Hi Patti, very few of us can commit to being 100% perfect in caring for the environment. If we drive cars, we are harming the environment. If we use plastic toothbrushes, wear fabrics that are not 100% natural, or buy product that has to be shipped to us, we are adding to the world's pollution. If we try to be too perfect, we will give up because it's almost impossible to be so! My mantra is "Progress, not Perfection." I think if we all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we will improve the world around us. Using nylon mesh and a plastic toggle may not be perfect, but like you said, you have eliminated hundreds of plastic bags from ending up in landfill, and that is awesome, and I totally support that. Thank you for the awesome videos! If we all will make small changes to the way we live and the trash we produce, it will all help!
Hello Patti, I just found your channel today. I just wanted to congratulate you on how you dealt with some of the critcal comments on this video, in a very calm and patient way, without being defensive. You are so right that it's worth trying to reduce the plastic bags we use, even if we don't eliminate them altogether. Re-using these bags (even if they have plastic in them) is far better than taking new ones from the shop every time. I recently bought some bags just like yours - I wish I'd seen this video first, as I might have tried to make them instead. Never mind - next time maybe! :) I look forward to seeing more of your videos - I'm watching the one about crochet market bags next. Have a lovely day.
Thanks so much for your supportive comment. Much appreciated. You can’t please everyone. I try to stay positive on my comments if I can. Thanks for picking up on that. We try our best to help Mother Earth. Every little bit helps.
Hi Patti, this is perfect. Just saw ad on FB for package of these reusable produce shopping bags. Was about to purchase them and went, 'wait I think I could make these. Let's see if some clever person has posted instructions on TH-cam'...and boom, there you are. Read through all the comments, concerns, critics and come down on the side of 'progress not perfection'. And these, however they are made, are better than a handful of plastic bags every week. Thanks for the great instructions 👍.
I upcycled a shear curtain to make produce bags. I made them extra long so I could tie a loose knot for transport. The only thing I needed to buy was some thread because my supply of white thread needed to be replaced. But you can find shears at garage sales, grandma's attic, church bazaar, or a Goodwill Shop.
Excelente trabajo, la felicito son muy prácticas seguro me haré un montón para cuando vaya al supermercado. Muchísimas gracias por compartir. Saludos cordiales desde Panamá.
Translation: Excellent work, I congratulate her, they are very practical. Thank you very much for sharing. Kind regards from Panama. Hello Maria in Panama. Thank you for your nice comment and thanks for watching! Hola María en Panamá. ¡Gracias por tu lindo comentario y gracias por mirar!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just made my first bag :) I reused antimosquito net which we removed few days earlier from the balcony door we changed. And the stripes - shoelaces I saved earlier. :)
Great job. Lovely design and clear instructions. These bags are somewhat better than ordinary plastic bags, but unfortunately they are not environmentally friendly either. I haven’t been using any produce bags, just putting veggies and fruits in my shopping cart, then directly into my reusable shopping bags after checkout. I try making the bags with recycled cotton sheets or clothes. Thank you.
I was considering the weight of the fabric. Most of the places I shop would not know how to not charge me for the weight of the bag. I love working with cotton fabrics as well but this would create more weight when on the scale. I also buy bulk nuts and we use our mesh bags for those. We buy a lot of nuts and at least I am not using a plastic bag every time I buy nuts and bulk items. The mesh bags will last for a long time so it is an improvement over using the plastic bags.
Translation: Hello, I liked it A LOT and it was VERY useful. Thanks and regards Thanks for watching my video. Glad it was useful Gracias por ver mi video. Me alegro de haber sido útil
I don't have a sewing machine but years ago I learned how to hand stitch so that it's almost the same. I also have some seaming tape that might work as well. Going to give it a try using mesh....New sub...TFS 💜
Really like this bag idea for produce - just watched your video on making Bento bags and think I'll combine the two so there is no need for the draw string!
