With all this talk about saving on plastics a few sewing tutorials have popped up about creating produce bags (for fruit and vegetables). Produce bags are only used for a very short period of time, so it’s such a good idea to use something that can be used again, and again.
I have a slightly different design where I take in consideration the weight of the bag and take inspiration from the shape of garbage bags.
Choosing material for Produce Bags
One key consideration for produce bags is their weight. For fruit and vegetables being paid by the kilogram (or pound) you are paying for the contents as well as the bag that carries it.
A plastic bag that I picked up from my local Fruit and Vegetable shop weighs 6 grams (1/5 ounce).
As well as being lightweight, it needs to be washable and strong. So a great choice is curtain netting. You can either use netting you already own, buy it second hand or buy it new. But do test it. Hold netting about 20cm apart and give it a little tug. If it doesn’t break then it should be OK to use. When I did this test with a cheap tulle in Spotlight it just ripped, so beware.
Use a Wave Top Design
Inspired by Wavetop Garbage Bags I use at home I thought this would be a great design to use with the Produce Bags. Rather than having the extra weight of cords or other accessories, just design it in such a way that a quick knot will keep everything contained.
Prepare Pattern
Print and assemble the pattern by matching the single and double lines and sticking them together with tape, I like Scotch magic tape.
Check that the length on the Foldline and on the Sides is 35cm (13 3/4″) .
Cut paper pattern along outside line. DON’T USE FABRIC SCISSORS TO CUT PAPER PATTERN!
Sewing Instructions
Finished Size: 33cm wide x 49.8cm high (13″ x 19 5/8″).
This will hold about 20 medium sized apples.
Place pattern on fold of netting and cut out.
Fold the netting in half so that the two waves are together.
Sew a triple stitch on each long side with a 1cm seam allowance, reversing at the start and end of the stitching line.
A triple stitch is recommended as it will give a much stronger finish, and considering you may have a kilo or two of produce in the bag you’ll need that strength.
The edges don’t need finishing as netting shouldn’t fray. If yours does you can either overlock them or do a French Seam.
Turn to the right side, and your done. Too easy.
Final Weigh-In
Just taking another look at the weight of these – they come in at 20 grams (3/4 ounce) with stitching. Only a small increase on the plastic bag that weighed 6 grams (1/5 ounce). Of course your material may give you a different result.
I have been using these produce bags for the last six months and I love them. This has meant that I use about 5 less plastic bags a week. Over 26 weeks that’s 130 plastic bags saved from landfill.
Why not make a Drawstring Bag that will fit at least 5 (if not more) Produce Bags to take with you when you next go shopping, see my easy to follow Tutorial.
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