Paper bag making is an easy, inexpensive craft with many practical uses, such as packaging food, decorating a gift or separating clothes. It’s all in how you fold the paper, so it doesn’t need to be perfect. With the design tips in this article, you will learn how to make a paper bag in minutes that will keep your most prized possessions safe and sound for many years to come.
Paper bag: A Good Choice for Saving Nature
The paper bag is a great invention, making you not have to use plastic bags that can pollute the environment. You can put your groceries and other products in it that you purchase for your daily life.
In this article, we would like to present you a step-by-step guide on how to make a paper bag. There are different materials that you can use when making paper bags such as glue, scissors, ruler and, of course, the most important thing - a clean sheet of newspaper.
It is impossible not to be impressed by the versatility and durability of paper bags, which are still one of the best ways to store products in bulk or protect them from precipitation. Paper bags can withstand all sorts of pressure and preserve their contents for years (provided they’re safe from pests).
The material also has excellent insulation properties. In learning paper bag making, there are some steps to follow in a particular order, which are sure to give you an idea on paper bag making.
Gather the Key Materials
Before you start learning how to make a paper bag, the major things that you'll require to make a paper bag are scissors, newspapers, cardboard for the base, glue, scotch tape, cotton and a roll of paper. The pair of scissors is used to cut the newspaper into the shape that is the base for a bag.
The newspaper will be folded and cut into small pieces, which when they are glued together will make the base for the paper bag.
The other thing that is needed for this process is scotch tape and glue, which will help the base to stick to the newspaper, because of its stickiness.
Folding the Newspaper
• Cut a small rectangle shape out of a newspaper to make the main part of the bag. This should be of a standard size and as close to the width of your bag. Again, this will depend on what is available and how you want to use your finished product later. If you are using tissue paper, it may need to be cut in strips first before cutting out the rectangle shape for the main part of your bag.
• Fold that smaller rectangle in half to make the top of your bag and then fold it in half again so that it is now a quarter of its original size. You should have a square shape now.
• Measure out the length you want your bag to be, plus an extra inch or so to allow for folds and overlap at the top of your bag with a pencil. Mark this length with another line across the folded square shape.
• From there, simply cut along this line all around the square until you get to just a small corner piece left on one side.
Cardboard for the Base
After folding and cutting the newspaper for the body, you'll need to now prepare the base for your paper bag using a cardboard box.
Take the cardboard and fold the sides in so that they are just big enough to fit a bag of chips, and tape them down. Fold one flap across the end, then another flap on the other side right next to it. Fold in one corner at a 45-degree angle.
Lightly tape together with scotch tape and unfold the paper bag shape. Now your cardboard base is ready for your wax paper.
You'll need wax paper or parchment paper from a grocery store. Fold two sheets of paper towel into quarters and place it on top of three pieces of wax paper or parchment and then attach them using your glue stick.
Sealing the Base and Making Folds
Once done, you can now begin to fold the base to start wrapping your paper bag making.
There are a few simple folds you need to make to seal it closed. You can use whatever side is easier for you, but the best way is by taking the top of the bag and folding it so that it aligns with the back. Once you've done this, fold over again and then continue on around until there are no more edges left open.
Now, in order to close the base, fold all four corners up so that they meet at the centre point. Take care when doing this as to not poke any holes in your newly made paper bag.
Other steps in making paper bags
• Adding handles to the sides of your bag
• Dividing your excess material into two sections, then cutting each section in half. This will give you four pieces of paper, which can be used to make four paper bags.
• Sewing the side seam shut and crafting a handle for an open top bag.
• Sewing it shut at the top and trimming off any excess material.
• Making decorative seams with bias tape or contrasting fabric strips
And that's it! You've just made yourself a paper bag! If you feel like switching up styles every now and then, there are many different types to choose from like bucket bags, make-up cases or rectangular shoe storage bags.
Paper Bag Making - A Good Business Idea
It may not seem like paper bag making is a lucrative business idea at first, but the booming industry has made it a potential lifesaver for many people.
Perhaps you have a lot of experience as a seamstress or are just looking to make an extra buck in your spare time. But no matter who you are and what skills you have, it is possible to benefit from paper bag making. In fact, many skilled people are finding success with this profession and turning their wheel of fortune into something truly special.
There are many types of paper bags to choose from, and each type has a unique selling point that can be tailor made to suit whatever kind of product you are trying to sell. In order to fully understand what this means, it is obviously important to make sure that you have the right supplies and equipment.
You might be surprised by how relatively simple this process is, especially when using some good quality materials and equipment. You may even decide that the additional profits are worth the initial investment, but even if this turns out not to be so, it will still be worthwhile for you in the long term as you gain experience and develop your skills.
Conclusion
Ever since paper was invented in 868 AD, paper bags have been used to make transporting items easier. Paper is a renewable resource, so you can recycle the material and use it again.
On paper bags, you will find two lines - one of which is parallel to the bottom edge on the bag while the other is perpendicular to this line and has a slant. The parallel line represents how many gallons of water that could fit into the given type of bag (e.g., grocery). The slanted line tells what types of products are suitable for that specific gallon size.
FAQs
How do I make a paper bag?
You can make paper bags from newspaper or cardboards and the simple tools you’ll need are just glue and tapes and a pair of scissors
Is it possible to make my own patterns for my bags?
Yes, it’s possible for you to choose your own pattern for your paper bag.
Where can I buy supplies for this craft project?
You can get your own supplies from the nearest local store to you.
Can I use fabric instead of paper in my project?
You can add in fabrics to facilitate the design of your paper bag but it’s called paper bags for a reason, so it’s always advisable to use paper for your ’paper bag making’ at home.