EASY Chicken Feed Bag Tote /Purse. Big Sellers at Farmer's Markets! Upcycle to Awesome for Spring And!!

This simple feed-bag tote re-purposes almost all of the feed bags we use around a farm with 200+ animals, and with Spring Chick Season around the corner, many of you are about to have a lot more bags lying around.
With selling these bags on our website (www.choppingblockfarm.com,) etsy, ebay and Farmer's Markets- we pay for our feed completely! What better way to save money for spring projects than to make money from what you already have lying around.

You will need:
* a feed bag
* Sewing Machine (thread)
*scissors
*ruler (if you wanna be picky)

Cost:
Free (if you use the feed, and potential profit if sold at farmer's markets)
9-19$ if you purchase the feed just for the bag, but most people will happily give theirs away!

I made this entire bag INCLUDING time to take pictures for this instructable in 50 minutes. Without stopping to take pictures (or measure exactly) I can finish one in about 40 minutes. This is literally the first sewing project I have ever started to try to reuse some of our bags and I have made about 10 of these so far. It is very simple :)

Step 1: Acquire 40-50lb Feed Bag.

We use 40/50 lb bags for this project. Chicken, cow, goat, rabbit and bird food bags have been used by us. Generally speaking, avoid dog or cat food bags as they contain meat products and the oils from the meat put a gross film all over the bag. You CAN use the dog/cat food bags if you'd like, but I would wash them with dawn dish soap after cutting top and bottom off then hang to dry before starting project :)

Step 2: Cut the Bag

Cut approximately 6" off the top of the bag in as straight of a line as possible (as these will be your handles.) On Nutrena bags, we usually cut along the top of the word "Wise."
Set aside.
Cut the bottom of the bag off. We generally cut only 1-2" off, but keep in mind you can cut off as much as you'd like but it will affect bag dimensions.

Step 3: Turn Bag Inside Out.

I generally use this time to wipe any dust or debris from the bag using a paper towel or damp cloth.
The bags wipe clean easily and this can be cleaned easily as completed bags. For this reason I do not use a liner as I like them to be easily cleanable.

Step 4: Thread

I'm no seamstress- far from it, but I use a heavy weight thread for the bag and regular weight for the bobbin thread. Use whatever you/your machine is comfortable with and feel free to mix up some neat color combinations!

Step 5: Sew the Bottom

(Make sure it is the bottom- I've made that mistake before and you have an upsides down bag.) Sew the bottom of the bag closed, approximately 1/2" from cut edge. (Don't forget to back sew your edges during this whole project so they don't fray!)

Step 6: Resew the Bottom

After sewing, fold up approximately 1/2" from the seam...and once again. This will conceal your sewn edge. Sew this fold.

Step 7: Fold Down Top

Fold down the top of your bag approximately 1/2 " . Sew this fold.

Step 8: Measure and Fold Bottom to Create Gusset

Measure in 3" from each bottom edge of the bag. Fold these towards you and sew each 3" fold individually.

Step 9: Turn Bag "right-side Out."

Your top fold should now be on the inside.
Fold your bottom flaps in and pull taught to reveal gussets. Your bag should now stand freely (or at least close, depending on how wrinkled your bag is.)

Step 10: Fold Top Seam In.

Take the seam along the top that was sewn while the bag was inside out. Fold this seam in (towards inside of bag) approximately 3/4" of an inch. Fold inside again to conceal sewn edge.

Keep in mind that we like our Meatbird totes to clearly read "Meatbird" at the top. That having been said, you can adjust your fold to wherever you like as this will permanently be the front of your bag. Just make sure to sew near the fold to leave extra room for the next step!

I sew this fold with a "pattern" on my machine. There are many to choose from, but I like the simple "zig zag."

Step 11: Make Handles

Using strip cut from top, find the seam in the bag and pull apart by unsealing seam. This should reveal one long piece of bag material. Cut this piece in 1/2 for two 6" wide equally long pieces of material.

Step 12: Fold Handle

Fold one piece in 1/2 lengthwise. Unfold and use the original crease as template line. Fold top and bottom edge to that line. Then fold entire piece creating one handle. At this time I use my ruler to make a crisp fold.

Step 13: Sew Handle

Sew edges and side of handle to connect any unsewn edges.

Repeat folding and sewing on other handle.

Step 14: Place Handle

Measure in approximately 3-4" from edge of bag and place handle edge under lip. This is where you get to decide which side of your handle material you want facing which direction. I generally choose the side with the most design facing out. That of course means I seem to always have a barcode visible. I put the barcode strap on the "back" of the bag.

When you have placed the corner under, fold this around to create one side of your handle and sew in place. I have chosen an "X" type shape, but sew to your comfort level and preference. Just remember that your bag will only be as sturdy as your seams.

Also remember to make sure you measure equally on both sides or your handles will be lopsided. Also make sure they are not twisted.

Step 15: Continue

Continue this process on the other side, and for the "front" of the bag. I usually do the back first to get "in the groove" of sewing the "X" pattern before moving to the front.

Step 16: Enjoy Your New Bag!

Not too shabby, huh? Check out our website at www.choppingblockfarm.com for these bags for sale and other great stuff!

Comments

[seamster]

You had my attention with "Meatbird."

But those gussets are genius. That's just too easy. Thanks for posting this!

[sbgroupnepal]

As always, i had a great time reading this one. Keep on sharing

[pamala.leonard]

I love this! We have two large hungry dogs and I wanted a way to reuse their dog food bags. My thinking way too fussy (only use the picture of the dog, etc.). It s much smarter to use the whole bag. Thanks.

[OliversMom]

I LOVE it! Thanks so much for the pics with the tutorial. The gussets are amazing, thanks again for the tips. Making today...I have two sunflower seed bags.

[OliversMom]

These are the first two that I have made. I still have to practice with the handles. I am super happy with them. Thanks again

[Aximili]

I love it, just gonna have to get some chickens.

[wildviolets]

Thank you so very much!!!! I have thrown away dozens, but now have about 10 in my barn. I knew there had to be a use for these.....I am going to make some. Awesome. Thanks again.

[nemalim]

cool project, and what a nice material you used!

I've made the bag I'm using as my lunch bag from a dog food sac -

https://www.instructables.com/id/upcycling-different-materials-into-bags/

[arete01]

thank you for sharing.

This bag is so funny!

[chopping block farm]

Thanks for looking! I was my first instructable :)

[incorrigible packrat]

I could go for some 22% crumbles right about now. mmmmm.

[chopping block farm]

I could go for some spring time so I can stop buying so much! :) -4 right now :(

[chopping block farm]

Thanks for the comments guys. These are my first sewing projects. I sell them to offset feed cost but use them for a lot of things. Ya figure with the cheap paper seam they hold 40lbs of food flopping around. Add double (or in the case of the bottom) triple seams and sturdy handles and they are unstoppable! I'm more worried about them ripping then falling apart!
Just opened this account and can't wait to post more farm related instructables!