Reusable Produce Bags Tutorial

Okay. I am bugged by plastic produce bags. We use these bags for about an hour. Then we get them home, empty out the produce into the fridge or fruit basket and throw the plastic bag away. A waste. I have been doing this for years and only just recently realized, "Hey! Why I am doing this? I should make produce bags."

So here we are. A project for all skill levels and really quite inexpensive.

What you will need:

Nylon mesh (I found mine at Joann's, but if you want to be SUPER eco-friendly, upcycle a laundry bag from the thrift store, or your home.)
Nylon cording (I used cotton cording, but wouldn't recommend it.)
Thread, sewing machine, etc...
 

You ready?

First, on the fold, cut a 10 x 15"  piece from your mesh (this would be 20 x 15" UNfolded)

Then, using a Medium zig zag stitch (mine was set at 3), sew about 3/4 of an inch down the long side. Then lift your needle, leave about a 3/4 inch gap and then continue sewing all the way down and across the bottom as well. (my finger is where I left a gap...this is where we will later insert the cording)

Okay, then you need to fold the top down about 3/4" and, using that same zig zag stitch, sew all along the top, creating the casing for your cording. (Don't worry about pinning any of this. It's so futile with the mesh)

Turn your bag right side out and you will see your hole that you created in the first sewing step. Insert your cording here and you are done!

Don't you love a quick, satisfying project?? I cranked out 4 of these sucker sin about 20 minutes. You really can't beat that.

Linking to:

Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
Blue Cricket Design: Show and Tell