Shopping Trolley Bag
Refresh your shopping cart bag by making use of the frame you already have. You’ll sew a sturdy, practical version with the option of an insulated interior for everyday use.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
A fresh bag for your shopping trolley
In this class, you’ll sew a Shopping Cart Bag designed to replace the worn-out bag on a cart with a metal frame, keeping the structure you already have. It’s a large, useful project and perfect for showing off a beautiful canvas.
The design includes Velcro fastenings to secure it to the cart, a top cord closure, a flap, and a base with volume. You can also add a waterproof insulated interior to carry fresh groceries, frozen foods, or vegetables with more peace of mind.
What you’ll learn
- Sew a large-format bag adapted to an existing cart frame.
- Work with canvas and insulated fabric.
- Prepare sturdy fastening pieces with Velcro for everyday use with weight.
- Install reinforced eyelets for a cord closure.
- Add depth to the bag with boxed corners at the base, creating a roomy, stable shape.
- Assemble the flap, cord area, fastenings, and lining for a clean finish.
Fabrics, materials and structure
For the exterior, a canvas or a fabric with body and good durability is recommended. You can also choose a waterproof canvas if you want a bag that can handle more wear. This isn’t the ideal project for poplin as the main fabric, because it needs to withstand friction and weight.
The interior can be made with waterproof insulated fabric, a conventional lining, or no lining. In the class we also use cord, Velcro, eyelets, reinforcing interfacing, and the cart’s rigid base; if yours hasn’t held up, you’ll need a firm piece to serve that purpose.
Ways to make it your own
The Shopping Cart Bag is a great opportunity to use a statement fabric: a large print, a bold solid canvas, gingham, or a combination that fits your style. You can also add a decorative label and choose the color of the cord and cord ends.
The class covers several practical choices: making it with an insulated interior, with a regular lining, or without a lining; finishing the inside with overlocking or with bias tape if you want a more polished finish; and adding a front or back pocket if you prefer more organization.
Size and trolley fit
The finished bag measures approximately 63 cm high, 56 cm wide and 24 cm deep. The pattern is drafted for a fairly standard shopping trolley frame and includes the frame measurements used for the sample.
If your trolley has different proportions, you’ll be able to assess possible adjustments before cutting into your final fabric. It is a large project, but rated low difficulty if you are comfortable with straight seams, sturdy layers and bigger pieces.
What’s included in the class
The full video class guides you through the details that make this bag work well: fitting it to the trolley, handling layers, adding Velcro, eyelets, the optional lining and the final finish.
You’ll also get the downloadable pattern in A4 and A0, plus the material and preparation information you need to sew your Shopping Trolley Bag confidently.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.