Hello fellow stitchers and welcome to another week of sustainable sewing inspiration.
In our creative world of sewing, we often find ourselves surrounded by beautiful fabrics and notions. But what if we could extend our passion for creation to embrace sustainability? This month let's explore the exciting world of upcycling and transform everyday "trash" into functional and stylish zippered bags. Imagine turning those colorful candy wrappers, crinkly produce bags, or even old maps into unique, conversation-starting accessories.
I recently created this cute zipper bag using this free pattern by Noodlehead and a plastic shipping bag leftover from a Natural Life order. It's one of my all time favorite zipper bags to date because it's wipeable and has a meaningful sentiment.
Why recycle materials for sewing? Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, it's a fantastic way to challenge our creativity and discover hidden potential in items we typically discard. Upcycled materials often have unique textures and patterns, leading to one-of-a-kind projects. Plus, it's a budget-friendly approach to crafting, allowing us to experiment without worrying about expensive fabrics.
Materials to Consider:
- Produce Bags: The lightweight, mesh-like texture of produce bags makes them ideal for small, see-through pouches. Their durability is surprising, and the bright colors add a playful touch.
- Candy Wrappers: The glossy, often vibrant surfaces of candy wrappers can be fused together to create a durable, waterproof fabric. Think small coin purses or makeup bags.
- Chip Bags: The metallic sheen on the inside of chip bags adds a unique sparkle. They're also surprisingly strong and water-resistant.
- Maps: Old laminated road maps or travel maps can be transformed into stylish travel pouches or pencil cases, adding a touch of wanderlust to your creations.
- Old Fabric Scraps: of course, fabric that would otherwise be thrown away is a great way to recycle.
- Old plastic tablecloths: These are great for making waterproof bags.
My next project is going to be made from this fabulous orange bag. I like that it is strong, transparent, and food safe.
Basic Zippered Bag Construction:
The basic concept, which I used for the orange bag, involves creating two like size rectangles from your chosen material and framing the top lip with cotton fabric so you can attach a zipper with ease. I'll show you how using clear vinyl and cotton fabric in this easy step by step tutorial:
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Tips and Tricks:
- For delicate materials, use a walking foot on your sewing machine to prevent slipping or a Teflon foot to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with different stitching techniques to add texture and visual interest. Zig zag is a great option!
- Consider adding pockets or dividers inside the bag for added functionality.
- Use clear vinyl to make the inside of the bag see through to show off your great recycled materials.
Inspiration and Tutorials:
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Let's embrace the challenge of sustainable sewing and transform our everyday "trash" into treasures. Share your upcycled zippered bag creations with our community! We can't wait to see what you make and thank you for reading along.
In gratitude,
Andrea
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