Sew Your Own Bag
There’s something truly special about sewing your own bag! Read our beginner’s guide to bag making
The Zero Waste Bag: Extra Large, Zero Waste, Full of Creativity
Have you met our Zero Waste Shopper? It’s a clever bag pattern that makes use of the entire fabric width – no scraps, no waste.
Two spacious bags
You get two patterns: one for a small bag and one for a really large one. You know those huge blue shopping bags from that famous Swedish furniture store? Yes, it’s that big!
Smart design, no leftovers
The bag is designed to fully use the fabric’s width – no scraps, no leftovers. As long as you use fabric that is 140 cm wide, like our canvas , and follow the layout instructions for the pattern pieces.
From shopping to weekend getaways
This roomy bag can be used in many ways – as a shopping tote or as an extra bag for weekend trips.
Give your shopper a personal touch
As always, only your imagination sets the limits. Sew it in the fabric you love most, or decorate it with piping, contrast stitching, embroidery, sew-on labels, or fabric paint.
How to Get Started
The Zero Waste Shopper is a beginner-friendly project that most people can dive into. The pattern includes two versions, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs.You’ll need:
- 100 cm of fabric (140 cm wide)
- Sewing thread, scissors, and a sewing machine
- The Zero Waste Shopper pattern
- 90 cm of fabric (140 cm wide)
- Sewing thread, scissors, sewing machine, and a zipper
- The Zero Waste Shopper pattern
Choose the Right Fabric
As with most bags, you can technically sew a Zero Waste Shopper using any woven fabric. But if you want the large bag to handle more than just a lightweight duvet, we recommend choosing a fabric with good strength.
- Canvas and denim: Two classic, reliable choices when you need durability and structure. They are sturdy, robust, and perfect for everyday use.
- Tapestry and upholstery fabric: These are heavier fabrics ideal for bags. They hold their shape well, can withstand wear and tear, and come in a wide range of patterns and textures.
- Beaver nylon: Want a bag that can handle rain and outdoor life? Then beaver nylon is a great choice. It's water-repellent, strong, and gives a sportier look.
- Corduroy: Adds softness and a tactile surface, giving the bag a more relaxed shape.
Sew along and create your own Zero Waste Shopper
Join our sew-along and make this bag with us. Our sewing instructor Amanda will guide you step by step, making it easy for you to follow along.
In this video, we’re sewing Model A (the large one).
Get Inspired by Our Selfmade® Ambassadors
Ready to get started? Let yourself be inspired by our wonderful, creative Selfmade Ambassadors, who have made the Zero Waste Shopper in three beautiful versions – with colors and materials that make each bag truly unique.
Share your Zero Waste Shopper with us on Instagram – we love seeing your creative takes!