Friday, January 8, 2010

Reusable Fresh Produce Bags Tutorial






Using tule, netting or any sheer fabric cut as many 15"x 34" rectangles for each bag desired. It is just important that you are able to see what is in the bag, that it is machine washable, and that it is light, as they will be weighed at the register. Each bag will be approximately 14"X15" when finished. the weight will be about .2 ounces more than a plastic bag from the store.

Fold the netting over one inch at each 15" (shorter) edge and stitch, leaving a tunnel big enough to run your twine, ribbon or seam binding through.
Now fold in half,matching the sewn 15" seams, and stitch sides 1/2" from the edge being sure to start the seams below the "ribbon tunnel".
Run the seam binding or twine of choice through the tunnel with a safety pin and then tie at the end with a knot. When using the bag, draw it tight and use a slip-knot to keep it taught.

4 comments:

Stephanie said...

Thank you for sharing!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you! This is a wonderful idea for me and for gifts.

Tasra Dawson said...

I am so thrilled I found this. I just finished reading No Impact Man and he talked about reusable bags. Whole Foods had no idea what I was talking about.

Now if I wanted to do the same thing for grains, what type of fabric would you recommend?

Nancy said...

To answer Tasra's question, I think any 100 % cotton would work, preferably organic. Another option is a 100 % cotton flour sack. You can order them from The American Chair store and they are greta for EVERYTHING! They are lint free, so they even make a great salad spinning sack... oh, I think I just decided what my new tutorial will be!
Thanks, Tasra!