Abstract: A shopping bag for general purpose use in constructed from a sheet of fabric and formed by a series of steps into top and base portions integrally connected to side panels and back and front panels joined by a single seam which extends the length of the bag. The folding operation creates a multiple ply border about the upper or open portion of the bag. Selvage on the fabric is directed to form a portion of the base such to extend around the perimeter of the base integrally connected with the side panels and the back and fornt panels. A pleated construction of the side panels allows the bag to fold compactly when not in use such as when being carried or transported. The mouth of the bag when accepting articles is generally rectangular in shape. The inner and outer creases of the bag are reinforced from top to botton thus imparting to the side panels a rigidity which projects them essentially transversely to the back and front panels when the bag is trimmed for use.