Folding shopping bag

1 Cut two pockets: 31 x 40 cm Cut two handles: 6 x 42 cm Cut a strap: 3 x 22 cm.

2 Sew the handle as well as the strap together lengthwise with a 0.5 cm seam. Sew one end and turn inside out (use a knitting needle for turning the handle inside out). Fold in the seam at the other end and sew this end of the two handles and the strap. Iron the two handles and the strap with an iron.

3 Sew the handles and the strap onto the shopping bag using a sewing machine.

4 Fold in the seams of the pockets and press using an iron. Fold the top edge over twice and press with an iron. Sew the folded edge.

5 Now sew both pockets along the edge of the shopping bag. Secure the pockets onto the shopping bag with pins to keep them in place.

6 Divide the pocket in two with a seam and mark the middle with pins. You may divide the pocket into more compartments, e.g. a narrow one for knitting needles, one for your water bottle or one for your keys and mobile phone.

7 Sew the button onto the middle and 12 cm from the top.

8 A tip: fold down the handle onto the back of the bag and fold both sides towards the handle. Now roll the bag from the bottom and stop around the button.