On June 1, 2009 the city of Toronto passed a law meaning that all stores (including restaurants) must charge a minimum of 5 cents for each plastic bag that customers take. The idea it to reduce the amount of plastic bags going into our waste. I’m sure more and more communities will begin this practice and I know many large retailers are now charging for bags even without the by-law.
Mountain of Plastic Bags
I’ve gathered up a bunch of links for free shopping bag patterns located around the web. There are patterns for sewing, knitting, crocheting and there’s even a macrame pattern. I hope some of these patterns inspire you to make your own bags. I’d love to see them!
- Two crochet tote bag patterns using old plastic shopping bags – how much greener can you get? I’m sure these would be super durable too!
- Very simple shopping bag made from a T-shirt – this one is super simple. As long as you can sew in a straight(ish) line you’ll be fine. You don’t even need a sewing machine. You can hand sew this one!
- Knit Mesh Tote Bag – this is a relatively simple knitting pattern without too many complicated twists and turns.
- Shopping Bag Made from a Pillowcase – again only very basic sewing skills needed for this one.
- Wallet-sized Fold Up Shopping Bag – this one’s a little more complex and you’ll need intermediate sewing skills but I love how it folds up so neatly
- Crocheted Shopping Tote – a pattern for a shopping bag with pocket – intermediate crochet skills required.
- Knit Shopping Bag – this pattern is for the intermediate knitter among us
- Macrame Shopping Bag – Yes! Macrame!
