When you’ve completed ur completed project, place it in your dryer on a heat-setting but for just ONE minute. The dryer’s heat, seals up the holes that your sewing machine needle makes in the PUL fabric 👍🏼

Oh my, I never knew that I could bend the flap on the needle case to get one out. Lol, where have you been my whole life 😃 I just love videos and I can’t wait to see if I could make a beautiful bag like you do. You’re an awesome teacher and I learn so much from you. I purchase my items a little bit at a time so that way it’s not to costly for me. Thank you so much for sharing. You are beautiful inside and out. Have a blessed week my dear you tube friend 🤗

So glad you liked the marking method I use! It really does make it easier. 💖💖

Hello from Melbourne Australia. I need this storm trooper fabric. My cousin would go absolutely nuts for this.

When sewing with fabrics that stick like that I like to use tissue paper between the fabric and the foot and plate and then it’s just easy to tear away (i usually just go buy a cheap $1 pack of present tissue from the dollar store)

I love this pattern and you do such a great job. As a sewing machine repair tech I would how ever not recommend using serger thread in a interlock sewing machine. The thread is weaker and sheds more then the polyester thread meant for standard sewing machines.

Hello Jess....Love your videos. I have worked with pul before and you should put your bag in the dryer when it's completed. The heat from the dryer will close up the holes the holes around the thread from sewing and it will make the pul completely waterproof.

Fun tutorial. I have been using variations of this same design since the early '70's. I have come up with all sorts of ideas... For instance,you can go to Home Depot or Walmart & buy one of their canvas tarps (waterproof lining or not). They can be cut to size, dyed, painted with fabric paint, anything you can think to do. Just using that makes a very durable tote & with the lined tarp, a waterproof one. I started making totes as a conservation item. Then I heard about the tons of old clothing that are filling our landfills. Why not use fabric that would otherwise be trashed for bags &/or lining? I am always begging friends &relatives for old jeans (for great totes & purses) & any other unwanted clothing for linings. I make all my own clothes & for years made scrap quilts. Then one day it occurred to me that I was just making fabric. Now days not even salvage edges go to waste. Everything can line a bag. I make most of my bags reversible so I can use them to give gifts in (no buying paper bags). Most people who get one for the first time think the bag is the gift, you have to tell them to look inside.

OMG, how come I haven't discovered you before now? Fun projects and super fun personality! And DOGS! ❤ ❤ ❤

I have been sewing for years and never thought to make bags like yours. Awesome tutorial. Explained well and demo'd perfectly. Definitely subscribing to your site. Thanks for teaching this old woman a new trick.

just made this as a swimming bag for a gift for a friend that is swimming the channel in August! I added fusible fleece to the lining as using a swimming print cotton outer fabric, a pocket to the lining and a strap with a key ring at the end into the top - between the handles so that keys don't get lost! love i!!

Jess you have given me the courage to try PUL. I love your videos, easy, down to earth and your easy to listen to. Keep up the awesome job.

Instead of ironing pul, I’ve thrown it in the dryer with damp rag/towel on delicate for about 5 minutes. Works great! Also, Teflon foot if sewing directly on pul.

Very good teaching,thank you,love your energy.

Just wanted to say thank you for all of your tutorials! After 18 years of having a sewing machine and not using it, I am now addicted to making totes and zippered pouches. I've been able to figure out how to make bags and drink holders for walkers with my new skills. I also just made a tote lined with a plastic dog food bag. I've been able to donate bags to silent auctions in my Columbia Gorge community here in Washington and I'm donating others to a senior center in Portland that has their own store for fundraising. Thanks again and looking forward to learning more from you!!!

I made one this week and lined it with material from a Dollar Store tablecloth. The ones that are plastic on one side and flannel on the other. It sewed easy and I have enough left over to line many more.

