How To Make A Hanging Storage Bag

Materials Needed

Before you start making a hanging storage bag, gather the following materials:

Fabric: Choose a fabric of your choice, such as cotton or canvas, for the main body of the storage bag.
Pockets Fabric: Select a coordinating or contrasting fabric for the pockets, which will provide additional storage space.
Thread: Ensure you have a matching thread color for a neat and seamless finish.
Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for cutting your materials accurately.
Pins or Clips: These will help you hold the fabric together during the sewing process.
Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will make the assembly process faster and more efficient. However, if you don’t have one, you can still make the storage bag by hand sewing.
Iron: An iron will be useful for pressing the fabric and achieving crisp edges.
Measuring Tape or Ruler: Precise measurements are crucial for creating a well-fitted storage bag.
Hanger: For hanging the storage bag, you can use a wooden or plastic hanger.
Decorative Embellishments (optional): Ribbons, buttons, or other embellishments can add a personal touch to your hanging storage bag.

Take your time to gather all these materials before starting the project. Once you have everything prepared, you can proceed to the next steps of creating your very own hanging storage bag.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric

The first step in making a hanging storage bag is to measure and cut the fabric to the desired size and shape. Here’s how:

Measure the Dimensions: Decide on the size you want your storage bag to be. Consider the available space and the items you plan to store in it. Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the length and width for the main body of the bag.
Cut the Main Fabric: Place the fabric on a flat surface and mark the measurements using a fabric pen or chalk. Double-check the measurements before cutting. Use sharp fabric scissors to cut along the marked lines, ensuring clean and straight edges.
Cut the Pocket Fabric: If you plan to include pockets in your storage bag, measure and cut the pocket fabric. Determine the number and size of pockets you want, and add extra fabric for seam allowances. Cut the pockets into rectangular or square shapes.

Remember to leave seam allowances on all sides of the fabric pieces. Seam allowances are typically around 1/2 inch, but you can adjust them based on your preference. These allowances will be used for sewing the fabric pieces together later on.

Once you have cut the fabric pieces, double-check their dimensions to ensure they are accurate. This will prevent any issues during the assembly process and result in a well-fitted hanging storage bag.

Step 2: Sew the Pockets

Now that you have the fabric pieces cut to the desired size, it’s time to sew the pockets. Adding pockets to your hanging storage bag will provide extra storage space and help keep your items organized. Follow these steps to sew the pockets:

Prepare the Pocket Fabric: Take the rectangular or square pieces of pocket fabric and fold each piece in half, with the right sides together. Use an iron to press the fold, creating a crease along the folded edge.
Sew the Pocket Sides: Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch along the two sides of each folded fabric piece, leaving the top edge open. Alternatively, you can use a serger to give the pockets a clean finished edge.
Trim the Excess Fabric: Trim the excess fabric from the sides, leaving a small seam allowance. Be careful not to cut through the stitches.
Turn the Pockets Right-Side Out: Carefully turn the fabric pockets inside out, so the right side of the fabric is now facing out. Use a pencil or the back of a paintbrush to push out the corners and create crisp edges.
Press the Pockets: Use an iron to press the pockets, ensuring they lie flat and the seams are neat and well-defined. Pay attention to the top edge of the pockets to ensure it is smooth and even.

Repeat these steps for each pocket you want to add to your hanging storage bag. The number and placement of the pockets are entirely customizable based on your storage needs.

Once you have sewn and pressed all the pockets, you are ready to attach them to the main fabric in the next step of creating your hanging storage bag.

Step 3: Attach the Pockets to the Main Fabric

With the pockets sewn and prepared, it’s time to attach them to the main fabric of your hanging storage bag. Follow these steps to securely attach the pockets:

Position the Pockets: Lay the main fabric piece flat with the right side facing up. Determine the desired placement of the pockets on the fabric. You can evenly space them or position them according to your preference.
Pin or Clip the Pockets: Once you have determined the placement of the pockets, pin or clip them in place on the main fabric. Make sure the top edge of each pocket aligns with the top edge of the main fabric.
Sew the Pockets: Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch along the sides and bottom of each pocket, attaching them to the main fabric. Ensure you backstitch at the beginning and end of each pocket to secure the stitches.
Optional: Divide the Pockets: If you prefer to have multiple divided pockets, stitch vertically down the center of the pockets, creating divisions. This will allow you to organize your items more effectively.
Trim Excess Threads: Once you have sewn the pockets, trim any excess thread tails for a clean finish.

Take your time to sew the pockets securely to the main fabric, ensuring they are firmly attached. Be mindful of aligning the pockets properly to maintain a neat and professional appearance.

Once you have attached all the pockets, you are ready to proceed to the next step of sewing the sides and bottom of your hanging storage bag.

