Hi everyone, I'm new to the world of sewing and I'm planning to make some reusable bags for grocery shopping. I'm wondering if it's alright to use cotton fabric for making bags, as that's what I have readily available in my stash. Will it be sturdy enough to hold groceries or will it tear easily? Also, any tips on making durable bags would be great! Thank you in advance for your help.

Hello everyone! I have used cotton fabric for making bags and it worked out great. One thing I would suggest is to prewash the cotton fabric before using it, as this will help prevent any shrinkage or color bleeding that can occur when you wash it for the first time later. Also, if you want to add more durability, you can apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric. This will make the fabric stiffer and more stable, and it will prevent it from sagging or losing its shape. Stitching the seams and reinforced handles is also essential to make sure the bag is strong when it is holding heavy items. Finally, you can hem the edges of the fabric to create a finishing look and prevent fraying. Overall, cotton fabric is a great choice for making bags and you can customize your bags to your personal taste.