Handmade Plastic Wirebags or Basket or Koodai
Handmade Plastic Wire bags made in India are a popular choice for people looking for eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic bags. These bags are made by skilled artisans using a process that involves weaving thin plastic wires together to form a sturdy and durable bag.There are various types of designs used in making these bags .Most famous designs are the Amla knots ,Biscuit knot and Sivankan
Images of Handmade Plastic Wirebags or Koodais
History of Handmade Plastic Wirebags
Wirebags are a very old traditional craft originating in the state of TamilNadu, India. The handmade wirebags are refered to as Koodai in Tamil language.The art of making them have been handed over by generations for many years as a family tradition .They are usually handwoven by the women in the family as part of hobby and skill.
Material used in Handmade Plastic Wirebags
The plastic wires used to make these bags are often sourced from recycled materials, which makes them an environmentally friendly option. The bags themselves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, and are often adorned with intricate patterns and colorful accents. This makes them a great choice for gifting.They can be used as a gift for birthdays or as a return gift item for functions and festivals as they can be made in very small sizes and cute shapes.
Uses of Handmade Plastic Wirebags
One of the main advantages of handmade plastic wire bags is their durability. Unlike traditional plastic bags, these bags are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, making them a long-lasting and practical choice for carrying groceries, fruits, vegetables, books, or other everyday items.They are waterproof and are often used as tiffin/ lunch bags.
Unique features of Koodais/Handmade Plastic Wirebags
The koodais /Wirebags are also easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a hygienic option for carrying food items. They can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth or washed in cold water, which ensures that they stay clean and free from bacteria.
Another advantage of handmade plastic wire bags is that they are lightweight making them easy to carry around when not in use. This makes them a convenient option for people who are always on the go .It used to be the regular bag used by everyone a few decades ago and was very popular in South India. This craft should be preserved and taught to the younger generation and all emcouraged to use it in great numbers in the future to save the environment
In addition to their practical benefits, handmade plastic wire bags are also a great way to support local artisans in India. These bags are often made by women in rural areas, who use their skills to create unique and beautiful designs that showcase their cultural heritage. They provide a source of employment to the skilled but uneducated rural women
How to make Handmade Plastic Wirebags at home
Today we can find a lot of videos online on You Tube on how to make koodais step by step. One such video is available at https://youtu.be/e7jyEvEFsZ4. The cost of theplastic wire materials used to make them are pretty cheap which makes them an affordable option for all.They can be completed in a few days time but require patience and skill to design. many people are trying to learn the technique online and trying to bring back an age old tradition and revive a dying craft.
How to Make a Handmade wirebag ?
Step by step instructions :
Making a handmade wirebag can be a fun and creative project. Here are the steps to make a wirebag:
Materials:
- Wire (you can use any gauge wire you prefer)
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Optional: beads, charms, or other embellishments
Instructions:
- Cut a length of wire that is approximately three times the length you want your bag to be. This will be the main body of your wirebag.
- Fold the wire in half and twist the ends together to create a loop. This will be the top of your wirebag.
- Use your pliers to bend the wire into the shape you want for the body of your bag. You can make it square, rectangular, circular, or any other shape you prefer.
- Once you have the basic shape, you can add embellishments like beads or charms. Simply thread them onto the wire and use your pliers to twist the wire around them to secure them in place.
- Once you are happy with the shape and design of your wirebag, use your wire cutters to trim the excess wire.
- Use another piece of wire to create a handle for your wirebag. Cut a length of wire that is twice the length you want your handle to be. Fold the wire in half and twist the ends together to create a loop.
- Use your pliers to shape the wire into a handle, then attach the handle to the top of the wirebag by twisting the ends of the handle wire around the main body wire.
- You can also create a closure for your wirebag by twisting a separate piece of wire around the top of the bag and twisting it to create a loop.
- Once you are happy with your wirebag, use your pliers to gently adjust any parts that are out of shape.
Your handmade wirebag is now ready to use!
Overall, handmade plastic wire bags made in India are a sustainable, durable, and practical choice for people looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic bags. They are also a great way to support local communities and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage.
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