| Create an Account


How to Recycle an Old Sweater into a Plastic Bag Organizer

comments (6) March 21st, 2009     

Pin It

JenniferStern Jennifer Stern, contributor
Love it! 7 users recommend
Now my plastic bags are neat and organized—hanging with the leash ready to go!
Here is my unkempt drawer full of plastic grocery bags.
Instead of the standard proclamation to Go Green, I decided on a subtler hint!  
Now my plastic bags are neat and organized—hanging with the leash ready to go!

Now my plastic bags are neat and organized—hanging with the leash ready to go!

Photo: Jen Stern
< 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 View all
Add CommentAdd Comment
PrintPrint

Stretch the elastic to fit the end. Stitch right on top of the first row of the three-step zigzag to secure the elastic in place.

Use the same triple zig-zag to sew encased elastic in place
Repeat the steps above to attach the longer piece of elastic to the top edge.

Fold the organizer in half, right sides together, and stitch down the side edge.

Sew down the long edge to create the organizer
The side seam should butt up against the ends of the elastic at the start and end.

Fold an 8-inch piece of elastic in half, and position it over the side seam. Tack in place to create a loop to hang the bag organizer from.

Add an elastic loop to hang your organizer from
You can size the loop smaller if you are going to hang it on a hook. I might decide to hang mine from a doorknob, so I needed a longer loop.

To fill your bag orgainzer, tightly "ball up" each plastic bag individually. Stuff them into the top end (that's why the elastic is longer—to make it easier to get them in). When you need one of these bags for something, pluck one out of the bottom end!

Use Steam-a-Seam to fuse raw edges to wrong side of tee
I take these bags with me when I walk the dog, so I've hung my organizer with the leash...I'm so organized!

 

< 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 View all
Did you make this?
After you make this project, show off your work to other members!
Post your project in the gallery
 
posted in: embroidery
Add CommentAdd Comment PrintPrint
Back to List

Comments (6)

limonene writes: Great organizer! BTW, I have the same problem of needing plastic bags for dog duty but wanting to use cloth (reusable) bags for shopping. My solution is to pilfer the plastic bag recycling bin at the grocery store whenever I need more bags. That way, I can stay "green" and avoid using new plastic bags. Hope this tip helps.
Posted: 6:20 pm on July 16th
lisalady161 writes: I love it, I own cats but I use my bags for recycled soda bottles and small trash can liners. I have a bunch of bags that need a tidy home!
Posted: 5:25 pm on March 28th
JenniferStern writes: Thanks for the comments...and yes, the sleeve is perfect for this project (I used the front section, because that's what I had left!)
Posted: 7:57 pm on March 21st
hemidemisemiquaver writes: This is fantastic!
Posted: 6:44 pm on March 21st
trishpatsy02 writes: Sounds like the sleeve would be the perfect part of the sweater to use. Already in a tube shape, has a strechy part at the wrist, and is wider at the top. Just insert elastic at the top and put a strap to hang it with

Posted: 2:45 pm on March 21st
Tina_Hilton writes: Love the idea and your delightful use of embroidery on recycled wool. I use the plastic bags for kitty litter hygiene and will create one to wrangle my unmanageable bags.


Posted: 2:01 pm on March 21st
You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.