14 Creative Uses for Mesh Produce Bags

By: Karisa Tell, Editor, FaveCrafts.com

Creative Uses for Mesh Produce Bags

By: Karisa Tell, Editor, FaveCrafts.com

We asked our Facebook fans what they would do with mesh produce bags from the grocery store once the produce is gone. These little bags, which hold clementines, apples, brussels sprouts, and more, are too cute to throw away.

Here are some genius ideas our crafty fans came up with for ways to reuse mesh produce bags. We love crafts using recycled materials!

We also compiled our favorite ideas from the comments below and added them to our article! Learn what our site visitors use mesh produce bags for and see how you can help the environment by making better use of those helpful bags.

Creative Uses for Mesh Produce Bags

Ideas from Our Facebook Fans

Wad them up in a ball, secure with an elastic, and use them as scrubbies to clean nonstick pans and other dishes.
Hang the bags from a mirror and throw hair bows in them for easy access.
Make potpourri sachets from them. First line each bag with colored tissue paper, fill them with a small amount of potpourri, and tie them shut with a decorative ribbon.
Carry sand toys to the beach inside of them.
Hold skeins of yarn inside the mesh bags, then pull from the center right through the mesh. No more tangles!
Make them into bath loofahs.
Sew them into the shape of a stocking, finish with binding fabric, and fill with pet treats. Mesh bags make pet stockings like they sell in stores.
Run them through your embossing machine to add texture to your cards.
Fold them in half, sew an X through them, and use them as dish rags.
Add velcro so the bags can be opened and closed, and use them as lingerie laundry bags.
You can crochet with them! Make crochet table settings and doilies from the mesh. Find some of our favorite crochet doily patterns here.
Sew a doormat made of mesh produce bags. Cut them into long strips, pin 3 or 4 together at one end and braid. Then sew the ends to another strip and continue until you have a long braid several feet long. Lay flat and and start to curl in an oblong shape. Stitch this as you go so you end up with a mat.
Use them as a paint brush for splatter painting. Dip the wadded up mesh into your paint, then fling it at your canvas for a splattered look!
Stretch the mesh over an old frame, staple it in place, and hang earrings from it for a stylish earring organizer similar to this one.

Ideas from Our Site Visitors

Hang a bar of soap in one near the outdoor faucet to wash away garden and lawn dirt. You won't have to take it out of the bag to use, just scrub with the bag and all.
If you use bar soap to shower, hang it in a plastic net bag over the shower head between showers so it will dry out and not melt into nothing.
Use the soft ones to hold small items in the washer so they won't get lost. Not too small though, as the holes expand. Also, don't use them in hot water.
Use them for bags to sort and group small food packages in the freezer.
Use them in your garden: Cut them to size for placing over the iris & lily buds that are so appealing to the deer. Put the 'covers' on the growing stems & let them stay there until after the bud breaks & the petals begin to open. Then cut them & bring them inside, & re-use the covers on any other budding or fully flowered plants that are around the garden. They deter rabbits & groundhogs. Find more garden ideas in our new Gardening Ideas newsletter from DIYIdeaCenter.
Use them to hold scraps of yarn, then hang it out in the spring for birds to build their nests.
Use them as a free latch-hook canvas with all old yarn scraps. They are wonderful for mats in the doorway, bathroom, mudroom, wherever... free, fun & fashionable!
Put leftover mushrooms in them and hang in a warm place to dry. Dried mushrooms are very useful.
These bags are great to put bathtub toys into to dry out after the bath is done.
Use them as backgrounds in scrapbooking.
They make a sweet and nifty bow on a present. This Cereal Box and Fruit Net Upcycled Gift Boxes tutorial will show you how!
Use mesh bags to dry homegrown fresh herbs for storage. Hang them til they dry out.
They're great for itty bitty newborn socks. Throw the socks in-tie the bag in a knot at the top, or run a piece of ribbon in and out at the top, tie and throw in the washer and dryer. Haven't lost not one of my grandbabies socks yet!
Use them as veiling for silly hats used for costumes or celebrations.
Use them to clean potatoes or other vegetables where the skin might be eaten. Just take a square and under warm running water scrub the potato clean, gets in to the dimple areas well, just needs a bit of more attention to those areas. Scrubber can be reused often just let it dry before storing.
Use the mesh to imprint patterns in unbaked Polymer Clay projects! Find some of our favorite clay projects in 20 Clay Crafts for Adults.
Use a dark green one and save it for papercrafting. Well you never know when you might need a fishing net, a tennis net or a basket ball net etc.
Use them as a lint filter on the end of the drain pipe from the washing machine. Just attach them with a hose clamp........change often!!
Use them for lids and such that have nowhere to land in the dishwasher except the bottom. Use them as a bag to put those jar lids (and other small things to small for the DW) and simply hang it from the top rack.
Use a mesh bag and tie it at one end for the bottom, leave the top open, then sew a little handle to the top. Hang it on the knob of the pantry door to put the shopping bags in when you come home from the store. It is so easy and convenient too.
Use them to clean up bug residue on the car without messing up the paint!
Use these mesh bags to put moth balls in and hang outside the doors in the summertime to keep flies out of the house. Hang them beside the door so you don't have a problem with flies coming in the house. I live in the South and sometimes flies can be a problem no matterhow clean you keepit around your doors. Carolyn 2/13/12
Cut the bags into 2 to 3 inch strips and use to tie up plants to a stake. They are soft and will stretch as the plant grows.
Cut them doubled into about 8" strips, make a knot in the middle and throw them inot your Clothes-Dryer along with your load. IT HELPS TO GET THE LINT OFF and you can use them over and over,until they go real limp.
Crumple a yellow produce bag and use it in the center of flowers, like with these Egg Carton Poinsettia Ornaments!