Thank you for the instructions, I made two of these. My sewing machine ate the netting sewing the top casing part, the walking foot did a bit better. I think the next ones I'll make the casing out of fabric to solve my problem, but I love these. During COVID ordering groceries online they packed with SO MANY plastic bags sometimes double or triple bagging, it drove me nuts.
If you make them again try and place a bit of fabric behind the netting where you want to start sewing. That helps the feed teeth grab better and will sew better without eating the netting as you said. Thanks for not using lots of plastic!
Translation: thanks for the video I was looking for something like that to create mine Your very welcome! Glad you found my video! ¡Eres muy bienvenido! ¡Me alegra que hayas encontrado mi video!
Great videos. I wonder if there is a light cotton fabric that can be used instead of a plastic material? Also, when melting the ends of the cord, please make sure not to inhale the fumes. They are rather nasty to inhale. This is best done with good air circulation such as under a kitchen fan or outside.
Hard to find a cotton fabric that you can see through and is light in weight. The main thing is that we are getting away from single use plastic bags. These produce bags can be reused many many times.
Hi there. What temperature is the iron on ? Wouldn’t it be much quicker and easier, if you place the cord in situ. Then sew the cloth over it . Instead of using the safety pin to draw the cord through after ? Great video anyway. 👍👍👍👍
I have a Teflon cover on my iron which allows for hotter settings and it prevents the fabric of material from scorching. If I didn’t have that on my iron than I would have used a low medium heat or my synthetic setting on my iron. I actually find it easier to thread the rope or cord in afterwards. It’s a small opening so it goes through very fast. If I was to place the cord inside before sewing my edge I would be pinning it to keep it out of the way of my stitching which I find to be more awkward. But if that method works better for you than go for it.
Where can I buy cotton netting material? I have seen bags made of this but it’s hard to find the material in local stores like Joanne’s Crafe Warehouse and Michael’s.
You probably would not find this type of material at a craft store like Michaels or Joanne’s. You need to go to an actual fabric store. I was able to find the 3 materials that I used in this video at my local fabric store. Or you can try online.
Fine mesh bags will allow for air circulation to allow produce to stay fresh longer. If you are washing lettuce or vegetables make sure they are dry or the moisture will cause wilting.
It’s a Teflon iron cover. I just never bother to take it off. It’s meant for ironing delicate fabrics so they don’t scorch but it always works well as it glides nicely over any type of material. I generally iron edges or seams as it makes it easier to sew.
It’s a Teflon cover. I’ve had it on for more than 20 years. Never bother to take it off as I like how it glides over fabric. It is meant for protecting delicate fabrics from burn marks so you are able to still have your iron on a hot setting.
@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts Hi Patti. Love ur ideas about making the beeswax food wraps...some of the best I've seen. Thx! As for ur teflon piece on ur ironing board... Well, hate to bear bad news, but teflon is a toxic material. It breaks down with use and heat and ends up in or on whatever touches it. Also, think of those non-stick teflon pans we all have had. Ugh!...if we only knew! Tiny particles get absorbed into the foods cooked in them. Get rid of them! Yes, they will go into a landfill, unfortunately. Perhaps a hazardous waste center near u would take them (like where u can take paint, old computers, TVs, etc, etc). Then carefully read labels when buying new pots and pans! Teflon goes by other names and some labeling states "No PFOs". (I believe PFOs is correct.) Or may say it's "green" or something indicating non-toxic.
Thanks for watching my videos! I have had this Teflon cover on my iron for over 30 years. So as far as the environment goes, it’s not a product that I am throwing out like plastic bags everyday. I know eventually maybe in another 30 years I will be too old to do crafts so then I will dispose of it in the proper manner. I don’t use Teflon pans for cooking and I understand your concern when it is related to cooking foods with Teflon.
Nice idea. I’m wondering why you didn’t stitch the top pocket (after finishing the sides of opening ) so that after you finished that you could put right sides together from just below the top pocket down. Seems like this would have been less fussy and therefore quicker.
