Feed Bag Tote Bag

We get our chicken feed in bags made of woven plastic. If they were paper I'd put them down under the mulch in the flower beds, but was stumped what to do with these. Then I realized that the bags we use for groceries were made from the same type fabric (DIMPA from IKEA). So I whipped out the sewing machine and came up with this version. I'm not that good at sewing, rather sloppy actually, but I managed to make one that I wouldn't be embarrassed to carry!

Step 1: Clean out a bag.

Lay your bag out flat on the table.  Cut the string from the bottom strip and then even up the bottom of the bag.
Stitch along the bottom of the bag 1/4" from the bottom. 
Turn bag inside-out and sew along the bottom 1/2" from the bottom.  This gives you a French seam which encloses the cut edge and helps make it more durable.
Stand the bag open end down on the table and take the two corners and make "dog ears".  I measured 2 1/2"  from the corner and sewed across the corner.

Comments

[LeFleche]

Please Help! I am trying like crazy to make these bags and can't make it work! I have a new Brother sewing machine that doesn't do it. I used regular thread and needle and the thread just broke. So then I've tried a heavy duty needle and quilting thread, it balls up on the bottom. I borrowed an old White Rotary Machine, it balls up/knots up on the bottom also! Also using a heavy duty needle and heavy thread. Tried normal thread in the old machine and thread just broke. It seems like everyone else can do this and I'm totally frustrated! I have people that want to buy these from me but I can't get it to work right.

[craftydabbler]

I'm so sorry you're having problems with your machine! I have a Sears Kenmore and mine was doing the same thing. I tried everything: rewinding the bobbin, changing both tensions, using different threads, when I finally gave up and took it to the Sears store for them to have a look. They sent it off, and the tech called me and said that it just needed cleaning (it was still pretty new!) and that I should be using plastic bobbins in this model (I was using metal). That did it - it worked like it was supposed to after that. Google your model and see if anyone else has your problem. It could be something just as simple. I hope this helps.

[jeldie]

Such a great idea. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. Off to the chicken feed bags :)

[HorseyGal]

I work at a horse farm and we use Purina feeds (which usually has super cute pics on the front) and I was THRILLED to see your tutorial on this! thank you for sharing! I got a sewing machine as an early Christmas gift and went to work on these last night! I did it! I have never sewn in my life and I actually have made two of these now! SUPER EASY and SUPER DURABLE project! Thanks! Oh and I used a 14 needle for this one..

[peaceluv1969]

I am wondering if anyone on here that does these bags would be willing to make some for a Humane Society? Mostly Cats...Is what I am looking for.
I would be willing to pay a small fee or whatever you would find reasonable.
I would have this as a continuing thing and have them as Fund Raisers. Is anyone willing to help out somebody that does not sew at all?? For a good cause? Thank you, my email is: [e-mail]

[siouxbaum]

Did anyone offer to do this for you? My boys and I are looking at making them for their 4H recycling project - we'd be glad to try if still interested. You can contact me at [e-mail]. Thanks

[craftydabbler]

Congratulations on your first sewing project....I LOVE how they turned out!!! Thank you for sharing :-)

[HorseyGal]

thanks!!!!

[jadedladi]

HI
I am liiking for these feed bags to make my own market totes. If anyone is interested in selling me in unfinished bags please contact me!!!
[e-mail]
thanks
Mary Jo

[Lee-in-Iowa]

Thanks! I've just gotten chickens (6 months ago) and have been feeling guilty about tossing all these sturdy bags into the trash (actually, I"ve used them as trash bags, but still, it's a waste). I'll try this. I may also just reinforce the bottoms, add a few slits for drainage, and use them as "grow bags" like the "Tater Totes" on this site.

[rosewood513]

Lee
You can use these as florist cloth to keepeds out of your garden,just cut hte bags open and lay it down and put mulch on top keep the weeds off. You may want to poke some holes to let in the water.Just a thought.

[rosewood513]

Wow I thought I had a original idea, I do this with chicken feed bags.
You really did an excellent job, much nicer than mine.

[peaceluv1969]

Trying to find someone that would be interested in making these for my Humane Society? I do not sew, and these would be great for Fund Raisers. I am willing to pay for what ever you think is reasonable. I am looking for Cat bags.. Thank You, Please email me at:
[e-mail]

[daisy103]

Thank you! They are super cute and practical too. I don't have the feed sacks myself but have some friends I could get them from. Very cool! http://sweetandsassygirl.com

[daisy103]

These purses are really cute. How well do they hold up to everyday use? http://sweetandsassygirl.com

[craftydabbler]

I use this as a grocery tote mostly. It's held cereal boxes, rice bags, canned goods, jars, frozen foods, etc. I also use them to take presents to parties, hold craft items for projects, books to Half Price Books. Very sturdy.

[HorseyGal]

@Lee: what a great idea! Use them as grow bags!!! If anyone on here has some chicken feed bags they would like to "trade" for some horse feed bags, please message me! We can ship them to eachother flat and use them for whatever! :-)

[shelley echtle]

So cute...

[craftydabbler]

Thanks! If you have a pet lover on your Christmas list you could make one and fill it with a bag of dog (cat, bird, etc) food, playthings, treats, food dish, collar, leash, gift card to local pet store, pet-themed photo frame, and a book or magazine about their particular pet. Fill it half full first with shredded paper from your desk shredder.

[sunshiine]

I have made a few of these from onion bags. I love the chicken! I will have to talk to my friend and see if they have any bags. These totes would make super gifts for pet lovers and country pumpkins. Thanks for sharing your hard work.

[mary candy]

very clever idea !
I love it.
Fashion and recycled ;)

[norml]

Wonderful idea. It'll make anyone the envy of their local farmer's market. Farm-girl chic.

[l8nite]

my dogfood comes in the same kind of bags, they come in handy (even unsewn) for wet and sandy towels coming home from the beach or pool. Leak resistent they make great recycling bags for drink cans in the house. Stuffed with plastic grocery bags and a lil ducktape sealing they make comfy outdoor cushions. Really nice "ible" maybe I should find a sewing machine (and learn how 2 use it)

[craftydabbler]

I forgot to add that I used a "16" needle and heavy duty thread (made for sewing denim). I hope this helps!

[jxross]

Clever. I have several of the exact same bag "laying" around because I "just knew" I could use it for something. Looks like I need to pull out the sewing machine. Thanks for sharing the idea.