How To: Make a No-Sew Bag

We usually don't have the patience (not to mention the tools or skills) for most of Martha's craft projects, but this no-sew bag sounds easy enough, and the result is so pretty and useful.

All you need is a piece of ultrasuede, some good scissors, and the templates available here, and you're good to go. It says it's sturdy enough to carry fruits and vegetables, so you can use it for a trip to the grocery store or just keep it on your person for any bag-related need. Make sure you read the comments before printing out the template, though, as it sounds like there may be some issues with sizing (it might require 11x17" paper).

Via Martha Stewart

Comments (10)

Hmm. I wonder if you could use polyester fleece ---not so pricey and lots of colors.

posted by kroessler on January 22nd 2009 at 1:22pm
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Think the fleece might stretch in a way the Ultrasuede won't, but since fleece IS cheap, it's worth a try, right?

posted by 39520expat on January 22nd 2009 at 1:25pm
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I wonder if it would work with melded plastic bags?

posted by kgoodman80 on January 22nd 2009 at 1:36pm
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Be aware that Ultrasuede can stretch quite a lot, and eventually break. Given how expensive Ultrasuede is, I'd say it was worth investigating other materials. I used to make jewelry fasteners with it, but the necklaces got longer and longer...A few sacks of potatoes overtime will make this bag stretch too.

posted by paintitbright on January 22nd 2009 at 1:53pm
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won't the cuts start a tear?

posted by amt230 on January 22nd 2009 at 2:21pm
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Love the idea of trying it with fused bags, kgoodman80!

posted by speck on January 22nd 2009 at 4:15pm
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I bet a nice, thick/ strong felt would work well.

posted by tomgirl on January 22nd 2009 at 4:21pm
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It's cute, but i think it would be cheaper just to buy a net bag.

posted by emilykristin on January 22nd 2009 at 8:54pm
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Oh man, I want to make one out of leather.

posted by bmb on January 22nd 2009 at 10:43pm
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I tried this last night with polar fleece and it worked great! I used my rotary cutter and a mat and I was impressed at how professional the end result was. When I was done I pulled on the whole thing to stretch it out and I think it will hold up to a fair amount of abuse before I break it. :)

posted by yet another heather on January 23rd 2009 at 3:12pm
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