I totally get it. I was just thinking that the fussing of the sides/top pocket might overwhelm a novice seamstress. Regardless it’s a great idea; thanks for sharing!
@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts yes, I really liked it for that very reason, others had done the bags recycling normal fabric that was laying around but that makes it difficult to put things in that might not fit as well always and the clerk won't know what's in there without having to open each one to check, that sounds very time consuming if you ask me :d
It’s a Teflon cover which has been on my iron for decades. I just leave it on. They are mainly used to prevent scorching of delicate fabrics but I like how it glides on all fabrics so I leave it on.
Muslin could work as it is a cotton and light weight. When I first made this video I was thinking about being able to see the contents in the bag for the cashier and wanted them light weight. So if you use the muslin you can just have the bags open for weighing. Not sure how much weight it will add.
The 3 fabrics I used in the video are all light weight materials and I had that in mind when paying for the produce at the grocery store. It’s just your personal preference on which one you like the best. Nylon or polyester. They are all pretty close in weight. My guess would be the nylon diamond mesh tulle is the lightest. The choices again were: : polyester mesh fabric or nylon with 8% spandex bridal mesh fabric or nylon diamond mesh tulle
Hi maam. I think you should also try knitting/crocheting produce bags. I'm crocheting/knitting produce bags but I'm using cotton yarn. You can choose a lot of natural fibers to use. You should try it too, it is relaxing.💚😊 Thank you for the effort. GOD BLESS
Yes, for sure. I have a lot of videos so you might not have noticed that I have a video on how to make a crocheted market bag. Here’s the link if you want to view it. th-cam.com/video/RDl1cJraq8U/w-d-xo.html
Hi Patti, very few of us can commit to being 100% perfect in caring for the environment. If we drive cars, we are harming the environment. If we use plastic toothbrushes, wear fabrics that are not 100% natural, or buy product that has to be shipped to us, we are adding to the world's pollution. If we try to be too perfect, we will give up because it's almost impossible to be so! My mantra is "Progress, not Perfection." I think if we all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we will improve the world around us. Using nylon mesh and a plastic toggle may not be perfect, but like you said, you have eliminated hundreds of plastic bags from ending up in landfill, and that is awesome, and I totally support that. Thank you for the awesome videos! If we all will make small changes to the way we live and the trash we produce, it will all help!
Yes indeed! Thanks for the great response. Much appreciated. We all try to help in some way.
I just finished making five produce bags from the soft bridal netting. Came out perfect. Thanks for a great tutorial.
Excellent! I liked the bridal mesh too. It was soft and stretchy and worked up great!
Hello Patti, I just found your channel today. I just wanted to congratulate you on how you dealt with some of the critcal comments on this video, in a very calm and patient way, without being defensive. You are so right that it's worth trying to reduce the plastic bags we use, even if we don't eliminate them altogether. Re-using these bags (even if they have plastic in them) is far better than taking new ones from the shop every time.
I recently bought some bags just like yours - I wish I'd seen this video first, as I might have tried to make them instead. Never mind - next time maybe! :) I look forward to seeing more of your videos - I'm watching the one about crochet market bags next. Have a lovely day.
Thanks so much for your supportive comment. Much appreciated. You can’t please everyone. I try to stay positive on my comments if I can. Thanks for picking up on that. We try our best to help Mother Earth. Every little bit helps.
Thank you!!!! I whipped up 4 of these before running to the store this morning!
Woohoo! Look at you go! Good for you.
Hi Patti, this is perfect. Just saw ad on FB for package of these reusable produce shopping bags. Was about to purchase them and went, 'wait I think I could make these. Let's see if some clever person has posted instructions on TH-cam'...and boom, there you are.
Read through all the comments, concerns, critics and come down on the side of 'progress not perfection'. And these, however they are made, are better than a handful of plastic bags every week.
Thanks for the great instructions 👍.