More Crafty Ideas For You

If you're anything like us and find joy in upcycling everyday materials, then you'll love the endless possibilities of mesh produce bags. These versatile little bags can be transformed into decorative pieces, functional items, and more.

For those who enjoy adding a touch of nature to their home, consider turning mesh produce bags into hanging plant holders. Simply wrap the bags around small pots or containers and secure with twine for a rustic and eco-friendly addition to your indoor garden.

If you have a knack for sewing, try making reusable produce bags out of mesh bags. These handy bags are not only sustainable but also perfect for reducing waste during your grocery runs. Get creative with different sizes and shapes for all your fruits and veggies.

For a fun and practical project, turn mesh produce bags into colorful beach totes. By weaving together various colored bags, you can create a durable and stylish bag perfect for carrying your essentials to the beach or pool.

And let's not forget about the upcoming holiday season - mesh produce bags can also be repurposed into festive decorations like ornaments or gift wrap. Get in the spirit of giving by crafting unique and eco-friendly gifts for your loved ones.

No matter your skill level or interests, mesh produce bags offer a wealth of crafting opportunities waiting to be explored. So grab your scissors, glue, and imagination, and start transforming those discarded bags into beautiful creations today!

What will you use mesh produce bags for?

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gomerspice 5979835

Sep 21, 2018

I folded a mesh produce bag into a small rectangle and whip-stitched it in place. I set the soap bar on it to dry.

flowergirl

Feb 16, 2018

Since plastic carrier bags were banned in my country, every other kind of bag is precious. I get these mesh produce bags from the produce market where they are popular and my most useful project is to use them to dry red onions and garlic. Plus the display in the kitchen looks amazing. Repurposing them into a wash cloth however isn't a great idea unless it's soft.

Sigo

Jan 15, 2018

I am so amazed at all of the ideas for these bags! I have so far only used them for mixed media as "stencils". I place or tape a piece of mesh on the canvas or other underground I am working on and then drybrush paint over the mesh to leave a print of it. Makes for an interesting effect.

Cheryl Y

May 01, 2017

Wow there are some great ideas here to reuse the Mesh Produce Bags. I have one for the potato bags, I crochet a single stitch around the bag after I take off the plastic and remove the stitching. I lay the mesh bag flat and do a single crochet around the bag, then do 4 or 5 sc rows on the ends, chain 25 and sl st to make a handle, do the same for the other end, makes a great back scrubber in the shower. The mesh will hold soap and rinses clean after use. I hang it on the shower turn on knob to dry. I love using the mesh bags and these are some more reasons not to through them out.. Thank you so much for sharing this.

paver2

Apr 18, 2017

A few more ideas Hang a bar of soap in one near the outdoor faucet to wash away garden and lawn dirt. You won't have to take it out of the bag to use, just scrub with the bag and all. If you use bar soap to shower, hang it in a plastic net bag over the shower head between showers so it will dry out and not melt into nothing. Use the soft ones to hold small items in the washer so they won't get lost. Not too small though, as the holes expand. Also, don't use them in hot water. Use them for bags to sort and group small food packages in the freezer.

Editor Dana

Apr 24, 2017

Thank you so much for these great ideas! I'm going to plan to add them to the article this week. :) Thank you again!

