REUSE YOUR EMPTY FEED BAGS! | DIY Feed Bag Tote
Turn your feed bags into reusable grocery, tote, or gift bags! This project is super simple for a beginner sewer. Prior to making these tote bags, I hadn't sewed since home economics class in middle school! Special thanks to Alex's mom for helping me with this project!! You can use any type of plastic feed bag: chicken, goat, bird, etc.
Use a 16 gauge needle!
In this video, I demonstrate how to make a feed bag out of a 50lb chicken feed bag. If you are using a smaller bag, I recommend using the following measurements:
Straps- Make sure to cut the straps so that they are at least 12 inches long. You can make them longer if you prefer to put the strap over your shoulder.
Strap Placement- Rather than measuring 6 inches in from the side, try measuring 4-5 inches instead.
Squaring off the bottom- Measure across the triangle 4 inches instead of 5in.
About Us: We are Alex and Elaina, a couple in our 20s who are currently living on the 3-acre farm in southern Pennsylvania where Alex grew up. We have a garden, backyard chickens, and build or fix anything that we need to. We still work corporate day jobs, but are working to eventually leave the 9-5 lifestyle in favor of a self-built, debt-free, homestead on 6 acres nearby.
Something that differentiates us from other KZread homestead channels is our transparency on the cost of our projects - there is usually a breakdown right in the description!
Follow our journey here on KZread, Instagram, and Facebook!
Instagram: / masondixonacres
FB Page: / masondixonacres
Пікірлер: 307
What other kind of sewing projects would you like to see?! I'd love to make a dress or skirt out of recycled linens.
@indirapulimi2433
3 жыл бұрын
Wonderful,appreciate it.
@tuotieful
3 жыл бұрын
apron?
@nancyhull2124
2 жыл бұрын
Love this! Your instructions and demos are so clear. I would like to see how to create the same bag, but with long straps that go around the entire bag - down the sides and across the bottom - for extra strength.
@suewoughter5829
2 жыл бұрын
I love this tote! I'd love to see instructions on adding some egg gathering slots. I wonder if that would be practical. My daughter has a hard time carrying all she needs for chores in the morning, so a tote with egg slots would help her carry things and eliminate the need to carry an egg basket as well. She has an egg apron but I think it's too much effort to put on, and especially in winter it's not very practical.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Love these ideas!
I love making these bags. I prefer webbing v. the plastic straps. Some years ago I saw a video where a church used these bags as a two-fold community project. They solicited the bags from the community (partnering with retail outlet to disseminate info. They then used these bags a a community outreach project by (1) donating a sewing machine to them; (2) teaching them the basic skills to make the bag; (3) paying them for each bag created and (4) selling the bags in the community with the proceeds refunding the program. I thought it such a wonderful program. These bags are so strong.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Wow that's so amazing! What a great program! Sewing is a very valuable life skill as well.
@petrasbodyworks2448
Жыл бұрын
Please what do you mean by webbing? I'd love. to learn more.
@notesfromleisa-land
Жыл бұрын
@@petrasbodyworks2448 webbing is strapping like with leashes and collars and straps
This is perfect. I originally saved all my chicken feed bags to put cans in, but it took up so much space and after a year I finally took them to be recycled. I was just going to toss the bags out, but I said, that seems like a waste, I'm sure I can find a use. Again, this is perfect!
This is an excellent video. I love how you show each step and then speed up the video while you are doing the procedure. This is the best bag making video I have seen, and I have watched several. I am making these from horse, chicken, and dog food bags, for a nonprofit organization to either sell, or to use as gift bags at an event.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you found it to be helpful! That is a great idea to sell them as a fundraiser. I’ll probably make more out of our bird feed bags to give as gifts 🙂
Super video! If your bag isn’t big enough to cut off pieces for the straps you can make straps from another bag,or from nylon webbing. For strength, I recommend polyester thread (rather than cotton) for stitching on this material. You can, if you like, stitch along the final creases you make.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for giving some tips!! I don't sew super often so I appreciate it 😊
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have hundreds of feed bags and I was saving them up to be able to make these. I just learned how to use a sewing machine (I've always hand-sewn everything). I'm a firm believer in efficiency and minimal waste. I'm so excited to put my new skills to use and reuse something that would otherwise be thrown out!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Ahh awesome!! Hundreds of bags?? You will be busy for quite a while! Glad you got some use out of this 🙂
@petrasbodyworks2448
Жыл бұрын
Good
Lovely video, sewing secret for you: If you sew all the way around a tube there is no need to back stitch at all. simply overlap your stitch about a half an inch when you reach the beginning.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Great tip!