Glad you found me! Thanks for the positive comment. It has saved me from pulling off a ton of plastic produce bags at the grocery store!
This is wonderful! Me and the rest of my family are trying to be nicer to the environment so I can not wait to try these out!
I upcycled a shear curtain to make produce bags. I made them extra long so I could tie a loose knot for transport. The only thing I needed to buy was some thread because my supply of white thread needed to be replaced. But you can find shears at garage sales, grandma's attic, church bazaar, or a Goodwill Shop.
Excelente trabajo, la felicito son muy prácticas seguro me haré un montón para cuando vaya al supermercado. Muchísimas gracias por compartir. Saludos cordiales desde Panamá.
Translation:
Excellent work, I congratulate her, they are very practical. Thank you very much for sharing. Kind regards from Panama.
Hello Maria in Panama. Thank you for your nice comment and thanks for watching!
Hola María en Panamá. ¡Gracias por tu lindo comentario y gracias por mirar!
Thanks for this helpful tutorial Patti! We use a lot of plastic bags every year, and I'm excited to give these a try.
Yes, so much plastic. Any way we can help is great. Thanks for watching and enjoy making your bags!
Very good instructions. Even I can do this! Thank you so much.
Excellent instructions for making drawstring bags!! Thanks.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just made my first bag :) I reused antimosquito net which we removed few days earlier from the balcony door we changed. And the stripes - shoelaces I saved earlier. :)
Perfect! Great recycling!
I might try reusing old net curtains to make these. Thanks
Good way to recycle!
Yes, that is what I was thinking, although they are not stretchy, so maybe other stretchy clothes when old, leggings maybe
Good idea
Great job. Lovely design and clear instructions. These bags are somewhat better than ordinary plastic bags, but unfortunately they are not environmentally friendly either. I haven’t been using any produce bags, just putting veggies and fruits in my shopping cart, then directly into my reusable shopping bags after checkout. I try making the bags with recycled cotton sheets or clothes. Thank you.
I was considering the weight of the fabric. Most of the places I shop would not know how to not charge me for the weight of the bag.
I love working with cotton fabrics as well but this would create more weight when on the scale.
I also buy bulk nuts and we use our mesh bags for those. We buy a lot of nuts and at least I am not using a plastic bag every time I buy nuts and bulk items.
The mesh bags will last for a long time so it is an improvement over using the plastic bags.
Hola, me gusto MUCHO y me fue MUY útil. Gracias y saludos de 🇲🇽
Translation:
Hello, I liked it A LOT and it was VERY useful. Thanks and regards
Thanks for watching my video. Glad it was useful
Gracias por ver mi video. Me alegro de haber sido útil
Thanks for the great video. I have fabric and am going to make some of these bags.
Fantastic!
This is awesome 👏🏻 I should’ve watched this before buying one for my hand wraps
Glad you liked this video! Thks for watching!
Thank you so much for sharing this!Super helpful ❤
I don't have a sewing machine but years ago I learned how to hand stitch so that it's almost the same. I also have some seaming tape that might work as well. Going to give it a try using mesh....New sub...TFS 💜
Good for you to do hand sewing. Use what you have for sure. Thks for subscribing!
Really like this bag idea for produce - just watched your video on making Bento bags and think I'll combine the two so there is no need for the draw string!
Ahhh! Your putting your thinking cap on. Cool idea Marian. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching my videos!
Thank you for the instructions, I made two of these. My sewing machine ate the netting sewing the top casing part, the walking foot did a bit better. I think the next ones I'll make the casing out of fabric to solve my problem, but I love these. During COVID ordering groceries online they packed with SO MANY plastic bags sometimes double or triple bagging, it drove me nuts.
If you make them again try and place a bit of fabric behind the netting where you want to start sewing. That helps the feed teeth grab better and will sew better without eating the netting as you said.
Thanks for not using lots of plastic!