I really like your tutorials and you have a really great teaching style! Never made a bag before but you make me feel like I can tackle this one. It’s a cute bag too....not just utilitarian. Thank u! And I look forward to future bag videos from u 😊

I have worked with PUL fabric in the past. I made a bunch of cloth diapers for my daughter after my grandson was born. They turned out so cute and I found the PUL fabric quite easy to work with. This was ten years ago now, since my grandson is now 10, but I do not remember having to use polyester thread or a jersey needle. I made a bunch of those diapers....like 15 - 20. I still have a bunch of that PUL fabric left over because I had planned to make more when he grew out of the small ones, but when my daughter went back to work it was too hard for her to keep up on the constant washing of all of those diapers and she switched over to disposables. LOL. But it was a really fun process to make the diapers. They were so cute in all of those super cute prints! i did not bother to press or try to press the fabric, but not sure you need the polyester thread or special jersey needle. The only trouble I had was sewing on the Velcro tabs. Apparently my machine did not like the business side of the Velcro. The more diapers I made the worse the stitching was. I ended up using some kind of permanent glue, like epoxy since they were going to be washed a lot. After the initial 15-20 my career of diaper maker was done! I think I will dig out that left over PUL and make some grocery bags! I’m sure all three of my daughters will find a use for them! Thanks for the idea. I just found your video tutorials the other day. Already hooked! Thanks for sharing.

I broke a needle just yesterday when I was sewing! fortunately, the needle stayed with the thread. I love this tutorial BTW - you're very encouraging!

After having my sewing machine in mothballs for many years, I was stunned to discover the cost of canvas at Joann's Fabrics when I decided to replace my collection of ragged, grubby, 30-year-old, shopping totes. Opted for painter's drop-cloth canvas instead. Very durable, leak-resistant, and affordable.

Just a little tip, if you are going to go fabric shopping at Hobby Lobby, check the weekly sales ad before you go. Generally, fabric is on sale every other week at 40% off. So if you had waited, you could have paid $5.99 for your Duc fabric. I work in the fabric department.

Omg this would be such a great Christmas gift fir the ladies at my work

Maxi lock is a Serger thread and is not as strong as regular sewing thread. Normal sewing uses two threads, sergers use 3 or four. Your seams will not last as long. Stores like hobby lobby have all purpose thread in 100% polyester. That is what I buy for all my general sewing.

i have had PUL fabric for over a year and have been afraid...... So i am going to jump on this bag. Thank you!!!

I’m making some and give them away as Christmas gifts. Thanks for the tutorial.

I often use cheap plain shower curtains from the pound shop (UK version of the Dollar Store) as waterproof lining.

Use a jig (think it’s called jean-a-jig, got mine years ago so don’t remember) and slip it under presser foot right before you get to the thickest points and prevents the stress on the needle that causes snapping

Your videos are so entertaining! I had NWPP laying around, used it for mask liners, and decided to line the bag with it. Sewed very easily , no fighting with it or sticking to presser foot problem. Also had polypropylene utility webbing here so used that for the handles. No struggles or broken needles. Definitely making more of these, thanks!

Love your tutorial... so easy to follow I love using the French seams. Great idea. Thank you.

A walking foot might help and I have also been told when working with delicate fabrics you should put your feed dogs down so they dont get caught. I would try the walking foot first!

I love your bags! They are adorable! When you're sewing a really thick fabric though, use a stronger needle, like a jeans needle. They're usually like a size 100/16. That should solve your needle breaking problem. You can also buy a plastic sewing foot, which slides over slippery fabric better than the metal one.

Thank you there are a few things you taught me with this video. Also I am happy I am not alone with the PLU struggle.

Well, I am impressed! You finished your seams beautifully!

Hi Jess, While sewing the web handles onto my niece's waterproof lined beach bag today, the needle broke, snapped off in 2 places and hit my glasses and my cheek. OMgosh, you were right!! I've never had that happen before in all my sewing years. I wear glasses all the time so I'm fine, but how ironic that happened after watching you mention it in your tutorial. I had to go over the webbing again, so I switched to a denim needle for just that portion, then back to a ball point needle for the rest. Thanks for a great tutorial.

