Tie a Handle on a Paper Bag

Paper bags are great for carrying stuff, but sometimes it's hard to get a grip if you're carrying them from the top. If you have a sturdy piece of string or yarn around, it's easy to get a handle on them. In case your paper bag didn't come with a handle, here's how to fold it so it won't come undone or leak its contents.

Steps

 * 1)  Get a sturdy piece of string or rope.  This will become your handle, so choose something that will make a comfortable grip.  Cut the rope or string two to three times as long as the width of your bag.
 * 2)  Choose a bag that is enough taller than your load that you can fold it over several times.  Place whatever you will carry into your bag.
 * 3) [[Image:Paper_bag_handle_boy_mechanic_1.png|right|220px]]Fold the sides of your bag outward, against the crease, so that there are only two layers of paper.  Fold the end of your bag over the center of the rope.  A crisp fold will be a little tidier and hold a little more strongly than a loose roll.
 * 4)  [[Image:Paper_bag_handle_boy_mechanic_2.png|right|220px]] Continue folding the top of the bag over around the rope or string.  Make crisp, even folds all the way down to what you are carrying.
 * 5)  [[Image:Paper_bag_handle_boy_mechanic_3.png|right|220px]]Fold up the two "ears" poking out from the sides as shown.
 * 6)  Tie the ends of the rope securely together.
 * 7)  [[Image:Paper_bag_handle_boy_mechanic_4.png|right|220px]] Carry the bag by your new handle.

Tips

 * Once you have a piece of rope or string tied as a handle, you can reuse it for your next paper bag that size. Just leave it tied and fold the bag through the loop.
 * If you carry items in paper bags often, consider getting or even making a sturdier bag that you can reuse.
 * Cutting a piece of corrugated cardboard and placing it in the bottom will give additional strength to the bag.
 * You can also use a plastic bag as a handle.

Warnings

 * Be careful of carrying anything too heavy or fragile this way. If you have any doubts about whether your handle will hold, lift slowly. Carry it close to the ground so if it does break through it will not have too far to fall.

Things You'll Need

 * Paper bag
 * Rope, string or yarn
 * Scissors
 * Items to carry

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Tie a Square Knot
 * How to Fold a Plastic Bag
 * How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet
 * How to Make a Denim Purse
 * How to Make a Tote Bag

Sources and Citations

 * Images and adaptation from "Tying Paper Bag to Make a Carrying Handle", from The Boy Mechanic, in the public domain because it was copyrighted in 1913.