@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts Thank you, I made one with your suggestion and it worked. I'd forgotten that tip, appreciate the reminder.
Thats great! So glad it worked out for you!
Excellent tutorial!! Thank you
gracias por el video buscaba algo así para crear las mías
Translation:
thanks for the video I was looking for something like that to create mine
Your very welcome! Glad you found my video!
¡Eres muy bienvenido! ¡Me alegra que hayas encontrado mi video!
Thanks for sharing, this is definitely food for thought Patti
thank you just what I was looking for starting my bags today
Yeah! Glad you found me. I replied to your other comment as well. Thks for your support!
Thanks for this step by step tutorial. ❤ Can you show one with zipper? Ana from Brazil
These light weight bags are meant to be drawstring so I don’t put zippers in mine.
Just what I wanted, these are great, thank you
Your very welcome! Glad you found me!
Great videos. I wonder if there is a light cotton fabric that can be used instead of a plastic material? Also, when melting the ends of the cord, please make sure not to inhale the fumes. They are rather nasty to inhale. This is best done with good air circulation such as under a kitchen fan or outside.
Hard to find a cotton fabric that you can see through and is light in weight. The main thing is that we are getting away from single use plastic bags. These produce bags can be reused many many times.
Hi there. What temperature is the iron on ?
Wouldn’t it be much quicker and easier, if you place the cord in situ. Then sew the cloth over it . Instead of using the safety pin to draw the cord through after ?
Great video anyway. 👍👍👍👍
I have a Teflon cover on my iron which allows for hotter settings and it prevents the fabric of material from scorching. If I didn’t have that on my iron than I would have used a low medium heat or my synthetic setting on my iron.
I actually find it easier to thread the rope or cord in afterwards. It’s a small opening so it goes through very fast. If I was to place the cord inside before sewing my edge I would be pinning it to keep it out of the way of my stitching which I find to be more awkward. But if that method works better for you than go for it.
Crafty Patti that’s good to know. Cheers for that 👍👍👍
Where can I buy cotton netting material? I have seen bags made of this but it’s hard to find the material in local stores like Joanne’s Crafe Warehouse and Michael’s.
You probably would not find this type of material at a craft store like Michaels or Joanne’s. You need to go to an actual fabric store. I was able to find the 3 materials that I used in this video at my local fabric store. Or you can try online.
Will the vegetables not wilt in these bags and the cloth bags?
Fine mesh bags will allow for air circulation to allow produce to stay fresh longer. If you are washing lettuce or vegetables make sure they are dry or the moisture will cause wilting.
What did you use to cover your iron? Did you do the iron part just so you could sew the mesh?
Thank you
It’s a Teflon iron cover. I just never bother to take it off. It’s meant for ironing delicate fabrics so they don’t scorch but it always works well as it glides nicely over any type of material. I generally iron edges or seams as it makes it easier to sew.
What is that on your iron? I understand it's probably used to avoid melting the fabric but what is it?
It’s a Teflon cover. I’ve had it on for more than 20 years. Never bother to take it off as I like how it glides over fabric. It is meant for protecting delicate fabrics from burn marks so you are able to still have your iron on a hot setting.
@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts Hi Patti. Love ur ideas about making the beeswax food wraps...some of the best I've seen. Thx!
As for ur teflon piece on ur ironing board... Well, hate to bear bad news, but teflon is a toxic material. It breaks down with use and heat and ends up in or on whatever touches it. Also, think of those non-stick teflon pans we all have had. Ugh!...if we only knew! Tiny particles get absorbed into the foods cooked in them. Get rid of them! Yes, they will go into a landfill, unfortunately. Perhaps a hazardous waste center near u would take them (like where u can take paint, old computers, TVs, etc, etc). Then carefully read labels when buying new pots and pans! Teflon goes by other names and some labeling states "No PFOs". (I believe PFOs is correct.) Or may say it's "green" or something indicating non-toxic.
Thanks for watching my videos!
