Bamboo Bird Bag (Bird Carrier)

My daughter has always wanted to bring our two budgies out for a stroll or on errands. I figured it was time to design a stylish statement bag for our birdies.

Obviously inspired by trendy bamboo bags, this bird bag is made of vinyl and wooden stir sticks. The vinyl is easy to clean and wipeable. It is also well-ventilated with a total of 22 grommets and 62 eyelets. The eyelets also act as holes to hang a rope perch, swing, and boho toys.

While the bag isn't meant to be a carrier for hours of travel or transport, it is a great bag for your feathered friend to come along on quick outings.

Supplies

To make your own bamboo bird bag, you will need:

20 gauge vinyl

Lots of bamboo stir sticks

Large popsicle sticks

Vinyl glue

2 x 6" wood macrame rings

14" zipper

22 x 1/2" grommets

62 x 1/4" eyelets

Cotton yarn

Upholstery needle

Eyelet punch and setter

Grommet punch and setter

Step 1: Pattern & Design

I created a detailed design for the main panel (which is repeated for the front and back) and the side panel. Each design shows the location of all stir sticks, eyelets, and grommets.

The main panel is 16" wide x 14" tall.

The side panel is 6-1/2" wide x 42" long (which includes a 1/2" seam allowance to attach to the main panel).

Step 2: Cut Vinyl

Using a dry erase marker on vinyl, I traced the front panel using the main panel pattern. I accounted for the bottom of the bag which is 5-1/2" wide which is connected to both front and back in a single piece. The result is mirror image of the main pattern with a rectangle piece in the middle for the bottom of the bag.

The side panel was a simple rectangle which I cut to 6-1/2" wide x 42" long.

Step 3: Main Panel - Stir Sticks

Place the main panel pattern under the main panel vinyl.

I found it easier to glue the stir sticks by adding the glue directly to the assigned places on the vinyl and putting the stir sticks on. This way, I don't have to guess how many inches of glue I would need to place along the stir stick.

Continue adding the stir sticks while following the pattern.

Trim the stir sticks along the edge of the vinyl.

Repeat for the other half of the panel.

For the bottom, measure and cut large popsicle sticks.

Glue down the popsicle sticks after leaving out a 1/2" seam allowance.

Continue to glue down the popsicle sticks to finish off the bottom panel.

Step 4: Side Panel - Zipper

Find the center of the side panel then using a dry erase marker, draw the size (length and width) of the zipper teeth, with some allowance so that the zipper doesn't get caught on the vinyl.

Using a craft knife, cut out the drawn rectangle.

Place the zipper underneath and sew onto the vinyl. I made the mistake of not adjusting my tension so, unfortunatley, the zipper ended up slightly curling.

Step 5: Side Panel Stir Sticks

Place the side panel vinyl directly on top of the side panel pattern.

Prepare the stir sticks by cutting to size. Follow the pattern to glue down the stir sticks.

Step 6: Air Holes

Place the pattern underneath vinyl and place a dot for the center of the eyelets and grommets.

Using an eyelet punch, punch out all eyelet holes.

Turn your vinyl upsidedown. The side with the sticks will be the same side as the front of the eyelets and grommets.

Set eyelets into place with an eyelet setter.

Punch out the grommet holes.

Making sure the sticks still remain on the bottom side of the vinyl, hammer down grommets on grommet setter.

Now you have a lot of air holes on your main and side panels!

Step 7: Attach Handles

Sew down the wood handle and tie a knot at the back.

Step 8: Glue Seams

Prepare the side panel by cutting a slit across the seam allowance at about every 1-1/2" interval. This will make it easy to glue down the seam allowance to the main panel.

With the stir sticks facing out and down, glue down the seam allowance on the inside of the bag. Press firmly as you glue every few inches.

Repeat for the other side of the panel. You would have to place your hand inside the bag through the zipper to press the seam allowance firmly onto the panel.

Glue the bottom seams shut. Again you would have to place your hand inside the bag to press down the seam.

Step 9: Hand Stitch

To ensure the seams are in place and there are no holes along the seams, you must hand stitch along the glued seams. This also holds down the stir sticks in place in case their edges lift. I stitched about 1/4" from the bag's edge.

Step 10: Accessorize

You can accessorize the bag by tying a rope perch, macrame rope toys, or a swing by hanging them through the various eyelet holes all around the side panel. The accessories can be easily changed out to keep your bird surprised on every trip.

Step 11: Wear Your Bird

Make a stylish statement with your bird's very own bamboo bag!