Scrapppy Reusable Produce Bag Tutorial

October is Scrapbusters Month over at http://www.sewmamasew.com/ and I decided to get into the spirit and use up some of my scraps. I ended up making lots of things, but I thought that this would be pretty useful for most as an alternative to the rolls of plastic produce bags in the grocery store. The measurements are very flexible, and I think that having bars of cotton fabric instead of total construction of mesh will help it hold up longer. Another bonus is that this is a project that it doesn't judge...if you stitch a seam crooked...it still functions!

****Edit****
I clarified reinforcing the mesh in this video. It is a little rough holding the camera and recording, but I hope it helps!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7LC02TxmSo

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Materials:

scraps of mesh (I found this as a remnant in the fabric store, but repurposed sheer curtains, and netting works also.)

Length of ribbon (mine was 24 inches)

Fabric scraps--I used pieces from my cut 2.5 inch strip bin (which is the same as a jelly roll width)-what a great way to use some of those leftover prints!

Getting Started:

1. Cut the mesh you have to a rectangle shape. This can vary--I made a bag large enough for a few pounds of apples...you may want just enough for a few onions. I will give my measurements throughout. Mesh = 12 inches x 22 inches



2. Cut Fabric to size.




Top fabric: 4" x 22"


Two pieces of side fabric: 1.5" x 12"


Bottom piece: 2.5" x 22"





3. Prepare Top Casing

Fold in half (wrong side together) along the 22" length and iron. Fold 1/2" in on each side and press. (see drawing)






4. Attach Top Casing

Open up and use a zig-zag stitch to attach mesh to casing. I made sure the stitching was about 1/2" into the mesh to help it not tear too easily.



Fold over casing and stitch in place.

5. Attach the bottom piece to the mesh with a zig-zag stitch (outside of mesh bag is touching the right side of fabric.

After, fold the seam down and stitch it to the bottom again.

6. Stitch sides to the mesh in the same manner as the bottom.

7. Fold outside of bag together and stitch along the side and bottom. Turn right side out.

8. Use a safety pin to thread ribbon through casing....now you have a reusable produce bag!

p.s. I apologize for the scanned handwritten sketches, but unless Santa delivers Adobe, I'm trying to work with what I got! = )