With progress, I'll be a noobie

[Oak]

Hi all,
I've been around the forums for a while, reading and learning and enjoying. I'm about to start getting into basic homemade gear and I'm wondering if anybody can direct me to a pattern or directions for a simple square bottom bag, like a grocery bag. I've got a bunch of fabric that was given to me, and I figure I can learn to keep stitches straight on something like this.

Thanks,
Oak

[titanium_hiker]

it's not as complicated as it sounds.

You'll need a square base, and you could use a "tube" of fabric for the walls. Remember to sew inside out then turn right side out when you are done, and pin the fabric together where you want to sew it- with enough pins you can "build" the product before sewing it.

TH

[Cannibal]

Oak-
I think this is what you're looking for when you say square bottom; the grocery bag thing threw me. Easy stuff and great practice. Plus, who doesn't need a couple dozen stuff sacks laying around?

[Ramblinrev]

The "We Don't Sew.. We Make Gear" vid series has some information on making stuff sacks. There are some other good resources out there as well. A square bottom is simplicity itself. Cut the rough material twice the unfinished size you want. Fold it in half and stitch the open sides letting the fold be a third side. Treat the fourth side for whatever closure you want. The two bottom corners are then opened, flattened and folded to the center of the bottom seam. Mark that fold, run a stitch line and voila ... you are the proud owner of a square bottom bag. It sounds harder than it really is. Watch the vid. I believe it is the "making it your own" chapter.