Make Your Own Market Bags
Reusable market bags are the economical alternative to plastic or paper shopping bags. Market bags can be made from a variety of materials and with a little yarn or twine you can make your own!
Plastic shopping and grocery bags add up quickly and can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Paper grocery bags may break down faster but kill many trees in the manufacturing process. The economical choice is reusable market bags. Usually made from cotton or recycled materials reusable bags are not only less wasteful but are also sturdier and stronger and can hold more so you need fewer bags for your shopping trip. Besides grocery bags they can also be used as beach bags, diaper bags or book bags. I even saw kids using them for collecting Halloween candy this year.
The two basic kinds of market bags are either solid sewn fabric or knitted or crocheted with yarn. The yarn version is best for the beach and the farmers market since the “netting” allows for ventilation and will stretch to fit a bushel of fruit. These bags, often referred to as string bags or mesh totes, are easy and fun to knit or crochet yourself. The open stitch allows the project to be worked very quickly so they are great for beginner knitters and crocheters. Usually made with cotton, hemp, jute, or other natural fiber yarn or twine, they can be very cheap to make too.
The advantages to making your own string market bags are that you can make them any size and color you like and with details like floral stitches or stripes. You can also make the customized straps to fit you most comfortably whether you like to wear them across your body for longer walks to the farmers market or with small handles for short trips to the car. Market bags are economical, versatile and easy to make yourself. There are many crochet and knit patterns available online so make yourself one today!
