Zero waste week 2014 is the perfect prompt to consider how I wrap sandwiches.
Recycle plastic bags by fusing them to create a new durable material, perfect to be sewn up into reusable sandwich bags.
My first design of sandwich bag measures 7.5″ by 6.5″
First cut the handles and bottoms off your plastic bags, create 6-8 layers of plastic (the thicker the plastic the less layers) 
Sandwich between parchment paper and iron for 15 seconds until fused.
Allow to cool then peel off the parchment paper. Cut the newly formed plastic sheet to 14″ by 7.5″
Attach velcro to the top and bottom, note how the bag folds – attach one on the inside and one on the outside of the material.
Fold over 6.5″ and stitch down each side seam.
A big thank you to my helper James, who seemed to be as interested as I as to how the different thicknesses of plastic fused together – let’s just say it is possible to heat for too long!
I am hoping to return tomorrow with a different design, but time will tell!! What would you make with fused plastic?
Another great idea. I take an old face cloth to the gym to wipe sweaty hands and equipment. These would be useful for storing the cloth away from the rest of the items in my bag.
Great idea, just make it a little bigger:)
Oh my – I’m totally in awe – this is AMAZING Vicky; thanks for sharing your tutorial and the outcome of your project. I LOVE this idea!
Thanks Rachelle, so glad I signed up for zero waste week – really enjoying it:)
As always you are so clever. I sometimes think that I could start a “plastic bag shop” I have so many. However here in Wales we don’t get any for free so they do get re used until the handles give way!
I am always forgetting to take them, and gain more:( I have some Onya Bags, made of parachute silk, brilliantly strong and perfect for carrying the bottles when shopping, they are still going strong after 10 years.
Wow, this is amazing! I just want to try ironing the plastic bags – what a genius idea!
Wow, who knew you could do this and how apt for zero waste week. Big well done Mich x
Amazing! Who’d have thought to fuse plastic bags? Good tutorial, Vicki!
I absolutely love this idea! Thanks for sharing, this would be perfect for my hubby and I because I pack us sandwiches for lunch almost every day 🙂