What Is The Best Fabric For Bags (Tote, Produce, Shopping)
Bags come in handy when you do not want to lose the svelte shape your figure has by stuffing items into pockets, the bag comes to the rescue. It carries a lot of needed items and can even leave your hands free for other duties. Then the bag can complete your fashion statement when called upon to do so.
What is the best fabric for bags? Bags have a difficult task to fulfill. They have to carry sharp, sometimes heavy, or even fragile objects without tearing, ripping, or letting holes get poked into them. That is why denim, canvas, twill, and fabrics for curtains, upholstery, and outdoor furniture are the best fabrics to use in creating your bags.
To read more about the right fabrics to create your bags just continue to read our article. It gives you the information you need to create some great bag sewing projects for you and your family.
Fabric for Bags 101
Types of Fabric for Bags
The good news is that you have lots of choices when it comes to selecting a fabric for your handbag or another bag project. As we mentioned there are denim, canvas, twill, and fabrics for curtains, upholstery, and outdoor furniture fabrics that will make perfect fashion statements no matter your activity.
Then there is nylon, leather, faux leather, and even vinyl at your disposal. With each fabric, you get lots of design and color choices so you can create that perfect fashion statement.
Let’s not forget cotton as a good muslin, broadcloth or cotton print will do a great job as well. Just make sure to use an interface or stabilizer of the weaker fabrics.
Cotton Canvas Fabric for Bags
This is a good choice of fabric when you want to do a casual outing with friends. Cotton is sturdy, looks good, and holds up well. It also can be washed if it gets too dirty and that is an important factor when considering this fabric for your bag project.
Depending on the cotton fabric you use, you should consider using a stiff heavier weight interface or stabilizer. Even a fusible interface that is stiff should work for a cotton bag.
The key to using cotton is to know the purpose of the bag and add in or subtract extra materials according to the purpose you have in mind for the bag.
Mesh Fabric for Bags
This is a good option to look at when you want to create a laundry bag, a vegetable bag or to take it into or on top of the water when you are doing different water activities.
The best thing about this category is that there are still several fabrics you can look at to help you complete your project. There are polyester mesh, nylon, and even marine mesh to handle the main bag chores.
Also, you can use mesh bags for more than the duties we mentioned above. Be creative and think mesh when you are not going formal.
Jute Fabric for Bags
This will work if you are looking to make a backwoods fashion statement. Jute is made from some fibers as burlap and basically has the same texture and feel to it. The cost to buy jute is low making it a fine choice when you want to think outside the box and design a bag that is different.
Grown in India and Bangladesh this vegetable fiber is very useful and handles many different bag tasks without complaint.n If you can handle touching the texture of Jute then you should be able to create a great bag for you or your daughter’s use.
Lining Fabric for Bags
The experts say that one of the many cotton fabrics you can buy will be perfect for the lining of a bag. The reason behind that is that cotton is strong, soft, and easy to clean. Plus, you can get cotton in different colors and designs to add a little flair to your creation.
With cotton, you can go sturdy and choose a muslin variety or you can go for decorative touches by choosing broadcloth. Of course, you can’t forget about thinking outside the box and choosing an attractive cotton print.
No matter how you go make sure the lining matches well with the exterior fabric.
Nylon Fabric for Bags
This is not out of the question, especially if your recreational or other activities take you on the water, into the mountains or you live in a very rainy area. Plus you have lots of nylon fabrics to choose from depending on the purpose of the bag.
There is waterproof 380T, oxford, spun-bond non-woven, elastic silky smooth, and crinkle nylon to get you started in thinking about using that fabric for your project. There will be other factors to consider before you make a final selection but with nylon, you have a strong fabric that can resist rain and submerge in water.
Waterproof Fabric for Bags
There are at least 10 best fabrics you can use for your bag projects that will help keep the water away from the contents. The choice of which one of these to use may be your most difficult decision when it comes to sewing a bag or two.
These fabrics are PUL, TPU, polyester, nylon, poplin, oilcloth, polyester fleece, microfiber, wool, and for honorable mention there is vinyl, plastic, and what is called pleather.
Each is good in their own way so do a little research to find the one that works best for what you want to have near you.
What Fabric are Reusable Shopping Bags Made Of?
Like the waterproof feature, there are a lot of choices in this category as well. To start things off you can go oriental and use bamboo. Not only is it eco friendly, but it can also have its shoots removed and still grow bag.
