DIY Plastic Bag Holder

Do you need a plastic bag holder? This sewing project is brought to you by Beginner Sewing Projects! Previously, I had made a no-sew plastic bag dispenser to share with you. Some people prefer to sew theirs together. So today, we’re showing you an easy tutorial for a DIY plastic bag holder that you sew together!

DIY Plastic Bag Holder

Keep plastic grocery bags tidy and ready to reuse with a plastic bag holder DIY sew project. This tutorial has thorough instructions and photos, perfect for beginners!

Make a DIY plastic bag holder for all those unruly grocery bags you bring home from the grocery store. This dispenser makes it easy to grab a bag to dispose of smelly diapers and dog poo, or anything else you might need a bag for!

This project is a great seller at craft fairs and farmers’ markets. Make them in a variety of colors to match every home’s style and decor. They are wonderful gifts too!

Supplies to Sew a Plastic Bag Dispenser

• Fabric (18″ x 22″)
• 3/4″ Ribbon
• 1/4″ Elastic
• Scissors
• Rotary Cutter
• Cutting Mat
• Pins
• Safety Pin
• Thread
• Iron
• Ironing Board
• Sewing Machine

Heavyweight cotton is best for this project (think home decor fabric) to hold its shape. However, fat quarters are a perfect size. They will work fine and save you some cutting time.

How to Make a Plastic Bag Holder

Begin by washing, drying and pressing your fabric. This will remove any chemicals used during manufacturing and allow for shrinkage.

Cut Fabric

Measure and cut your fabric to 18″ x 22″.

It is easiest and most accurate to do this with a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

Fold and Sew

On the shorter edge of the fabric (18″), fold the fabric onto the wrong side 3/4″. Press as you go with an iron. This will create a casing for the elastic.

Make sure your fold is even all the way across, and pin in a few places to hold.

Next repeat for the opposite end of the fabric (18″ again).

Using coordinating thread, sew all the pinned edges with 1/2″ seam allowance.

With the sewn edges at the top and bottom, fold the right sides of the fabric together, ensuring the raw edges of the fabric are lined up.

Insert Elastic Band

Now measure and cut your elastic to 8″. Insert a safety pin into one end of the elastic.

Push the safety pin inside the bottom of the fabric casing. Work it through the casing, gently pulling the elastic along.

When the other end of the elastic reaches the opening, pin it to the fabric with a straight pin to hold it in place.

Continue to work the safety pinned end of the elastic through the casing until it comes out of the opening on the other side. Re-pin the elastic, making sure to catch both ends of the fabric loop you have created.

With 1/4″ seam allowance, continue sewing from your previously sewn line (along the raw edge) to finish sewing across the casing and both pieces of elastic. Backstitch several times.

Attach Ribbon for Hanger

Next measure and cut your ribbon to 7″.

Create a loop with the ribbon, and position it over the seam. Pin to hold in place.

Finish DIY Plastic Bag Holder

Now reach inside the tube and grab the opposite end of the fabric.

Pull the fabric tube right side out.

Your plastic bag dispenser is ready to be hung!

DIY Plastic Bag Dispenser

To use, fill your dispenser with plastic grocery bags from the top. Don’t worry about how to fold plastic bags for the dispenser. Just shove them in. Then pull a bag from the bottom when you need one.

Don’t forget to pin this project for later!