Cloth bags---what size/shape is best?

[***Heather***]

****PICS ADDED, POST #6
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I bought some denim material to make cloth bags with. I could buy some in the area, but I'm not exactly thrilled with what they have here. So I figured I could make some to get exactly what I want. Problem is, I'm not exactly sure what I want!

So here's the big Q. What is your favourite size/shape bag? Long handles to put over shoulder, short handles to hold in hand. Deep, skinny, rectangle shaped bags? Shallower bags? Bags same size top to bottom? Or wider at top and narrower at bottom.:

Wow, maybe I should have made this into a poll. Looking forward to any advice, links etc. TIA.

*If they turn out pretty, I might even post pics when I'm done.

[thomlynn]

I think it would be nice to have at least one that's a good size square or rectangle at the bottom (not sure of the sewing term for that). Then you can stack things like cereal boxes, large boxes of baking soda, boxed detergent or whatever. Then you can stack your not boxed stuff on top of that stuff. You can even stack up a ton of library books, all standing upright.

Do you buy anything in bulk like flour or oats?? You could make some smaller bags for that (but I don't know that denim would be the best material for that). Or produce type bags too.

As far as handles I'm not really sure. Mine has shorter handles so when I put it on my shoulder the top opening of the bag is a couple inches from my arm pit. That feels fine for me and I've filled it very heavy with books and carried it with dd in the ergo. It does throw me off a bit but I'm not sure if longer handles would make a difference or not.

For height I would think of the tallest thing you buy, like a box of cereal or a frozen pizza box sideways then make it a bit taller than that so you can put something smaller on top of the box.

Make sure it's very sturdy and ask the baggers to pack it heavy or make extra and spread out the weight.

Also, I'm not sure how hard it would be but I think it would be neat to make it so that you could fold it up small and fit it into a smaller bag in your purse. I'm constantly forgetting my bag in a car and dh has to go out and get it.

Have fun sewing and please let us know how it works out. You might inspire me to make some!!!

[quantumleap]

I like having a couple different sizes, actually. Nothing's worse than a huge bag half full of stuff, I find. I also really like having rounded corners on them, it eliminates those corners that harbour inevitable crumbs and things.
My favorite handle length is like the pp's, long enough that it fits over your shoulder with a few inches to spare under the armpit. This length is great for over the shoulder as it doesn't hang really low and bounce around, but can also be simply held with the handes in your hand without dragging on the ground. But, it's all personal preference, really.
Why not just make one you think you'll like and then use it for awhile. If you like it as is, just make more, but I'm sure you'll come up with a few improvements to make on consequtive bags.
happy sewing.
Katia

[ashleyhaugh]

this is the style i like the best out of all the bags i have
http://www.ecobags.com/s.nl/it.A/id.231/.f

[Nico DeMouse]

I like to have a couple largish bags with handles long enough to put over my shoulder. I also like to have one or two with short handles I can carry in my hand. With two short handled bags and two long handled bags, I can carry four bags at a time from the car to the house.

[***Heather***]

My new bags!

Yay, I made 2 bags!

Here's the fabric

The Bag

Another angle

The colours look kind of funny. The material is actually quite dark IRL.

I made my own pattern for the bags. They are roughly 16" high, 14" wide, 7or 8"deep. Quite big, I was surprised by how much they hold! So far I've used them once for grocery shopping and once at the mall. Love them. The next bunch I make will have slightly shorter handles.

I started by pinning the material together inside out and sewing twice to made sure they're extra strong. Then, turned the bag right side out and sewed another seam with a quarter inch seam allowance. Gives the bag a nice crisp shape. You can see it more clearly in the pic called 'another angle'.

Cost per bag is about...$2.00. Having a unique, made for you shopping bag that's good for the environment... priceless. (Plus the grocery store takes off $0.05/bag you have. Sweet deal.)

[thomlynn]

Those look great!!! Thanks for sharing.

[Billie]

Beautiful job! Thanks for sharing. I may just have to drag out my sewing machine.