Then there is cotton and jute and these natural fibers turn into a nice fabric that makes using recyclable shopping bags a pleasure. If you are not into using natural fabrics for shopping, there is always Polypropylene.
That fabric is made from recycled plastic so you would be doing your part for the environment by using it for your reusable shopping bag project.
What Fabric to Use for Reusable Snack Bags?
There are also a lot of choices for this topic and if you like helping the environment then you may want to try using plastic or silicone fabrics to make your snack bags. Plastic fabrics can be made from recycled plastics which kills two birds with one stone.
Next up you can use good cotton fabric or turn to that go-to fabric, polyester to make some tough yet decorative snack bags. Then if you want to keep the water away from your snack food, just turn to nylon to get do that task.
What Fabric for Tote Bags
3 of the best fabrics you can go to when you want to make a tough yet attractive tote bag are cotton, jute, and canvas. These materials can hold their own against the rough and tumble life that is part of your child’s school years.
In addition, you can get these fabrics in a variety of styles so you are not locked into just one design. You can make a tote that compliments your fashion style and still have them hold up to heavy use. Canvas lasts a long time and cotton is easy to keep clean.
What Fabric for a Messenger Bag
4 good fabrics you should consider using are tougher cotton, canvas or blended canvas, denim, and twill. Each one has its own positive and negative characteristics so make sure you choose the fabric that fits your purpose.
For lining, quilting cotton may be the ideal fabric to use. It is hard to beat when it comes to softness, toughness, and cleaning all rolled into one fabric. Then make sure to find a good pattern so that your messenger bag has all the pockets, etc. You need to handle your content.
Best Fabric for Produce Bags
You can use cotton of course. It is an all-purpose fabric that works well for just about any bag project you have in mind. Then you can also turn to plastic, polyester, or some other durable fabric that can hold the weight of fruits and vegetables.
If you go back to the mesh fabric category, you will find plenty of choices in the fabrics listed there. Nylon mesh is a good one to use as are other mesh fabrics. Just keep in mind that these bags are for transporting produce and not to be used for storing the items.
Are Fabric Bags Durable?
To an extent most are. Bamboo has a long lifespan and is very durable. The right cotton fabric will hold its won with bamboo plus be easier to clean. Jute is said to be very resilient which makes it ideal for carrying produce and other items.
Then if you go to canvas, a fabric known for its toughness and ability to take heavy treatment, you have a very durable fabric to use. The list of durable fabrics is almost endless when it comes to fabric bags. You just have to choose the one that will work best for your activities.
How to Calculate Fabric Consumption for Bags
The amount of fabric will change depending on the size of the bag you want to make. The key is always to buy more fabric than you need because mistakes happen even in calculating the amount of fabric you will need.
Here is the equation you need to get the width (2 * w) + (2 * d) + 1) and for the height, you want to use this equation (h + (1/2 * d) + 1), the one is for 1/2 inch seams. Then for the depth, you use this formula (d/2). Just replace the letters with your numbers.
How Much Fabric for a Drawstring Bag
For the fabric side of things, the amount you need will depend on the size of your bag. For example, a small bag measuring 8 ½ inches wide x 6 ¼ inches tall x 2 ½ inches deep would only need 1/4 yard of material.
A large drawstring bag measuring 14 ½ inches tall x 11 ¼ inches wide x 5 inches deep would need about 1/2 a yard. Then always add in a little extra just in case. Those two examples should help you make the adjustments needed for other sized bags.
How to Make Fabric Bags Step by Step
The first step will be gathering your supplies. You will need 2 -19 by 16-inch exterior pieces and 2 lining pieces the same size. You will also need 2 -4 by 30-inch pieces for straps and 2- 7 1/2 by 5-inch pieces for pockets.
Step two- After cutting your strap pieces press them to create a centerline to make folding easier. Stitch the folded strap pieces about 1/4 inch from the edge. Step three- cut your pockets out and fold the edges and press. Then stitch to the larger pieces on 3 of the 4 sides.
Step four has you sewing your bag lining pieces to the big fabric pieces on three sides leaving the top open. Make sure to leave a large enough seam allowance. Step five is stitching the straps to the bag and do the finishing touches.
How to Make Fabric Handles for Bags
If you want 2-inch handles, you will need the fabric to be cut at 4 inches thick. Then if you want to have a long handle cut the straps anywhere between 25 and 35 inches. Press the fabric after folding in half and stitch the straps closed.
