Tutorial: Reusable fabric shopping bag

Lynnette from Running With Scissors shows how to make a reusable shopping bag you can use to reduce the number of disposable plastic grocery bags coming into your house (and evening into a landfill). It has a flat bottom to hold bulkier items. See how those milk cartons fit so nicely? They’re quick to sew up, so you can make yourself a set of them to bring all of your groceries home in. Go to Running With Scissors for the tutorial.

[photo from Running With Scissors]

Why should you make your own shopping bags or totes? Plastic bags are from the same source as all plastic: crude oil. So what is wrong with crude oil? The manufacturing process emits considerable amounts of pollution, and the product is not biodegradable. On land, plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter worldwide. As plastic bags are lightweight and float easily, this means they can travel long distances when picked up by the wind this includes landing in the ocean. Then wildlife gets tangled or ingests the bags, both in the sea and on land. Make a difference and make your own shopping grocery bags. Have plastic bags you need to re-use? Consider making these DIY upcycled plastic bag crafts.

There’s something especially meaningful about sewing for babies — and comfort items sit right at the top of that list. The Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 sewing pattern stood out because it’s designed to become that item. The one that gets carried everywhere, washed a hundred times, and quietly becomes part of a child’s everyday routine.

This isn’t a decorative nursery piece meant to sit untouched on a shelf. It’s a practical, thoughtful design that understands how babies actually use comfort blankets — for cuddling, soothing, and familiarity. Patterns like this always catch our attention because they’re about function first, with handmade heart woven all the way through.

Quick Pattern Overview

Pattern type: Baby comfort blanket / lovey
Skill level: Beginner
Format: PDF sewing pattern
Sizing range: Baby / infant
Designed for: Comfort, soothing, everyday use
Where to find it: Etsy (PDF sewing pattern)

Skill Level – What You Really Need to Know

This is a very beginner-friendly pattern, making it an excellent choice if you’re new to sewing for babies or want a gentle, satisfying project. The construction is straightforward, with no complex shaping or garment techniques involved.

Accuracy still matters — especially with neat seams and soft finishing — but this is absolutely a pattern you can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also a lovely option if you’re sewing during nap times or want a project you can complete in short bursts.

Fabric & Material Suggestions

Fabric choice is especially important here, as this is something babies will cuddle and handle constantly.

Best fabrics: Cotton muslin, cotton jersey, soft flannel, bamboo blends
For texture: Mix smooth cotton with a slightly textured backing
Fabrics to avoid: Anything stiff, scratchy, or heavily embellished

Softness and washability are key. Choosing fabrics that get better with washing will ensure the finished blanket holds up to real use.

Fit, Sizing & Wearability Notes

This comfort blanket is designed to be easy for little hands to hold, fold, and cuddle. The size is intentional — not too large, not too small — making it suitable for prams, cots, and everyday outings.

Because it’s not size-dependent in the way clothing is, this pattern offers a lot of flexibility. It’s also a great option if you’re sewing gifts and don’t know exact measurements.

Before You Start Sewing This Pattern

Pre-wash all fabrics to avoid shrinkage
Read instructions fully before cutting
Choose thread suitable for frequent washing
Take time with finishing edges neatly
Double-check PDF print scale if templates are included

These small steps help ensure a soft, durable result.

Customisation & Styling Ideas

This 2-in-1 pattern is easy to personalise and makes a wonderful handmade gift.

You could:

Use contrasting fabrics for visual interest
Personalise with embroidery or appliqué
Coordinate fabrics with a nursery theme
Make multiple versions for rotation
Pair it with a matching bib or blanket

It’s a pattern that encourages thoughtful fabric choices rather than complicated sewing.

Who This Pattern Is Best For

This pattern is a great choice if you:

Sew for babies or new parents
Want a quick, meaningful project
Enjoy beginner-friendly sewing
Like making handmade gifts that get used

You may want to skip this if:

You’re looking for a garment project
You prefer complex construction
You dislike repetitive stitching

Why We’re Sharing This Pattern

We love sharing patterns like this because they highlight the emotional side of sewing. Comfort blankets aren’t about fashion or trends — they’re about familiarity, softness, and care. This pattern is simple, thoughtful, and designed for real use, which makes it incredibly rewarding to sew.

It’s exactly the kind of project that reminds us why handmade matters.

About Sewing Pattern Saturday

Sewing Pattern Saturday is a regular series here on CraftGossip where we highlight sewing patterns created by independent designers, with a strong focus on Etsy sellers and small businesses. It’s our way of supporting talented pattern makers while helping sewists discover patterns that are practical, well-designed, and genuinely enjoyable to make.

Find the Pattern Here

You can find the Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 PDF Sewing Pattern on Etsy ?

Have you read?