Reducing waste is simple with reusable produce bags. Grab this free and easy sewing pattern with tutorial and photos to make your own. They only take minutes!
Basic drawstring bags are perfect for reusable produce bags. They hold fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and more. They are also a great size for gift giving.
Practice your sewing skills, and do your part to reduce waste with this reusable produce bag pattern and tutorial. Bet you won’t make just one!
We have lots more ideas for zero waste sewing projects over here too.
Supplies to Make Reusable Produce Bags
Cotton fabric is a great choice for making reusable produce bags. It is breathable to keep your produce or herbs fresh, and it’s washable. Throw the produce bags in the washing machine to clean them for your next shopping trip.
You will also need some ribbon, thread and basic sewing supplies.
How to Make Reusable Produce Bags with Free Pattern & Tutorial
Begin by washing and drying your fabric. Press if necessary. This will show you how the fabric shrinks. You don’t want find out after sewing and washing your produce bag that it will only hold one apple.
After your fabric is dry and wrinkle free, square it up using this quick and easy method. Now your fabric is ready to be cut to size.
Use a rotary cutter and self healing cutting mat to cut your fabric to 9″ x 24″.
Then fold the fabric in half with right sides together. With your fold at the bottom, use a washable pen to mark a line 1.5″ from the top, all the way across.
Next, sew up each side, beginning at the bottom. Stop at the line you marked.
Now turn a top corner down about 1/4″. Pin or clip it in place, and repeat for the three remaining corners. Then sew to secure.
Fold down the top edges 1/4″. Then fold them onto themselves another 1/4″.
Then fold the tops over one more time so that they touch the line your drew. Press these seams in place
Next sew the tops on your sewing machine with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Then turn the bag right side out and press.
Now cut two lengths of ribbon 12″ each. Then use a safety pin to thread one length of the ribbon through each casing you created.
Finally, tie the ends of the ribbons together in a knot on each side. Your produce bag is now ready to use!
Don’t forget to pin this project for later, and check out some more awesome zero waste sewing projects listed below.
Reusable Produce Bags
Free pattern and tutorial for making reusable produce bags. Reduce waste at the grocery store with easy to sew produce bags. They are the perfect size for holding fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and more.
Materials
Instructions
- Cut fabric 9" x 24".
- Fold fabric in half, right sides together.
- Mark 1.5" from open end.
- Sew up sides stopping at marked line.
- Turn down top corners 1/4".
- Pin to secure.
- Fold top edges down 1/4".
- Fold another 1/4".
- Pin.
- Sew across tops with 1/4" seam allowance.
- Turn bag right side out.
- Cut two pieces of 12" ribbon.
- Pin safety pin to one end of ribbon.
- Thread ribbons through casings.
- Tie ribbons together at sides.
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