Ok you can sew , there is another skill you have which in some parts of the world is a dying art. Well done. Years & Years ago when i was a lad, my Mum taught me how to darn socks, and sew on buttons, and hand sew little holes in clothing items . I never forgot. I don't know any kids that learn this anymore. I am pretty sure parents over the years just don't teach that anymore. Now i really feel old..hahaa.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
I hope to learn more sewing skills! This was my first time sewing since middle school.
I saw your video today and sat down and made one. We heat with pellets so I used one of those bags. When hubby goes out to feed the chickens, I will have him bring in some feed sacks. Thank you for your instructions and time to put into this video. Oh yes, I also am a young 71 year old!!! 👍🏼💜
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
So glad you were able to make a tote successfully with this video! Sounds like you'll have plenty to make in the future too :)
Love it. And love the crinkly sound of the bag as you make the tote.
Thank you for this tutorial! Yours is the easiest I’ve come across! I can’t wait to start my bags!!! 😁
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Happy crafting!!
Thank you! I made some 10 years ago (I’m still using them!) but forgot exactly what I did. I have these same Dumor bags, they’re huge and great for groceries. I used the clear poly thread that’s like fishing line, and an old wallpaper seaming roller to fold the creases. Thanks again for the great video!
@MasonDixonAcres
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info on the thread you use and the roller! I'm still using this Dumor bag and I made it like 3 years ago at this point! We switched over to a feed that's packaged in paper now!
Glad I found your video first. You made everything so simple, no big fancy sewing needed. I saved maybe 30 horse feed bags, wanting to make some bags. Also bought a very nice used sewing machine. So now I have no excuse not to make them.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Awesome!! Glad we helped in upcycling those 🙂
We have a store that sells those bags for a good amount . I loved them but thought I might could make my own. Your video was just what I needed . 👍
I love it ❤. Most of my feed bags are made of cardboard but the cat feed bags are plastic. I hope my sewing machine will make it. And btw you seem to be a very friendly person!
Cute and earth friendly idea! I use clothespins to hold straps in place. Made easier than remembering to insert as sewing. Thank you for sharing your idea.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Great tip, thanks!!
Awesome tutorial! My pattern is just a tad different but for the smaller bags. I like your size of the handle using a 3" width. That is perfect. I make the bottom a bit different by cutting out a square. I found your channel researching ideas for the larger bags. Thank you so much! I know these tutes can take a lot of time to do.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! Hope you found it to be helpful! They are a bit of work, but we like saving them from the trash 🙂 -Elaina
I've been wanting to do this!! I LOVE recycling & have dozens upon dozens of feed bags!!! I use them as garbage bags & storage bags, but really want to make the totes! My 2cent tip: instead of making straps I got 25 yard rolls of 2inch nylon webbing-strap ($25) for the handles - just a little time saver - and (ugg) not TOTAL recycling - but I'm hoping to sell the totes if possible. Also will use wide jute strapping bc it's more organic looking. I found your site bc I was wondering specifically how to do the bottom! Your instruction was perfect! Thank you so much!!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Yay!! I'm glad you found this tutorial to be helpful! I'm really big into recycling and reducing waste as well. That's a great idea to sell the bags! I've thought about that too but never pursued it! Thanks for your tips.
Looks like sewing on the straps before closing the bottom of the bag makes it much easier to create the handles. Thanks for the tutorial!
I have just finished two totes. They turned out great. Thank you for your easy to follow instructions.
First time making one! Followed right along and got it done! Thanks so much.
Thank you. I just made one for my brother in law. Turned out fine
Суперрр))) Обожаю переработку))) Вы молодчина!!!
Brilliant idea! Awesome video, thank you!
SUSTAINABLE, just perfect!
I love this video and have made several bags.
Thank you. So easy to follow. Can’t wait to try !
Sending thanks from St. Louis (Missouri, USA). Can't wait to try this.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
yay! Hope it goes well!
The video was very easy to follow. Great job! I'm going to give this a shot.
Oh My Word! THank you so mych! I just did this and came out pretty good! I HATE throwing away feed bags, so this made my day
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Yayy!! Let me know how the project goes for you!
Well done Grasshopper
Thanks for the video! I'm making my first tote bag this afternoon. Excited to see how it turns out. Thanks again!🐓
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Yay!! Let me know how it goes!
