Market Produce Bags

So you may or may not know that I’m currently participating in So You Think You’re Crafty. I made a Market Tote and Produce Bags as my first entry in the Dollar Store category and I’m just barely now getting the tutorial up. Raising a child, running a business and participating in SYTYC is exhausting! I’m splitting these tutorials up into two parts. Next post will be on how to make the tote bag. Who knew the dollar store was such a wealth of crafty goodness?! (Psst! Check out Dollar Store Crafts for more thrifty crafty fun.)

Market Produce Bags
Materials:
– 2 packages of mesh laundry bags (from a Dollar Store)
– sewing machine
– twine

Instructions:

1. Cut apart mesh bags and findings. Keep supplies for future use (strings can be used for tote!)

2. With mess fabric folded, cut out desired sizes. I made (2) 8.5×11, (1) 11×11 and (1) 11×16 out of each mesh bag.

3. Mark 2 in. down from top.

4. (Ok. This is where it got difficult to photograph. Sorry for the crappy illustrations!)
Sew the two panels together around the edge from one marked line to another. I had to use a wide zigzag stitch to sew the mesh together without bunching up. You might have to experiment with your sewing machine!

5. (Note to self: Do not drink coffee before trying to draw with a mouse.)
Fold one of the top edges over and sew .25 from edge, creating a tunnel for your pull string.
Repeat with other side.

6. (Just in case you’re wondering…No, I did not let my 1 year old son draw these illustrations and yes, I have full use of both my hands.)

Tie one of your strings around a safety pin and pull through both sides of the bag. Repeat with second string. If you feed them into the bag correctly, you should be able to cinch the bag shut by pulling on both strings.

7. Turn all bags right side out and fill with yummy green things from your local farmer’s market!

Stay tuned for the next tutorial: Market Tote!