Grab two fat quarters or scrap fabric and sew up this chic DIY

Need to grow your reusable grocery bag collection? Aside from being eco-friendly, reusable bags are a stylish and durable way to transport groceries. Rather than buy a brand new bag from the store, transform two fat quarters into a one-of-a-kind bag that rolls up into a compact bundle, then toss the bundle into your purse. You’ll never get caught at the store again without a reusable bag handy.

This project calls for fat quarters, which are 1/4-yard pieces of fabric. Fat quarters are often used for quilting, appliqués, or other projects that require patchwork. Any leftover pieces of scrap fabric will work for this project, although you'll want to cut them to 18 inches by 22 inches before beginning to keep the bag looking uniform.

- Fat quarters, 2
- Quilter’s ruler (ideally 3 1/2 inches wide by 24 inches long)
- Fabric pencil
- Ribbon
- Lighter
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)

1. Fold a fat quarter in half lengthwise.

Draw a small square in the bottom corner of the fabric that is 3 inches wide and 3 inches long. The square should be along the open corner, not the folded one.

2. Place the quilter’s ruler perpendicular to the top edge of the fabric about 2 inches from the open edge. Use both edges of the ruler to draw two lines, each about 6 inches long, down from the top edge. This will form the strap.

Round the lines at the bottom, and connect them to the side of the fat quarter that is next to each line.

Cut out the fabric along the lines.

Open the fabric.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the second fat quarter.

4. Place the two pieces on top of each other with the wrong sides together. Pin the sides together, as well as the top of the straps.

5. Cut two identical pieces of ribbon that are about 6 inches long.

Lightly burn one edge of each ribbon to keep the ribbons from fraying.

Pin the bottom edge of the fat quarters together, catching the unburnt ends of the ribbons in the center.

6. Sew the pinned edges together with a 1/4-inch seam.

7. Turn the bag inside out, and press every sewn edge. Sew the edges again at about 3/8 inches. If you sew too close to 1/4 inches, you’ll be able to see threads from the outside.

8. Fold the bag so that the two edges of a square opening meet. Pin the edges and sew them. Serge the edges or use a zigzag stitch.

9. Serge or use a zigzag stitch around the top opening of the bag and around the armholes. Tuck the edges under twice, pin them down, then topstitch them down.

10. Turn the bag right side out.

Fold the bag into thirds, then roll it up and tie the bag with the ribbons.

Your new reusable bag is ready for a trip to the farmer’s market!