Easy Sewing Tutorial: How to Make Your Own Reusable Produce Bags

With horror, I realised that it has been a couple of years since I promised to share the easy-peasy sewing pattern for making your own reusable produce bag.

I have shared plenty of other sewing projects since then though, right?!?

I mean, it’s not like environmental issues aren’t in the media every single day. And my own children regularly point out and pick apart our family’s purchasing and consuming habits. And I have written about simple ways to reduce plastic in your own household. And we do already own several of these net fruit and vegetable bags.

It’s just that I forgot to show you how YOU can make your own too! *hangs head in shame*

These lightweight, fabric bags are perfect for your next outing to the grocery store or farmers’ market to carry home all matter of vitamin-packed fruit and veggies.

They are a perfect sewing project for anyone- yes, even sewing newbies- and can be completed in such a short time. There are a few patterns out there in internet-land, but this one is seriously MEGA easy!

In this post I’ll not only walk you through how to sew these practical bags (in 2 variations and sizes, no less!) but also give you tips on which fabrics to use.

Let’s get started!

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Simple Valentine’s Day Sewing Projects Using Your Fabric Scraps Stash

A little reminder: Valentine’s Day is coming on February 14th. This many send some of your scurrying to the store to buy some cute home decor and lovely gifts for that special someone.

But have you ever thought about making your own gifts or decorations for Valentine’s Day?

If you have a sewing machine and a pile of fabrics stashed away, there are SO many gorgeous (and easy!) craft ideas out there to do this February.

Giving a personalised, handmade gift is precious and really shows the LOVE and thought behind your Valentine’s present.

Because these crafts are made from fabric, it means they will get lots of use and not just end up on the rubbish pile anytime soon.

I have put together a list of 5 simple and cute Valentine’s Day fabric projects to sew right now.

And they’re perfect for sewing fans of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to those with years of experience and want to have some fun this Valentine’s.

Time to go dig through that fabric stash…

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The Simple Way to Sew a T-Shirt Neckline

Whether you are new to sewing or not, getting creative with your sewing projects is one of the awesome things about sewing. YOU get to decide the colour of the fabrics you use. YOU get to decide what embellishments you can make. And sometimes, YOU get to decide which technique you want to use for a particular step.

For instance, T-shirt necklines. There are a number of fabric options you could choose, a variety of different stitches you could use, and even a number of ways to sew the neckline together.

I am going to make it really easy for you and show you the simplest, cheapest way to sew a T-shirt neckline using supplies you almost surely already have in your fabric stash.

This sewing tutorial will walk you step-by-step through the whole “How do I sew a professional looking T-shirt neckline?” process- accompanied by loads of photos!

Let’s do this!

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5 Easy Steps to Sewing a Reversible Loop Scarf

So Easy, You can Sew it in Less Than 30 Minutes!

Well, hello! Great to see you here checking out this latest sewing project. Today I am going to show you the exact steps you need to sew your very own, simple yet stylish, reversible loop scarf!

A while back I published a tutorial on how to sew a patchwork infinity loop scarf which is great fun to put together. But if you’re looking for something even simpler, then this reversible scarf is it!

The cold weather is coming, there’s no stopping it! Which means more sewing, yes, of course! (D’Uh!) But not those pretty dresses and light and breezy blouses of summer. No! We are into creating those warm and cosy clothes that you can look great in AND snuggle into. Mmm, can you just imagine it, a beautiful soft and warm, handmade scarf?

Oh! And did I mention it’s also reversible? 2 looks for the price of one! Aaaaand there are 3 sizes of this scarf for you to choose from, so you’ve got the whole family covered! 😉

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But wait! What?

Think you’re too busy to start a new sewing project? Think again! Trust me, this one will take you less than 30 minutes to complete!

Or perhaps you think you’re too much of a beginner and don’t feel confident to try any *tricky* sewing projects? Number 1: everybody else who you see conjuring amazing sewing creations had to start somewhere and so do you! Don’t be scared 😊. Number 2: this is one of the easiest sewing projects you will EVER find! Truly!

Or maybe you’re gonna tell me you don’t want to go out shopping for more fabric when you have so many leftover pieces hiding in those cartons? I hear you! This project is perfect for using up those smaller pieces, especially when you can coordinate them with an item of clothing you already sewed for yourself!

So, are there any more ifs and buts? Or shall we get started sewing?!?

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Sewing Project: How to Sew Your Own Layered-Look Shirt

Otherwise known as:

SOS! Help! I don’t have enough fabric to finish my sewing project! What can I make with my leftover fabric?!?

Have you ever made plans to sit yourself down and finally take care of a sewing project you’ve been pushing back for a while?

You grab the fabric. Maybe you bought it a long time ago. Maybe you were given it from a friend. Perhaps it was some leftover pieces from another project or even another item of clothing you wished to upcycle.

*Gasp!* The fabric pieces are not large enough to complete the sewing project as you imagined it. Oh no! What to do?!?

This is EXACTLY what happened to me the other week! A lovely acquaintance of mine gifted me some pieces of fabric and immediately Miss 12 claimed 2 of them as her own, implying that I should conjure up a long-sleeve shirt for her. At the last minute though, we realised that the fabric she wanted me to use for the long sleeves wasn’t quite long enough!

Have no fear! Not all was lost. Us creative types often need to modify our project plans, right? My daughter did get her long sleeve shirt, but in a new and funky, layered-look.

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Are you intrigued how I did it? This post is going to walk you through the steps to turn a feared fabric shortage into a perfectly cool, one-of-a-kind shirt.

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The One Sewing Trick That Will Save You Time

Who loves a good time-saver?

**raises hand and yells “Me! Me! Me!**

Life is busy enough already, what with work and kids and managing the household and keeping everyone fed and healthy. And then on top of that you need to get in some time for yourself.