I have had this Teflon cover on my iron for over 30 years. So as far as the environment goes, it’s not a product that I am throwing out like plastic bags everyday. I know eventually maybe in another 30 years I will be too old to do crafts so then I will dispose of it in the proper manner. I don’t use Teflon pans for cooking and I understand your concern when it is related to cooking foods with Teflon.
This pattern is what I am looking for.
Perfect! Glad you found me!
I bought nylon curtain netting from the fabric remnants from my local sewing supply store for about $2 AUD per metre.
Perfect!
Nice idea. I’m wondering why you didn’t stitch the top pocket (after finishing the sides of opening ) so that after you finished that you could put right sides together from just below the top pocket down. Seems like this would have been less fussy and therefore quicker.
There is always lots of ways to get the job done. I try to think of easy ways for beginner sewers and this is just what I came up with at the time.
I totally get it. I was just thinking that the fussing of the sides/top pocket might overwhelm a novice seamstress. Regardless it’s a great idea; thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, these look great! i really liked the type of fabrics you used =u=
Looked for fabric that was lightest in weight and something you can see through so the store clerk can see the contents inside.
@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts yes, I really liked it for that very reason, others had done the bags recycling normal fabric that was laying around but that makes it difficult to put things in that might not fit as well always and the clerk won't know what's in there without having to open each one to check, that sounds very time consuming if you ask me :d
Yes! Glad we are on the same page!
What is covering your iron to prevent the fabric from melting?
It’s a Teflon cover which has been on my iron for decades. I just leave it on. They are mainly used to prevent scorching of delicate fabrics but I like how it glides on all fabrics so I leave it on.
When you iron these nylon, polyester material with a hot iron, won't it damage the nylon?
I have a Teflon cover on my iron. It prevents scorching on delicate fabrics. You should be fine with a regular iron on a lower heat setting.
Awesome! Great video ♻️
@Crafty Patty I recently got a roll of organza, for next to nothing, would it be strong enough for these.
I believe that organza is a silk fabric. Which is great. It is also a strong fabric so it would be a great choice for the produce bags.
Thank You
Hi, I bought some muslin to make my own bags, would this work?
Muslin could work as it is a cotton and light weight. When I first made this video I was thinking about being able to see the contents in the bag for the cashier and wanted them light weight. So if you use the muslin you can just have the bags open for weighing. Not sure how much weight it will add.
Thank you for sharing
Your welcome and thank you for watching!
what type of needle did you use
I used just a basic universal needle in my sewing machine
Does that nylon mesh melt with the iron?
I have a Teflon cover on my iron so nothing is over heated. If you have a nylon setting on your iron than you will be fine or a medium heat.
Which fabric is the lightest so you aren’t paying more for produce due to the weight of your bag?
The 3 fabrics I used in the video are all light weight materials and I had that in mind when paying for the produce at the grocery store. It’s just your personal preference on which one you like the best. Nylon or polyester. They are all pretty close in weight. My guess would be the nylon diamond mesh tulle is the lightest.
The choices again were: : polyester mesh fabric or nylon with 8% spandex bridal mesh fabric or nylon diamond mesh tulle
Hi! Thanks for the great tutorial. Wondering why you used the cording twice? Couldn’t you cinch it closed with just the first one? Hmmmm 🤔🤔🤔 Thanks!!
You could get away with just one cord but it won't stay tight. When you use two cords that you can pull at each end it will stay closed.
thank you no interfering music.
🖐🤗💕
Hi maam. I think you should also try knitting/crocheting produce bags. I'm crocheting/knitting produce bags but I'm using cotton yarn. You can choose a lot of natural fibers to use. You should try it too, it is relaxing.💚😊 Thank you for the effort. GOD BLESS
Yes, for sure. I have a lot of videos so you might not have noticed that I have a video on how to make a crocheted market bag. Here’s the link if you want to view it. th-cam.com/video/RDl1cJraq8U/w-d-xo.html