 cm
- Round bread : about 30 cm by 30 cm
A thicker fabric is ideal for bread, or line the fabric to maintain the preservation effect. Linen is generally ideal as a fabric for bread bags.
To conclude …
I hope you've enjoyed this blog and that it has helped you craft some beautiful bulk bags. Feel free to send us your photos or tag KissPlanet on Facebook or Instagram.
See you soon for more zero waste adventures !
Titi the Wapiti