Tutorial: Sew a Zero-Waste Fruit and Vegetable Bag for Grocery Shopping

• 30 cm (11¾ ") of non-fusible mesh interfacing (Venice net) 
• 10 cm (4 po) of quilting cotton
• 1m (39 3/8 po) of thin cord
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Fray-stop liquid or lighter (optional)

Step 1: Serge both 26 cm (10¼ ") ends or use a zigzag stitch if you don’t have a serger. Stitch close to the edge to prevent fraying.
Fold the mesh in half lengthwise and serge both sides of the bag.
For extra strength, sew a straight stitch next to the serged edge. Apply fray-stop liquid for a clean finish if using zigzag.

Step 2: Double-fold the short ends of the cotton band and topstitch to finish the edges.

Step 3: Fold the band in half lengthwise, insert the cord between the layers, and stitch along the bottom to secure it. Serge the edge to prevent fraying.
If the cord is cotton, seal each end with fray-stop liquid; if it’s synthetic, melt the tips slightly with a lighter.

Step 4: Turn the bag right side out. Pin the cotton band right sides together along the top edge so the seams meet at the center front. Stitch, press the seam allowance downward inside the bag, and topstitch to flatten.

• 25 cm (10 ") of non-fusible mesh interfacing (Venice net) 
• 25 cm (10 ") of quilting cotton
• 120 cm (47¼ ") of thin cord (you can also use blind-cord from our decor department)
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Fray-stop liquid or lighter (optional)

Step 1: Sew a mesh rectangle to each long side (26 cm / 10¼ ") of the cotton panel.
Serge or zigzag the edges to prevent fraying, then press the seam allowance toward the cotton and topstitch to reinforce.

Step 2: Make the casings. Double-fold each short end of the cotton bands and topstitch to finish the edges. Fold each band in half wrong sides together.

Step 3: Attach one band at each top edge of the mesh, leaving a 1 cm (⅜ ") gap on each side. Sew and serge for a clean finish. Press the seam allowance toward the band and topstitch.

Step 4: Fold the bag in half, right sides together, aligning the edges perfectly. Sew the side seams and serge to finish.

Step 5: Thread the two cords through both casings to form a drawstring closure, then tie the ends together.