Hand Towel Plastic Bag Holder

When we were at my in-laws recently I noticed that they didn’t have something that I have-a place to put their plastic grocery bags.  You mean everyone doesn’t have a special holder for their plastic bags?  Well, they should. 

Ideally, everyone should use reusable grocery bags, but if you are like us you still end up with plastic grocery bags.  I like to reuse them and have a cute place to keep them thanks to my grandma.  Years ago she made lots of grocery bag holders out of hand towels.  I decided that my in-laws needed one for Christmas.

I think it turned out pretty similarly to the one my grandma made and I hope my in-laws enjoy having a place to keep their plastic bags.  If you would like to make one of these grocery bag holders then simply follow my tutorial below.  You can literally make one of these in less than 15 minutes. 

To make a grocery bag holder you will need a kitchen hand towel, some 1/4 inch elastic and a 10 inch piece of satin ribbon (not pictured).  You will also need thread and a sewing machine. 

Measure one short end of your kitchen towel and cut a piece of elastic the same length.  Then, cut the elastic in half so you have two equal pieces.  My towel was about 15 inches across, so that made my pieces of elastic 7 1/2 inches each.

Next, using a zig-zag stitch sew one end of the elastic to the wrong side of the towel about 1 inch from the short edge.  You just want to sew a few stitches to tack the elastic to the towel.  (Your elastic should start on a long side and go from one short side to the other.)

Now, set your machine to a 3 step zig-zag stitch and pull your piece of elastic to the other end of the towel.  Sew the elastic to the towel the entire width of the towel.

Repeat this process for the other side.

Next, fold your towel in half lengthwise with right sides together.  Fold your 10 inch piece of ribbon in half and pin it inside your towel at the top.  I inserted about 1 inch of the ribbon (the two raw edges) inside the folded towel and made sure it was about 1/2 an inch from the edge. 

Finally, sew the towel together using a straight stitch and a 1/2 inch seam allowance.  Turn your towel right side out.  I stitched over the ribbon a few times to make sure it wouldn’t rip out with use.

Now you can hang up your grocery bag holder and start filling it with bags or give it as a gift.  If you have any questions please let me know. 

I am linking this post to:
Handmade Christmas @ Proverbs 31 Living
Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of My Favorite Things