This master class shows how to sew a reusable produce bag from tulle or mesh fabric: use a magazine or book as a template, cut the piece with the fold at the bottom, sew the side seams, finish the open side sections and top edge into a drawstring casing, then insert two cords so the bag can be tightened.
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Translated
Things you will learn
Tulle or mesh fabric works well, including leftover curtain fabric.
Use a magazine, book, or another rectangular object as the template.
The fabric fold should be placed at the bottom of the bag.
Do not sew the side seams all the way to the top: leave 3–4 cm for the drawstring openings.
You need two cords; each cord length equals twice the bag width plus 10 cm for tying.
Reusable mesh produce bag
The result is a lightweight mesh bag with a drawstring top. You can take it shopping instead of disposable plastic bags, wash it, and dry it quickly.
Materials and tools
Materials
Tulle or mesh fabric, Leftover tulle, mesh, or another lightweight non-fraying fabric will work.
Cord or ribbon, 2 pieces, Each cord length equals twice the bag width plus 10 cm.
Tools
Sewing machine, For the side seams and drawstring casing seam.
Scissors, For cutting the mesh fabric.
Pins, For holding the side seams and folded casing in place.
Magazine, book, or template, Used as a simple pattern in the desired size.
Files and resources
Original author’s videoThe source says the detailed sewing process can be watched in the author’s video.Original author’s video
Preparation
Choose the template size
Choose a magazine, book, or another template in the size you want. The bag will be cut around it.
Fold the fabric
Fold the tulle or mesh fabric in half so the fold becomes the bottom of the future bag.
Cut the bag
The simple pattern is made directly from the template.
Place the template on the fabric
Place the magazine, book, or chosen template on the folded fabric. The fold should be positioned at the bottom of the bag.
Cut with seam allowances
Cut the piece with seam allowances. In the source, the allowance is about 1.5 cm.
Sew the side seams
The side seams form the body of the bag, but the top needs to stay open for the drawstring casing.
Pin the side edges
Pin the side edges so the mesh does not shift while you sew.
Sew the side seams
Sew the side seams, stopping 3–4 cm before the top. These open upper sections will become the drawstring openings.
No overcasting needed
If you use tulle, the edges do not fray, so overcasting is not required.
Make the drawstring casing
The casing lets the bag close with two cords.
Finish the side openings
On the open side sections, make double folds on each side of the bag.
Fold the top edge
Fold the top edge to the wrong side twice and pin the folds in place.
Stitch the casing
Sew around the lower edge of the fold. This creates neat open entries into the drawstring casing.
Insert the cords
Two cords let the bag tighten from both sides.
Measure the cord
Measure two cords. Each cord should equal twice the bag width plus 10 cm for tying.
Insert the first cord
Thread the first cord through the casing and bring both ends out on one side through the open entries. Tie the cord into a loop.
Insert the second cord
Thread the second cord so its ends come out on the opposite side of the casing. Tie the ends.
Check the closure
Pull the cords in opposite directions: the top edge of the bag should close easily.
Finish and variations
Finish
Final check
Check the side seams, open casing entries, and both cords. The bag should tighten and open smoothly.
Variations
From leftover tulle
This bag is a good way to use leftover strips of tulle or mesh after shortening curtains.
Different sizes
Change the template size: a small bag works for herbs, while a larger one is useful for fruit or vegetables.
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