Will non-canvas work for grocery bags?

[StormySar]

I have a TON of fabric laying around that i've been meaning to make diapers, bags and organizers from. Of course tiem is the problem and I never have any of that, so the material keeps piling up. LOL.

I have no canvas, but want to start using nonplastic bags for every outing and shopping. Do the bags have ot be canvas to hold up, or can I use just about anything other than stretchy and thin fabrics?

Anyone have directions for making your own bags? I was going to just fold a long peice of fabric in half, sew on the wrong side, turn and topstitch again and add handles but that may not be so handy when hauling eggs and stuff around that could benefit froma flat bottom. So if anyone has links to directions, that would be great!

[LaughingHyena]

There are some instuctions here. http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/clothbags.html

I would think any strong fabric would work, I'm certainly hoping so as I've got a fair ammount of left overs which I am planning to make into bags.

So far I've made a small one for DD just to test the pattern. It came out OK but I did learn that the handles need to be really well sewn on (top botton and an X seems to do the trick)

[talk de jour]

I don't see why not, as long as the handles and base are extremely well reinforced.

[KariM]

I have some double layer cloth bags that are *very* sturdy and the fabric isn't canvas. I think with careful construction and fabric choices you should be able to sew up some bags that will hold up to grocery stress.

[Abarat]

I used $0.50 a yard fabric for my bags and I can carry about 4-5 half gallons of milk in them! I didn't double the fabric either. I just really reinforced my handles. The fabric is something akin to a calico...just a general cotton fabric. I just made a simple rectangular bag and gave it some short handles, sewn very very well. They've been working like a charm for over a year now!

[Scribe]

I have some that are double layer fabric and sort of quilted, and they are fantastic.

[MomToKandE]

My favorite cloth bags are Chico bags and they're made of nylon so yes, I think other fabrics can work just fine.

[cece]

Here's a link to a tutorial for ya
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=47761.0

[chel]

you might want to have the handles go around the bottom of the bag to add support

[ahdoula]

Wegman's (in CNY) sell reusable bags for $1 each that I use...they are made from some sort of vinal/mesh/cloth blend and even have rivets to reinforce the handles. Very sturdy and nice, the bottom is even squared off so it carries and folds like a paper bag.