How to upcycle a shopper bag into this chic bag

Ever been given a cloth shopper bag with someone else’s logo? Here’s how to upcycle a perfectly good shopper bag into something you like.

Upcycle a cloth shopping bag into this

As an avid greenie I use cloth shopper bags and never say no when they are given as freebies as they are so easy to customise. I’ve upcycled shopper bags or two before. See here.

• Kale Bag
• Bunny Bag

These upcycled shopper bags are super easy to make. You need a piece of fabric to make a pocket. And either a motif or some lettering to customise the pocket. You could also just add a contrast colour pocket and leave it at that.

I was feeling for something French after spending a fair amount of time in France last year. You can read more about our boating in France – here. Here’s how I upcycled this shopper bag.

First I made a template for the letters on a sheet of A4 paper.

Making letter templates

Next I cut the letters and a pocket from fabric scraps.

Cut letters and pocket from fabric scraps

I set my sewing machine to zig zag. Placed the letters squarely on the pocket and sewed them in place.

Sew letters onto pocket

Changing the thread on my sewing machine to match the pocket fabric, I folded across the top of the pocket and made a hem.

Fold over top of pocket and make a hem

Pin the sides and bottom of pocket. Pin the pocket to your bag. And sew the pocket in place.

Fold back edges and pin pocket to bag

Voila! A chic French shopper bag to take to your local farmers market. With a pocket for your mobile phone or keys.

Have a great green week.

Greenie.