Question for you sewers. (hmmm....those who sew). :)

[CathyA]

About 27 years ago, I bought 5 canvas/cotton Kroger shopping bags. I think I'm the only one in this county who did. :(
Anyhow.....they are still holding up pretty well, except the handles are getting very frayed. I want to replace them. What is it that I'm looking for?
It is some type of strong cotton mesh that's an inch wide. I don't know what to call it. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[JaneV2.0]

Cotton webbing. https://www.theribbonretreat.com/Ribbon/cotton-webbing.aspx

[Birdie]

My reusable bags have grosgrain ribbon handles about 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inches wide. I don;t know if it is heavier than the ribbon you buy for sewing, but my bags are well used and are still in great shape.

[kib]

You could also try rug binding tape - look for cotton and not iron on.

http://www.woolery.com/store/pc/Rug-Binding-Tape-p5970.htm#.VGDssMmwVGQ?Amazon%A0Product%A0AD=on-amazon&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_ noss_1%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Darts-crafts%26field-keywords%3Dcotton%2520rug%2520binding%2520tape&CPC=cpc&SKU=CUS-TAPE-NT

[CathyA]

Thanks! Now I know what to look for! Don't know why they fell apart this last time in the wash. I used just a little clorox. But, after all, they are 27 years old and I use them 1-2 times a week. I remember the first time I used them, and the bag boys weren't used to seeing them. I was busy talking to the cashier, and looked over and he'd lined all my cotton bags with plastic bags!
I love thinking of how many plastic bags I haven't used in those 27 years. Think if everyone did that!

I hope my sewing machine needle can get through the thick material. I may have to get a larger needle.
Thanks again!

[JaneV2.0]

Try a jeans needle--I think it's a size 18/110. Or 16/100.

[CathyA]

Thanks Jane.

[Zoe Girl]

i had the same thing with a bag about the same age!! i thought i was the only one who had that issue. i also had people put things in plastic. one store argued that i was not allowed to use them because i may steal (okay i was kinda punk looking back then). even now if i buy meat i bring a plastic bag from my stash because they won't put meat in a cloth bag (i do wash them, geez) But it is getting better, so many other people using the reusable bags now.

in my case i did a crochet handle out of cotton like other bags i have made. then i sewed it on with extra thick thread. i think the options posted here are great. if you can get the sewing machine to do it that is great, if you have to hand sew at all use a thimble to get through all the layers and it will be very sturdy that way too.

[CathyA]

Thanks Zoe Girl!

[CathyA]

Okay....yet another question. Since I might order some of this cotton webbing online and can't actually feel it, I'm finding that they offer what I need in either medium-heavy weight (which most seem to be), or heavy-weight webbing. Since I'm not a webbing expert, I can't tell you if all my present bag handles are medium or heavy. Any ideas? If I can use the medium, then I'll go with that. But I use these bags a lot and they usually get packed very heavy. Should I go with medium or heavy? (I know, I'm obsessing.....which is I usually do) :~)

[Tammy]

I would buy new cloth bags and cut the old ones up for rags.

But I hate sewing and I love quick solutions.

[CathyA]

I have rags coming out my ears. And the bottom parts of these bags are still in great condition.......so I'd rather just replace the handles.