Introduction: How to Fuse Plastic Bags Into a Laptop Case

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Need a laptop case and want to do your part in saving Mother Earth? Try out this laptop case made from plastic bags.

Watch the episode here or watch below:

Step 1: Materials

You'll need:
-wax paper
-scissors
-iron
-lots of plastic bags (the crinklier the better)
-Fabric for lining (like an old sweatshirt)

Step 2: Preparing the Bags for Fusing

Cut off the handles of the bags (but save them for later). Also cut of the very bottom of the bag, getting rid of the seam.

TIP: If there are any logos on the bag, turn it inside out to keep the ink from running

Fold the bags til so there are 8 layers (folding twice will do this)

Step 3: Fusing the Bags

Open up the windows in the room you're in for ventilation and turn on your iron to a medium setting

Tear out two pieces of wax paper that are large enough to cover the plastic you're fusing.

Sandwich your plastic between the wax paper and begin ironing the wax paper, keeping it moving at all times. Iron each side for 20-30 seconds.

Remove the plastic from the wax paper and check for bubbles in the plastic which will lead to holes and tearing down the road for your laptop case.

Repeat this step for about 10 bags

TIP: You can also fuse logos from plastic bags onto your fused plastic

Step 4: Sewing Together the Plastic Bags

Start by "truing" up the pieces, trimming the edges so they are all straight and even.

Position the pieces to make a rectangle big enough to fit your computer on it twice, with a bit extra for a closure flap. Keep about 2 1/2 in on each side for seam allowance.

Sew pieces together by overlapping them on top of each other and sewing with a zig zag stitch





Step 5: Add Lining

Get your fabric and cut a piece that is the same size as your sewed plastic

Place the pieces together, right sides facing in. Attached them with something that will not puncture them (NO STRAIGHT PINS). Use bobby pins.

Sew the liner and the shell together leaving one end open.

Step 6: Add Padding

Turn the bag inside out and sew a seam one inch from the edge (still not sewing on the open side)

Seam a seam 2 inches from the bottom, or the short side that is sewed closed

Take out the extra plastic bits from Step 2, the used wax paper and more plastic bags and begin stuffing the case. When you get about 4 inches up, seam another seam across the case.

Stuff more and seam until you reach 6 inches from the top.

Step 7: Finishing Up the Case

Fold and sew the top edge down.

Place the case right side together leaving room for the flap. Sew down both sides and turn it right ride out.

Hold in and sew the side of the flap.

Add some velcro and you're done!