Zero Waste Shopper Bag is a fully lined bag with a simple silhouette. It is constructed from a single, rectangular piece of fabric. The design is a result of a zero waste cutting layout, where the straps, and the negative space between them, are created by cutting out the side panel pieces.
This pattern is a step-by-step guide to sewing a #zwshopper bag. While the instructions are prescriptive, the starting fabric dimensions and finished bag dimensions are not. Any fabric rectangle within a large size range can be used, each variation resulting in its own unique bag size and proportion.
PDF Details
-Instructions full of diagrams and text, thoroughly outlining the process of making your own ZWShopper bag
-Minimal waste pattern: a one-page pattern piece (Letter/A4, print-at-home friendly!) The pattern could easily be totally zero waste (no paper or printing needed) with the help of a drawing compass.
Fabric Size Requirements
In hopes of having ZWShopper bags easily made from remnant fabric, the fabric size requirements are a range. The pattern works for any rectangle 6”-31.5”(15-80cm) wide by 35.5”-59” (90-150cm) long.
For example, the samples in the photographs were each made using the fabric’s full width, selvage to selvage, at 55” (140cm) as their length. Their respective widths are 30, 50, and 80cm. The shorter bag is the one exception and is made from a smaller piece at 23.5” (60cm) by 39.25” (100cm).
Fabric Recommendation
The fabric is best suited as a strong yet lightweight woven fabric at roughly 3-6 oz/yard (100-200 gsm). A cotton-silk blend is a great natural fiber option and a recycled or deadstock nylon is a great synthetic fiber option. In the spirit of zero waste sewing, the fabric remnant you already have on hand is the best option!
Design Variations
The default design of the Zero Waste Shopper Bag is fully lined, meaning the starting fabric ends up double layered. This is to make the bag as finished and strong as possible. However, the pattern includes alternate instructions for an unlined, single layered version.
Difficulty Level
This pattern is Beginner Level. The bag’s construction requires sewing straight seams, sewing curved seams, and edgestitching.
