Introduction: Reusable, Strong Bag Out of Old Binders

This is an instructable on how to make a reusable, hefty and heavy-duty bag out of old binders! This is very useful for going to the store and shopping, especially with certain areas of the world charging consumers for extra money for a reusable shopping bag.

Step 1: Gather Materials

These are the materials you will need to create a reusable bag out of binders:

- 2 binders of the same size

- Scrap cardboard

- Straps of bendable material (I used suspenders)

- Pencil

- Scissors

- Hot glue

The two binders will create the body of the bag, the scrap cardboard will create the bottom flooring of the bag, the straps of material will create the handle, the pencil is used to trace out the cardboard, scissors will be used to cut the cardboard, and the hot glue will seal everything together.

Step 2: Hot Glue Binders Together

First, position the binders so that one rests on top of the other on a flat surface. Next, place them so that if they were bended into the shape of a binder, one side of each binder will easily slip into place behind the metal rings. This should be the case for both binders.

Now that they are positioned as the pictures above, hot glue them into place. Place some hot glue on the edges of the inner side out of the outer flaps of the binder. Press inward securely and wait for approximately one minute to let the hot glue dry.

Step 3: Trace the Bottom of the Binder Onto Cardboard

The next step is to trace the bottom of the binder onto cardboard. Make sure the tracing is even and will fit nicely onto the bottom of the binder.

Step 4: Cut the Cardboard

Cut the cardboard, following the pencil mark. After doing so, cutting multiple layers of cardboard in the exact same way is essential. This will help in creating stability for the items placed inside of the bag. In this prototype, three layers of cardboard were cut. The more layers of cardboard that are cut out, the sturdier the reusable bag will be!

Step 5: Hot Glue the Cardboard Layers

The next step is to hot glue the layers of cardboard together. Lay the first layer of cardboard onto a flat surface. Place hot glue all around the perimeter of the first layer, then add the second layer of cardboard right on top. Repeat this process for the next layer, or until you have run out of layers to glue.

Step 6: Hot Glue the Cardboard to the Binder

Flip the binder body upside-down. Place hot glue on the perimeter of the bottom of the binder. After doing so, place the cardboard right on top, and press securely. Then, wait approximately one minute before releasing to make sure the hot glue is securely attached.

Step 7: Prepping the Straps

With whatever material is chosen, prepping the straps is a must. In this project, suspender straps were used. Also, the suspender clips used to hold suspenders in place was also utilized for aesthetic, but it is completely optional.

Cut the straps to an appropriate length, or the desired length. The length that was cut for this project was about 23 inches of material, or 58 centimeters.

If using suspenders with suspender clips, cut the appropriate length of material first. Then, disconnect the straps from the suspender clips. Lay out the materials - these should include your cut material strip, and two suspender clips. Loop both ends of the suspender fabric through both suspender clips, and secure using hot glue.

Step 8: Connecting the Straps

First, place your binder upright. Next, assess where exactly to place both ends of the handle straps. It is best placed near the top and in the middle to have security. Using hot glue, place some glue onto the first side of the strap and press firmly onto the binder. Wait for one minute, and then switch over to the other side and repeat the process with the other side of the strap, making sure both sides of the straps are symmetrical.

Step 9: Video Summary

A Quick Video summary!

Trash to Treasure Contest 2017

Participated in the
Trash to Treasure Contest 2017

Bag Contest

Participated in the
Bag Contest