I made your bag and LOVE it as does everyone I show it to. Now I am in business! Thank you and looking forward to more of your videos.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
aweee yay!! I'm so happy to hear that!! I'm hoping to find some more time for crafts like this but it may be hard with gardening season just around the corner!
@carinacarden6275
2 жыл бұрын
How much do you price them at?
Thank you!!!! So satisfying! You explained it so well!!!
just made this, you're directions were great!! Love the music too.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
That’s so great! I’m glad you found the instructions to be helpful. I plan to make some into gifts for the holidays next year 🙂
Very well done instructions! We have hundreds of feed bags stacked up. Thank you for your help!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Oh wow! You will have plenty of bags to sell or donate! Glad this was helpful.
This was an excellent tutorial! Great explanation & speed of directions. I look forward to seeing your other videos.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, thank you!!
I found a dry erase marker to be helpful. As long as you are careful not to smudge it before you sew, you can sew and then wipe it off. Very nice tutorial, thank you!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
That is a great pro tip! Thanks so much for sharing
@maryjanesteinbrecher3953
2 жыл бұрын
Washable Crayola markers work and come in variety of colors.
@mathangelaz5799
Жыл бұрын
A Bic pen works well also 😊
I just made one following your instructions, great video, you made it easy to make
@MasonDixonAcres
Ай бұрын
Great to hear!!
Great video and very practical information. Especially appreciated the recommendations about the thread to use for sewing.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much! I've been wanting to do this for a while and finally looked into it. I love reusable totes, and it means so much more when you can give things new life, especially when you do it yourself! And now I have cute chicken bags to show off lol Thanks again!❤️
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!!
What a great idea
I've wanted to do this for some time now - glad you reminded me !!
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Hope it works out for you! They are great to give as gifts too 🙂
Great project and well done.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I sew it and used it , it's good.Thanks for your sharing such useful.keep posting such .
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad the video helped!
I just saw your video looking up how to repurpose fast food bags and you came up on the thread. Your idea is fantastic! I’m definitely going to find some feed bags to start making bags for my family and friends. Thank be you for sharing your craft.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!!
Love this idea!! Making some of these!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Have fun!
My daughter-in-law just told me she could make me a bag out of my 50lb. dogfood bag. Well, I sew, so of course I got on KZread and found you making your bag. I'll be making one myself. My dogwood bag is a pretty one, so I'm excited about making it. Thank you for the easy to follow instructions.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
So exciting!! Glad you found the video to be helpful!
Love the video. Bag production is in my near future. Thank you so very much.
I just made my 1st feed bag tote and I love it. Thank you for explaining step by step giving perfect directions . Can't wait to check out what other projects you have!!!!
@MasonDixonAcres
3 ай бұрын
Wonderful! Glad the video helped :)
I like the music and you made a lovely tutorial. Thank you!
Thank you for such great teaching. God bless
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
turned out nicely and big!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
It’s a great bag! We use it all the time 👍🏼
Nicely done!
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I am trying my hand at it tomorrow! Thank you. Looking forward to other videos 🤗🤗
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Yay!! Let me know how it goes! Hope you found the video to be helpful.
@janieharner5136
2 жыл бұрын
@@MasonDixonAcres I have cats so that is what I used. Went great wish I could insert a picture 🤗
🥰 love it.I always save my wild birds food bags, always thinking that at any moment I would turn them into a beautiful 🛍 shopping bags.💖💖💖💖💖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Yes!! We love making them and giving them as gifts 💕
Great video and point on instructions!😊
Awesome!! I'm going to try this with my industrial machine with thick string normally for leather, this will be a hit-- I'm excited! Thank you for making this video!!
@MasonDixonAcres
6 ай бұрын
That sounds perfect! I've been using my bag for several years now, and it holds up great! Carries lots of groceries :)
Great tutorial!!!
Great tutorial!
You made this a project I can actually do. Thank you!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
ahh yay! Love to hear it! Another feed bag saved from the landfill! We use our bags all of the time for groceries.
Thank you for sharing; this was the easiest tutorial I have watched. I have 4 bags I am gonna stitch up this weekend!!!!
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful! So glad it was helpful! hope it works out for you!
Thank you! I always wanted to do this and made two bags with you today!
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
awe yay!! That makes me so happy! I'm glad the instructions helped!
