Produce Bags

Produce Bags using Re-purposed Polyester Window Sheers

This Produce Bags project began when I (finally) realized that all those flimsy plastic bags that I put my produce into at the grocery store were strangling our earth.  Nothing fancy, quick and easy, and furthermore, here in my town the check-out clerks admire them.

I had a discoloured window sheer that was destined to be thrown out (more landfill) and it prompted a lightbulb moment.

NOTE:  Check the strength of your sheer, some fabrics get hard and brittle as they age, not good qualities for produce bags.  AND, most of all, the sheerer the fabric the easier it is on the checkout clerk.

Here’s what I did:

Cut the sheer into whatever size you want, I cut 12” (30 cm) x 24” (60 cm) for a bag approx. 11 (28cm) square. (An 18” x 24” piece makes produce bags perfect for corn on the cob.)  (My sheer did not have a right or wrong side)

Use an “edge-finishing” stitch to finish 1 long edge. (I used my serger)

Fold in half and use a “seam/overcast” stitch to sew the bottom and up the side. (I used my serger)

Turn the finished edge to the inside by a 1/2 inch (generous 1 cm) and sew close to the finished edge in order to make a casing.

Cut a piece of cord 4 inches (10 cm) longer than the casing (I cut mine 28 inches, about 70 cm) and insert it into the casing using a blunt needle. (I was able to force the needle between the stitches)

Sew through the cord securely near the fold so it doesn’t pull out.

Knot the ends of the cord.

I made these in many different sizes and find them really useful.    They also make great gifts.

When I get my groceries home, I transfer the produce into re-usable bowls with lids.

Just in case you’re like me, and prefer to print the instructions, or save them on your tablet, here’s the PDF.

produce bags

How about it?  What do you think?  Are you in?  Please do me a favour, if you like this project, “like” it on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.  Sharing is caring, xoxo