Thanks for this video. I'm viewing this on April 29, 2022. NJ will be banning plastic and paper shopping bags as of May 4, 2022, so I need to whip up some bags today. Very helpful.

Your dogs are sooo cute 🥰

I love the folding over tip!!! Who knew!

oh - in our Covid-19 era, and even before - this is great to be able to wipe down the interior with disinfectant wipes. Bacteria, germs, nasties can lurk and spread to others later. Remember to wash your grocery tote bags! Lysol laundry disinfectant is a wonderful non-bleach product. GREAT for those totes.

Hi Jess...thanks for this ultra-easy tutorial. I was looking for the best way to use rip-stop nylon as a lining and this is the simplest and least complicated way. I'm not sure if you've tried it yet, but I've used a walking foot on my machine when I sew the rip-stop. it seems to help with how slippery the fabric is. I love your contrasting fabric!

You are such a dear to watch! Fun ideas, and you are fabulous at teaching!

Great 2nd tote bag tutorial Jessica, I really enjoy watching and learning from you! 💚

Oh yes, I can SOOO become a French Seam Snob!!! Love this!

Only just found your channel and I just love how you explain everything as you go along and I really love your bubbly personality. So a BIG THANK YOU for some great tutorials as I've been watching some of your earlier tutorials. I think I'll be make some bags for Christmas presents for my family and friends. Happy Sewing 😁👍 Xxx ❤️💛💚💙♥️

Thank you for helping me get back into sewing. Since I moved it has been so hard to even begin to be organized in my new sewing/ office..

I would almost put that plastic in between a cotton and the duck fabric. You wouldn't see it but it would keep the bag from sweating.....Just a thought. I'm ordering my TL2000 or TL2010 next month and hope it is worth the investment. I looked at the DU1181 and liked it came with the table but I think the cons outweighs the pros for me!

I love , love, love your videos. I have learned a lot from you. Keep making them , I personally appreciate it very much 💖💖

I've put scotch tape on the bottom of my presser foot and that helps keep from sticking.

Great job! Thank you so much for the tutorial. You had me confused with the boxed corners, though. I supposed it was 2.5 resp. 4 inches away from the corner. I'm super glad I cut the pieces 2'' longer in the first place.

Omg love that Star Wars print with that baby blue lining , I always forget to use my vinyl bags @ the store

Thanks for this very interesting shopping bag I love it

Super super cute bag mam

I love your videos!! You do a great job of explaining and showing what you are doing.

I already made a Beautiful bag ,followed your video .it was easy. Thanks.

Love it.

I just found your channel and can’t wait to make these grocery totes! So cute and your tutorial makes it look so easy! What size/width is the cotton webbing you use for the handles? Thanks!

Hey I just want to say I love your shopping totes! I am going to make some today. I bought some painters drop clothes for the outer part of my bags. I think it is a cheaper way to buy material for the outside. Thanks for your simple video.

Awesome! I never knew PUL comes in different colors. I only worked with white so far.

Lovely, I love your teaching, it's very simple

To press vinyl type fabics I always use a pressing cloth.

I love the water proof grocery bag, do you have a video on how to add a zipper? My daughter wants a “boat bag” and a zipper would make it perfect!

I love this bag! I was wondering if you could use a shower curtain liner for your bag liner. I am always looking for ways to cut costs and I think this might work.

Enjoyed watching that also thought the pul fabric may have been good for a liner of a slip sofa cover I wanted to make but for 10 meters way to costly but I will make a note of the materials you used and the threads and needles if ever I want to make a tote bag 😉

I love that sewing room!

New Subscriber Here. Found you searching for Bag Ideas. Love your personality & teaching style! My son is a Stormtrooper Collector and is in need of some reusable shopping totes, off to find Knittorious ...

I love your video and I am going to make a few of these for Christmas gifts. For canvas cloth you should try cotton drop cloth from the hardware store. Home depo and Lowes. They are way cheaper then Joann's and hobby lobby. $6 for 6ft by 9ft.

so adorable...you and the bag.