Estou no Brasil e amei esse trabalho!!! Obrigada por compartilhar. Abraços!👏🇧🇷
This was an awesome video tutorial! Thank you for sharing this great idea! Can't wait to try to make a few myself. They will make great gifts too! 😊
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the kind words!! Glad you got something out of it 🙂
I have been searching for an easy way to recycle these bags....thank you so much for posting this tutorial.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Of course! Glad you found it to be helpful. I have since switched over to a feed that is packaged in paper bags. If you're in the MD/PA area there are several farms that sell the brand. It is called Homestead Harvest. I highly recommend it! We pick it up directly at the farm.
@michelesleitweiler5963
3 жыл бұрын
@@MasonDixonAcres I live in Florida. I need to look around and see if we have anyone that does paper.
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
@@michelesleitweiler5963 Hopefully you can find someone! If not, at least now you know how to get a second life out of the bags :) We still purchase wild bird feed in bags and I plan to make those into bags to give as gifts!
Such a fun idea! Thank you
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Hope your bags turn out great!
What a great idea thank you😊
Loved this! Thank you so much.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it and found it to be helpful!
Excellent idea. I've been wondering what to do with my collection of feed bags. Your husband married a sweetheart.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
This is a great way to give them a second life!
Wow, This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great presentation!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly! Hope your bags turn out great!
I thumbed up, subscribed and liked. Thanks for emphasising on ways to make to make the strength, sure.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
Now I can make tons of them with my feed bags instead of throw away .... Thanks for sharing
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
They are a great gift!
AMAZING, THANK YOU!!!
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you found it to be helpful!
💖👍🐓 great recycle project!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! I think so too!
Thank you for this tutorial
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Your welcome!
I started making totes/bags like these but I use one strip from bag, fold it/sew it and then cut it in half for two pieces for the handles. I really like your way to sew the handles on though, I'm going to do my next batch that way. Thank you for the video.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Sure thing! Glad you found it to be helpful. Always like to hear how others do it as well!
Thank you for such an excellent video! My dogs get 25lbs of vet dog food so I thought I would make the vet some bags!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea!
i love it so so much. We all need a water proof tote. so unique too♥♻
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
thank you!!
I just made one after watching your video using a 40 lb. kitty litter bag. I also incorporated some techniques from another video to give the side folds more structure. It came out a bit smaller than yours and the smooth plastic was kinda difficult to work with, but overall I'm very happy with it. I'll definitely be trying this with one of my 50 lb. chicken feed bags. Thank you so much!
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
We've made several of these from kitty food bags! Gotta keep our barn cats fed ☺ Glad you found the video to be helpful! I love that you combined other ideas too! It's always fun to experiment and figure out what works best for you!
@mathangelaz5799
Жыл бұрын
@Goody2shz Do you remember which video gives that instruction for the sides? Am making my first one today from a big bag. Thank you😊
@Goody2shzToo
Жыл бұрын
Sorry, Ange, I did not see this till today. Unfortunately, I don't remember which video I was talking about. Possibly a how-to on sewing boxed corners...? Anyway, I hope you were successful with your project.
It’s ok to say it’s been rat-chewed. Every homesteader has them (even if they won’t admit it)🤣 Thanks for the detailed instructions!❤
Gonna try
I want to line mine. Adorable
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Great idea!
Great tutorial. Thank you for sharing! New subbie.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much!!
Wonderful idea thnx dear to you
Such a cool video! I had a birdseed bag and thought I wonder if I could make a bag . Also it looks like youvsrw on a vintage Kenmore. Cool
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, give it a shot! And yes it's an oldie but a goodie 🙂
THANK YOU KINDLY...JUST MADE THIS
@MasonDixonAcres
3 жыл бұрын
Your welcome!! I’m glad you found it to be helpful!
Cool! Thanks.
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Hope it was helpful!
Awesome
Thank you!!!!!❤
@MasonDixonAcres
8 ай бұрын
You are so welcome!
You can use washable markers to mark the bag instead of a sharpie. I plan to use nylon webbing for the straps. 😊
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Great tip!
Great idea. I subscribed for more interesting ideas. I don't have feed bags myself but I know someone who might.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
Subscribed😀
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! Happy to have you! 😊
Awesome video. Would love to see one with a lined feed sack......
@MasonDixonAcres
2 жыл бұрын
Do you mean adding fabric to the inside of the bag?
To have added strap strength sew a square with an X in the middle
Cool
I have a large cat food bag I would LOVE to make into a tote but I don’t have a sewing machine or the skill. Maybe one day! 😊
My Indian(The Great Bharata🇮🇳) grand parents & great grand parents always made & used these. They lived more sustainable life than us.
Thank you for this video. I now have a way to reuse feed bags that would otherwise be thrown out.
@MasonDixonAcres
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!