How to make a net grocery bag . . .

        In order to make this version of a netted shopping bag, you will need to save unwanted netting from a real fruit bag. Ask mom or dad to cut one of these open leaving one end intact with it's metal closure. These are usually sold with a metal clip at two ends. Cut one end open as neatly as possible so that the netting is the same length all around.

Our doll is off to the market to purchase
her groceries for the week.

Supply List:

• recycled cranberry net bag
• masking tape
• 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch ribbon (1 yard)
• needle and thread
  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Carefully cut away any fruit tag that is left on the netting.
2. Wash the netting in a dish with a little soap and water. Then let the netting dry in the sunshine.
3. Cut your masking tape so that it is approximately 1/2 inches wide. It's length will be determined by how much you need to attach all around the raw edges. You can overlap the tape as you go; this application may be overlapped.
4. Leave the sticky side facing inward, this will help a great deal in proving a surface for the netting to adhere to itself once you have sewn a straight stitch down the center of the tape by hand with a needle and thread.
5. Trim off any netting sticking off the edge of the tape on the outside, top of the bag.
6. Pull the gathering gently together, compressing the tape down on top of itself to create a much smaller opening.
7. Now using a large open basting stitch to attach the ribbon on both sides of the netting.
8. Sew a finishing whip stitch around the top and bottom of the ribbon sides to conceal the tape.
9. Now remove the basting threads.
10. Attach a neat bow where the handles are sewn to the bag on each side.

Left, recycled net bag was used to sell cranberries originally. Center, applied masking tape
 to the surrounding cut edges of netting to keep it from fraying and to make it easier to sew
 and gather together. Right, see masking tape is applied with sticky side facing in.

Left, sew a running stitch by hand through center of tape to gather. Center the edges of
 the tape have been gathered together to make the opening of the market bag narrow.
 Right, the tape is covered both inside and outside with a decorative ribbon.
This was done with hand-sewing; I used a whip stitch.

Left, the finished net market bag made especially for keeping veggies and fruit exposed to 
light and air while gathering together. Center, the bag on our doll's shoulder. She carries it 
to market so that she doesn't need to use up plastic or paper bags from the market.
Right, a factory made net bag just the right size for our dolls. It is black with a 
with a cord lock or cord toggle.

Why Net Shopping Bags?

• The benefits of storing and transporting produce in net bags...
• Fruit sellers and farmers turn to nets for better crops!
• Make a larger net bag for kitchen and market stalls in preschool environments or child sized play kitchens