LOL.. I love your Star Wars Stormtroopers canvas

Très grand. Contient beaucoup d’article. Très pratique quand on sort pour la journée mais trop gros pour aller faire des commissions! Beaucoup de compartiment.

If you sewed an X on the handle it would be much stronger, can't wait to try this!

teflon pressure foot helps as well!

Excellent tutorial

Your video are very good and look easy. Can you show how to make a bag from old jeans. I would appreciate that.

Love your videos. I need to make one of those bags!

Beautiful bag

Have you ever tried Iron On Vinyl? That's what I use for my cosmetic bags, it works really well and I think it would work for something like this as well. Just an idea!

Want a easier way to make box corners? Make cut-outs on the bottom of your bag at the corners. then all you have to do is pull your bag, match the seam and sew. Hope this is not to confusing to you. I love sewing with Laminate fabric. P.S.Cotton back plastic table cloths work great also. Love your videos. Have you made a foldable tote bag?

This may sound strange and you may have figure out how to press the PUL try heating your wool pad iron it make it hot then put the PUL on top and smooth

SUPER CUTE !!

For farics that stick, because I don't have a teflon foot, I have used waxed paper between the fabric and presser foot and plate on my machine, glides through no problem, wax paper gets perforated and is easy to tear off.

January 2023 update: It appears that Sahara Fabrics (where Jessica got the PUL fabric from) has closed down. The domain is for sale, and nothing has been posted to Pinterest or Facebook in quite some time.

If you also put in some batting, you could use the bag for frozen items

If you don't have a teflon foot you can just use sticky tape on the bottom of your presser foot.

BTW I love your tutorials!

I would love to see an insulated trunk organizer (I know this may be outside your interest boundaries but, I’m tired of my onions rolling around in back!😊) I have a pic, not sure how to attach it, of AARP’s.

I am so inspired to do this. Was in the wedding decor and have material that needs to be used. Guess the family will have to get Xmas shopping bags and the teens beach bags. Thanks for the excellent tutorial. You are a treat. Any easy placemats using scraps from quilts?

Sew fun! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

I probably laughed a little harder than I should when you stated your serger machine scared the hell out of you! 😂

I’m going to try to line one with a tablecloth ( Halloween/ day of the dead)........ I hope this turns out ok. Maybe you can try it too.

I love this technique. I made a practice tote today, all went well but I did top stitching on the second hem from the wrong side because it was too hard to "feel" it from the right side in order to get a straight even stitch. Unfortunately, the stitch doesn't look as pretty from the right side. It's important that I get the topstitching as neat as possible as I will be selling some of these totes. Suggestions will be appreciated.

Amazing idea

New subscriber here...last weekend I tried to sew a rayon velvet to an organza lining. Argh! Never did get it right.

I absolutely love your tutorials!!! You are awesome to watch, so fun! Where did you get your cotton fabric with the stormtroopers and the villains??? I love it! Thanks in advance.

I've used PUL several times to make zippered wet bags for baby items, but I don't think I'd use it for a regular tote bag. If you really want a more durable water-proof (ish) lining, you might want to consider using a fusible vinyl on your lining fabric. It's very easy to do. When I made cosmetic bags for my girls a few years ago, I used the fusible vinyl for all of the linings so that make-up wouldn't leak through, and any spills could be easily wiped off.

The best serger is the self thread Juki

Have you tried using drop cloths for the canvas part? The ones I get from Lowes are 100% cotton and when I wash it a couple times it gets real soft. You can leave it the natural color or bleach it white.

can you make an interior zipper pocket with this pull fabric? or exterior zipper pocket? Or recommend a bag that has these features?

Ah the broken needles! I’ve worn glasses when I sew since my mom once had a needle break, shoot back at her, and hit the lens on her glasses. Without glasses it would’ve hit her eye!

You are adorable....excellent videos, glad i found you!

Can this tote be filled with water and not leak a single drop of water out? Want to build an aeroponics system for the rooting chamber which will replace plastic containers.

Hi Jessica i would really appreciate if you could make a beginningers backback with free pattern 😊 ☺ 🙂