Step 4: Sew the Sides and Bottom

After attaching the pockets, the next step is to sew the sides and bottom of your hanging storage bag. Follow these steps to complete this stage of the project:

Position the Fabric: Fold the main fabric in half, with the right sides together. Make sure the pockets are on the inside, sandwiched between the two layers of main fabric.
Align the Edges: Match up the raw edges of the sides and bottom of the fabric. Pin or clip the edges together to hold them in place.
Sew the Sides: Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch along the sides, starting from the top edge and continuing down to the bottom edge. Sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, ensuring the stitches are straight and secure.
Sew the Bottom: After sewing the sides, move on to sewing the bottom of the bag. Stitch across the bottom edge, again with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. This will secure the bottom of your storage bag.
Trim Excess Fabric: Trim any excess fabric from the sides and bottom, leaving a small seam allowance. Be careful not to cut through the stitches.

Once you have completed sewing the sides and bottom, carefully turn the bag right-side out. Take a moment to smooth out the seams and corners to ensure a clean and polished look.

Congratulations! You have now successfully sewn the sides and bottom of your hanging storage bag. It’s starting to take shape, and you’re one step closer to having a functional and stylish storage solution.

Step 5: Create a Hanger

Now that the main body of your hanging storage bag is complete, it’s time to create a hanger so you can easily hang it up. Follow these steps to make a simple hanger:

Select a Hanger: Choose a wooden or plastic hanger that fits the width of your storage bag. Make sure it is sturdy enough to support the weight of the bag and its contents.
Measure and Mark: Place the hanger on top of the bag, near the top edge. Use a fabric pen or chalk to mark the width of the hanger on the fabric.
Create a Sleeve: Fold the top edge of the bag over the marked line, leaving enough space for the hanger to fit in. This will create a sleeve or pocket for the hanger.
Sew the Sleeve: Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch along the folded edge to secure the sleeve. Sew close to the edge to ensure the hanger will fit snugly.
Test the Fit: Slide the hanger into the sleeve to test the fit. Adjust the stitching if necessary to make it easier to insert and remove the hanger.

By creating a hanger for your storage bag, you can conveniently hang it in your closet, on a hook, or on a clothing rack. This will help maximize space and keep your items organized and easily accessible.

Once you have finished creating the hanger, you are ready to move on to the next step of finishing the edges of your hanging storage bag.

Step 6: Finish the Edges

To give your hanging storage bag a polished and professional look, it’s important to finish the edges. Follow these steps to finish the edges of your bag:

Fold and Press: Start by folding the raw edges of the top opening and the sides of the bag towards the inside. Use an iron to press the folds, creating crisp edges.
Pin or Clip: Once you have pressed the folds, use pins or clips to hold the folded edges in place. This will ensure that the edges stay neatly folded while you sew.
Sew the Edges: Using a sewing machine or hand sewing, stitch along the folded edges of the top opening and the sides. Sew close to the edge to secure the folded fabric and give a finished appearance.
Optional: Add Decorative Trim: If you want to add a decorative touch to your hanging storage bag, consider attaching decorative trim along the edges. This could be ribbon, lace, or any other embellishment that suits your style.

Finishing the edges not only adds a professional look to your storage bag but also helps prevent fraying and adds durability to the seams. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the overall quality and longevity of your project.

Take your time with this step to ensure that the edges are neatly finished and the stitches are secure. Once you have finished sewing the edges, your hanging storage bag is almost ready to use!

Step 7: Hang and Organize

Congratulations! You have completed all the necessary steps to create your own hanging storage bag. Now it’s time to hang it up and start organizing your belongings. Here’s how:

Find the Perfect Spot: Choose a suitable location to hang your storage bag. It could be in your closet, on the back of a door, or even on a clothing rack. Make sure it’s easily accessible and doesn’t obstruct walkways.
Hang the Bag: Take the hanger that you inserted into the sleeve earlier and hang the storage bag from a hook, bar, or other hanging mechanism.
Organize Your Items: Start filling the pockets of your hanging storage bag with items that need to be organized. It could be accessories, small clothing items, craft supplies, or anything else you want to store. Group similar items together in each pocket for even better organization.
Arrange the Bag: Take a step back and visually inspect your hanging storage bag. Adjust the items and pockets as needed to distribute the weight evenly and achieve a balanced appearance.
Regular Maintenance: Periodically go through the contents of your storage bag to ensure everything is still neatly organized. Remove any items that you no longer need, and rearrange as necessary to maintain order.

By hanging your storage bag and organizing your items within its pockets, you can free up valuable space in your closet or room while keeping everything neat and easily accessible. Enjoy the convenience and functionality of your homemade hanging storage bag!