I love my reusable produce bags. We use them every time we grocery shop and they are great! I made some a few months ago and they have held up amazingly. They also dry quickly and are washable.
Making your own produce bags is easy. I have almost no sewing experience; I need to use the instruction manual of my sewing machine to figure out how to thread the bobbin every time and I can make one in 15 minutes! So you probably can too!
Here is how to make one bag:
Making your own produce bags is easy. I have almost no sewing experience; I need to use the instruction manual of my sewing machine to figure out how to thread the bobbin every time and I can make one in 15 minutes! So you probably can too!
Here is how to make one bag:
For the bag shown above I used white tulle. You can buy this particular type at Walmart.
Tulle is a very fine, very light mesh-like material.
Yes, I know there are fabric measuring tapes especially for fabric measuring. I have four of them, but this was closest and to make the bag my way you don't need to be exact!
You need to cut two pieces of tulle that are approximately 18"...
You need to cut two pieces of tulle that are approximately 18"...
by 12". I find these dimensions are the best size (and close to the size of the plastic ones you would use in the store), but if you want smaller or bigger produce bags just adjust the size accordingly.
To sew the pieces together I use the smallest stitch on my sewing machine (stitch A, as shown in the picture). I find this provides a strong seam that holds up well without any need for serging or other fancy stitches.
First, make the pocket/channel for the ribbon/string. To do this, take one of the two rectangles of fabric you cut and fold over about 1 inch of material on the short side and sew a straight line, leaving a pocket/channel about 1/2 inch wide. If you want to use a thicker ribbon or string, then you'll want to create a larger pocket/channel. Repeat with other piece of fabric. |
Once you've made your pockets for the string you can sew the sides together. Just hold the two pieces of tulle together with the pockets at the same end (and rough side out) and sew a seam down the side as shown in the picture (about 1/4" in from edge). Do not sew past the stitches you made to create the pocket, make sure you stop your seam at the beginning of the pocket, otherwise you will end up sewing your pockets closed and won't be able to get the ribbon through.
Next, sew the bottom part of the bag together (sew about 1/4" from bottom edge).
For the string/ribbon, cut a piece that is about 3 inches longer than the width of the bag.
Use a safety pin to slide the string/ribbon through.
To do this, simply thread the ribbon/string through the safety pin and slide the safety pin through the pocket of the bag on one side, then the other. I've created this awesome video to show you (but mostly just to try it out!) below.
I've added a bead to mine (to help open and close the drawstring easier) by sliding the bead on the string/ribbon then knotting the end so the bead doesn't slide off. Now just turn the right side out et voila, one great reusable produce bag!
I also have some for sale if you're interested or don't want to make your own. Simply contact me for more information.
I also have some for sale if you're interested or don't want to make your own. Simply contact me for more information.