Recycle Placemat into Bag

Placemat Shopping Bag design by Heidi Borchers

Placemats from World Market Cost Plus

Materials:

• Placemats 2 for the bag sides 13-½” x 19”
• 1 partial placemat for the handles-you will need 2 strips- 2” x 21”
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Needle and thread (optional)

Instructions:

1. To prepare handles, on each strip, fold back ½” on each edge and stitch.
2. Place the two placemats for bag sides, wrong sides together. Overlap about 1” each at sides, stitch the overlapped edge together on outside of placemat. Repeat with opposite side. Stitch bottom edges of both placemats together. Note (If the thickness is to thick to get through sewing machine, stitch together with a needle and thread).
3. Measure and mark the center of the top edge of the bag. One handle will be sewn on each side of bag (see photo for placement of handle) Place each handle approx. 3-¼” from center mark (there will be a 4-½“ space between handle). Each handle edge will be approx. 3-¼” from top edge. Pin to help hold until you stitch. Stitch into place, making sure all edges are lined up. When you stitch the handle on each side for extra hold also stitch an ’x’ inside first stitching.