Give yourself about 1/4 leeway when stitching and you are done.
How to Make Fabric Bag Stiff
If you do not want to have a floppy and loose fabric bag then you need to use a stiff interface or stabilizer to hold the fabric in shape. A good cotton muslin fabric is good here or you can turn to a fusible interface that is heavier in weight than the exterior fabric.
Or you can simply use a heavier exterior fabric like canvas, vinyl, or leather. These materials are thick and very stiff in nature. The stiffness will depend on the type of material you choose to use. If you go with a light fabric then you will need an interface or a stabilizer to keep the bag looking like you want it to.
Fabric Bags for Gifts
Depending on the person and their personality, fabric bags can make wonderful gifts. There are a lot of fabric bag ideas on the internet to help you create the best one for the intended recipient.
If the person is very eco-minded, then making one out of polyester is not such a good idea. But bamboo or recycled plastic would be ideal fabrics to use. Match the bag’s fabric to the personality of the person who is going to be using it.
A note to boyfriends and husbands- these are not good Christmas or birthday gifts.
How to Make a Fabric Bag With Drawstrings
The first step in making your drawstring bag is to decide how big you want it and get all the materials to meet that decision. Step two will have you square off the fabric so the folded edge is at the bottom.
Sew 1/4 of an inch inside the seam and go to about 2 inches from the top and stop. Step three has you folding a 1/4 seam on that 2-inch leftover fabric pressing it then folding it another 3/4 of an inch and pressing that. Leave about 1/6 of an inch leeway and sew around the top.
Step four is where you box the corners and sew along the line on each corner you have boxed. Make sure each corner measures the same. Step five cut off any excess fabric and turn your bag right side out.
The final step is to add your drawstring and that is done like adding elastic. Once the ends are in the right place tie together and you are done.
DIY Fabric Bag With Zipper
First, you gather the materials for the size you want and then cut the fabric to that size. Make sure you cut two pieces of fabric the same size for both the exterior and interior. After that, you line up the fabric and the zipper, flip it over and line up your lining. With a 3/8 inch seam allowance sew the one side of the zipper and fabrics.
When that side is done, follow the same instructions to do the other side. That is all there is to it.
How to Waterproof a Fabric Bag
The easiest way to waterproof any bag is to use waterproof materials. Keep in mind that water repellent fabrics are not the same as waterproof fabrics. The former fabric is great for lining.
To waterproof non-waterproof materials, like canvas, you can use the wax method, the aluminum powder and detergent method, waterproofing sprays, and other commercial products and as a last resort turpentine and soybean oil method.
To get the instructions to these methods just click on this link. There are just too many to fit in this small space.
Can You Recycle Fabric Bags?
Yes you can, as some fabric bags can be made out of recycled materials and when they are no longer needed, you can recycle them again. That is the good aspect of using plastic fabrics for fabric bags.
For other fabrics, you can put them in a bag and donate it to Goodwill. They seem to accept old fabric bags for recycling. They will also take your fabric scraps that are not needed.
Certain fabrics cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins but must be taken to textile recycling plants. To get the rules and regulations governing this recycling option you should check with your local government.
Can You Wash Fabric Bags?
Hand washing is the preferred method of cleaning your fabric bags. Then depending on the fabric you can spot clean them with fabric stain cleaners and warm water. Also, you can use detergent and warm water to hand wash your fabric bags clean.
For velvet and silk fabric bags, have them professionally cleaned by your favorite dry cleaners. Just remember to empty out the pockets and the bags before you start to clean them.
Putting them in the washing machine may be done on a case by case situation. It will depend on the fabric your bag is made from.
Fabric Bag vs Plastic Bag
From an environmental point of view, plastic fabric bags should not be used at all. Even if they are made from plastic, some people do not recycle them and toss them into their regular trash bins and add to the plastic problem.
From a durability point of view, plastic bags outlast cotton bags by far. You would have to use the cotton bag roughly 173 times to get the same use you would if you used a plastic bag.
From an aesthetic point of view, cotton or fabric bags look better than plastic and still do the same job. Plus, fabric bags are as recyclable as plastic so there is no real edge to using plastic over fabric bags.
Some Final Words
Picking the right fabric is always going to be the key to making a good fabric bag. And with your bag project, you have a lot of materials you can choose from. Just make sure to use the right thread and needles to keep the bag together.
Making fabric bags is probably one of the easier sewing projects to do. They do come in handy when you have a lot of items to carry.