When sewing is your thing and you’ve finally been able to sit down with your machine you want, no NEED, to be able to use your time as effectively as possible. Who wants to waste time chopping and changing between 2 or more of the same projects?!?

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Do you know what I mean? When you have decided to sew multiples of the same thing, like those DIY Fabric Face Masks during Corona virus times. (I have now sewn close to 100 😳). Or fun easy-sew bean bags for the kids. Once you’ve gotten started on one, you may as well just plough through at least a few others at the same time.

I really wish I had known of this trick a while back as it not only saves you time, but also your thread! How cool is that?!?

Allow me to show you exactly how it works and you’ll be zooming through your next sewing projects in no time! Let’s go!

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How to Sew Easy-Breezy Bean Bags

If you thought last week’s headband sewing project was super simple, then have I got another treat for you today!

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Many children are unexpectedly at home lately. Parents and teachers alike are doing their best to ensure our kids are being entertained, educated and well-cared for.

What do your kids enjoy doing in their spare time lately? Mine? Reading, reading and more reading. I had published 2 posts a while back with book recommendations for girls (co-written by my daughters 😉) which you can check out here and here if you need some new children’s book recommendations.

My children don’t need any more book recommendations for now, say I. Some days my kids just need pretty strong encouragement to get outside and moving in the fresh air. Which is why I was so happy when the high school sports teacher started sharing basic sports activities online and delivered a pair of bean bags to my eldest daughter to get her equipped.

Looking at those bean bags, I thought to myself “I can make them too!”. Voila! New sewing project undertaken and several other children made happy.

And now I am sharing with you this easy sewing project. No, not easy. Easier than easy. Beginners can make these. Experienced sewers can make these. Kids can make these.

Ready to get your fun on? Let’s get sewing! And sporty 😉!

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Tutorial: How to Sew a Stunningly Simple Headband

Yay! It’s May! The sunshine is warming up. We are grateful for lots of clear blue sky. The flowers are blooming one after the other. Our fruit trees and bushes are showing signs of fruit yet to grow.

Do you want to know what else I love about May??? On the second Sunday in May, it’s Mother’s Day! My Hubby would try and convince me that “every day is Mother’s Day around here”.  But we Mamas can see past such flippant comments. We love having a least one day where we are practically guaranteed to get a little spoiled 😉. For all that we do, we Mothers are amazing and deserve it.

Would you like to know the biggest reason why I love May? My younger daughter would try to convince you it’s because it’s her birthday. And while that is lovely, the reason is that in May it’s also MY birthday!!!

Chance of birthday celebrations with friends at the moment due to a certain virus? Zero. ☹

What I can do, however, is celebrate online with you! And because I know that it is not only me busting to get back to the hairdresser to have my roots coloured (I know, #firstworldproblems) in honour of my birthday I am giving YOU a present!

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I am going to show you how to create a super easy headband to cover up those greys for when you can’t get to the hairdresser. Or for when you just want to look cool and carefree anyway! 😉

AND this sewing project will only take you less than 20 minutes! Don’t believe me? See for yourself…

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11 Simple Steps to Sewing Your Own Easter Egg Basket

With Easter just around the corner and a lot of people having some unexpected time on their hands at the moment, what better way to cheer up your mood and your living space than with a couple of super sewing projects?!?

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This week I was lucky enough to be invited to create an easy, (child-friendly) sewing project as a guest post on the Skelly Hodgepodge blog. You can check out my “Easiest Easter Bunny Sewing Project” HERE. I bet you and your kids will have as much fun sewing these as we did! You know what happens when you start off with just a pair of bunnies, don’t you? Pretty soon there are more popping up everywhere 😉. Kind of like the felt bunnies around our place!

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The project that I will be sharing with you in this post though, is something I promised a couple of weeks back: an Egg Basket with space for 5 eggs!

Did you see my tutorial How to Sew an Egg Warmer Basket already? That version had space for 4 boiled eggs to snuggle in all nicely together. This updated version has place for 5 eggs!! Which comes in handy for those of us with larger households. 😉

Don’t just think of this as an Egg Warmer. It’s also the perfect sewing project for Easter. You can hide some coloured eggs inside and use it as a simple table centrepiece. Or for the chocolate fans fill it with Easter Eggs and you’ve got yourself a sweet Easter gift! Mmm, chocolate…

All my detailed instructions and photos are ready to guide you through this easy sewing project. Read on to find out how!

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Tutorial: How to Sew an Egg Warmer Basket

Around here lately it’s been all about the sewing. Karneval costumes! Shirts for my own and other children! Dresses for my girls!

Somehow in the background, the house stays (somewhat 🙈) organised, the kids get wherever they need to be (on time, no less!) and everyone is clean, fed and happy. What more could you ask for? Well, apart from a 2 week holiday in Tahiti perhaps…

Wait, what?!? Oh! A new sewing project, you say? Well, have I got something egg-citing for you 😉.


Q: What happens when you make an egg laugh?

A: It cracks up!


Easter is coming up and for some reason, this project always makes me think of Easter. Even though it’s really meant for chicken eggs, not the chocolate kind. Note: chocolate eggs also fit snugly into this sewing project 😉.


Q: Why does the Easter bunny paint the eggs?

A: It’s too hard to wallpaper them!


In this week’s post I am going to walk you through an egg-cellent, easy, quick sewing project: How to Sew an Egg Warmer Basket. Not only is it easy, it’s also fast. Perfect for when you really really want to sew something but know you haven’t got much time!

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If the last 2 posts of me interviewing fellow bloggers about their early days of sewing (you can read them here and here ) haven’t stoked that creative fire in your belly, see whether this egg warmer tutorial gets you warmed up 😉.

Are you ready to discover how it’s done?

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