Easy to Sew Plastic Bag Dispenser

Keep plastic grocery bags tidy and ready to reuse with an Easy To Sew Plastic Bag Dispenser. This simple sewing tutorial shows you step by step how to make your own so you can organize all the plastic bags in your pantry! This is a must-have for all those unruly grocery bags you bring home from the grocery store. This dispenser makes it easy to grab a bag to dispose of smelly diapers and dog poo, or anything else you might need a bag for! I use them for my dirty laundry and my shoes when I am traveling and they work great at keeping my bag from getting dirty or smelling.

This project is a great seller at craft fairs and farmers markets. Make them in a variety of colors to match every home’s style and décor. DIY plastic bag dispensers are wonderful to give as gifts too! It’s one of those things everyone needs.

Supplies To Sew A Plastic Bag Dispenser

• 18″ x 22″ Cotton Fabric
• 8″ Of Elastic
• 7″ of Grosgrain Ribbon
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pins
• Fabric Marker
• Hem gauge
• Safety Pin
• Optional Rotary Cutter & Mat
• Sewing Machine

A heavy weight cotton is best for this project (think home décor fabric) to hold its shape. However, fat quarters are the perfect size. They will work fine and save you some cutting time.

Similar products to the ones we used in the example are linked below for your convenience.

How To Sew A Plastic Bag Holder

Begin this plastic bag holder sewing tutorial by washing, drying and pressing your fabric. This will remove any chemicals used during manufacturing and allow for shrinkage.

Then square up your fabric using this quick and easy method. Now your fabric is ready to be cut to size.

Step 1 – Cut Fabric

Measure and cut your fabric to 18″ x 22″. It is easiest and most accurate to do this with a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

Step 2 – Fold and Press

On the shorter edge of the fabric (18″), fold the fabric onto the wrong side 3/4″. This step is easy with a hem gauge. Press as you go with an iron. This will create a casing for the elastic.

Make sure your fold is even all the way across, and pin in a few places to hold it in place.

Step 3 – Other Side

Next repeat for the opposite end of the fabric (18″ again).

Step 4 – Sew Top and Bottom

Now on this plastic bag holder sewing tutorial, it’s time to sew! Using coordinating thread, sew all the pinned edges with 1/2″ seam allowance.

Step 5 – Fold Lengthwise

With the sewn edges at the top and bottom, fold the right sides of the fabric together, ensuring the raw edges of the fabric are lined up.

Step 6 – Sew Sides

Then using 1/4″ seam allowance, sew along the raw edge from the top to just before the bottom. STOP before you get to the bottom of the casing! Our plastic bag holder is taking shape.

Step 7 – Prepare Elastic

Now on this plastic bag holder sewing tutorial, measure and cut your elastic to 8″. This will help hold the bags in while making it easy to pull them out when you need one.

Insert a safety pin into one end of the elastic.

Step 8 – Insert Elastic in Casing

Push the safety pin inside the bottom of the fabric casing. Work it through the casing, gently pulling the elastic along.

When the other end of the elastic reaches the opening, pin it to the fabric with a straight pin to hold it in place.

Continue to work the safety pinned end of the elastic through the casing until it comes out of the opening on the other side. Re-pin the elastic, making sure to catch both ends of the fabric loop you have created.

Step 9 – Sew Casing Closed

With 1/4″ seam allowance, continue sewing from your previously sewn line (along the raw edge) to finish sewing across the casing and both pieces of elastic. Backstitch several times.

Step 10 – Prepare Ribbon Hanger

Next on this plastic bag holder sewing tutorial, we will make the ribbon hanger. Measure and cut your ribbon to 7″.

Create a loop with the ribbon, and position it over the seam of the plastic bag holder. Pin to hold in place.

Step 11 – Sew Ribbon Loop

Now for the final sewing step in this plastic bag holder sewing tutorial, stitch the ribbon to the bag holder as close to the edge of the fabric as possible. Backstitch several times to create a strong hold.

Step 12 – Turn Right Side Out

Now reach inside the tube and grab the opposite end of the fabric.

Pull the fabric tube right side out.

Step 12 – Hang DIY Plastic Bag Dispenser

Your plastic bag dispenser is ready to be hung!

Using Your Plastic Bag Dispenser

To use, fill your dispenser with plastic grocery bags from the top. Don’t worry about how to fold plastic bags for the dispenser. Just shove them in. Then pull a bag from the bottom when you need one.

Care

Your plastic bag holder may get dirty or dusty from time to time. It can be washed and dried by machine to clean it. Just make sure you remove all the plastic bags first.

Don’t forget to pin this project for later, and check out some more sewing projects for beginners listed below.

If you loved this plastic bag holder sewing tutorial, just pin this to your favorite easy DIY Sewing ideas board on Pinterest so you can find it again quickly when you’re ready! Be sure to tag us on social media as we love seeing what our readers make and seeing the fabric they choose.

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