Toby K Editor

Jul 25, 2016

I never know what to do with these things, but I feel wasteful when I throw them away. The possibilities are endless!

mulberrygalprinces s

Jul 12, 2016

So many great ideas, so little time! I am going to be using some for sure. I always hate tossing them away because I know there has to be a good use for them. My grand daughter likes to keep her stuffed animals in a large one I got when I bought a bushel of grapefruit. It hangs on a tension rod pole in the corner. That way she can see if they are all in it and as she says, they can breathe!

catwoman

Mar 17, 2014

I cut them to size for placing over the iris & lily buds that are so appealing to the deer. I put the 'covers' on the growing stems & let them stay there until after the bud breaks & the petals begin to open. Then I cut them & bring them inside, & re-use the covers on any other budding or fully flowered plants that are around the garden. They deter rabbits & groundhogs, too.

abcauntkathy 04301 26

Feb 21, 2014

put soap scraps in one, tie a knot and the kids at my daycare wash up in basin outside in summer.

patcremens 3170171

Feb 11, 2014

I use them to hold scraps of yarn, then hang it out in the spring for birds to build their nests.

Valkyri

Feb 11, 2014

i use them as a free latch-hook canvas with all my old yarn scraps. they are wonderful for mats in the doorway, bathroom, mudroom, wherever... free, fun & fashionable!

CaptSnaz

Feb 04, 2014

A long time ago I had a large plastic mesh, about the size of chicken wire. It reminded me of a fish net, so I hung small Christmas lites on it, and little ornaments and strung it across my window. - I called it "Christmas-by-the-Sea."

Rschapira

Feb 03, 2014

If you have an antique sock knitting machine, these bags are better than yarn when it comes to the begiining waste part of the sock, and easier than using that (usaually warped) umbrella unit!

ramseylel 6847481

Feb 03, 2014

I keep my veg in them in the fridge, better than plastic bags, also put leftover mushrooms in them and hang in a warm place to dry..dried mushrooms are very useful.

sallieschmitt25 01 74763

Oct 17, 2013

These bags are great to put bathtub toys into to dry out after the bath is done. I have also used the bigger bags found on turkeys.

jimnreenie 0881518

Oct 16, 2013

I like using them as backgrounds in my scrapbooking.

Beaverlaker

Jul 30, 2013

I live in the woods. Deer LOVE Oriental lilies. When my bulbs are growing, I protect the tops (where the lilies will be coming out) with upsidedown produce bags. The deer can't eat them. Now the deer will eat the leaves, so I try to use as long a bag as I can, but sometimes some leaves have to be sacrificed. But no matter because your bulbs are blooming from storing last year's sun energy, so you'll at least get to see the blooms. Take off the bags when the lilies are about to open up. You'll at least get to see a day or two of your flowers (or more) before the deer discover them. That's a toss-up. Some of my lilies the deer either ignore or didn't see, as they are browsers (a few bites here, a few bites there of foliage as they forage).

Canellita 4027144

Jul 12, 2013

Some great ideas! Especially like numbers 1, 5, and 14.

loungestar 6669916

Jul 02, 2013

They make a sweet and nifty bow on a present.

jones1536 6390589

Mar 01, 2013

I use my mesh bags to dry my homegrown fresh herbs for storage. I hang them til they dry out.

sweetdelites4u

Feb 24, 2013

I think they're great for itty bitty newborn socks. Throw the socks in-tie the bag in a knot @ top, or run a piece of ribbon in & out @ the top, tie and throw in the washer & dryer. Haven't lost not one of my grandbabies socks yet!

elvia724 1328681

Feb 24, 2013

You can fill the mesh bag with the kids toys and hang them to dry in the bathroom

Terri Lee

Feb 24, 2013

I've used them as veiling for silly hats I've made for celebrations.

Canellita 4027144

Jul 12, 2013

Great idea, especially for costumes!

elnisi

Feb 17, 2013

I also use them to clean potatoes or other vegetables where the skin might be eaten. just take a square and under warm running water scrub the potato clean, gets in to the dimple areas well, just needs a bit of more attention to those areas. scrubber can be reused often just let it dry before storing.

cporiginals 715142 8

Feb 17, 2013

Great ideas here! I use the mesh to imprint patterns in unbaked Polymer Clay projects!

gmaggiemac 3404614

Feb 13, 2013

I had a dark green one and saved it for my papercrafting. Well you never know when I might need a fishing net, a tennis net or a basket ball net etc.

scrublady9 3652464

Feb 11, 2013

I never thought of using them, I just threw them away. I will now save them. Great Ideas.

zhamricks 0413476

Feb 11, 2013

I cut them into a long strip, pull the strip slightly then single crochet into a round pot scrubber. It works great and rinses clean easily.

cvirkler2 2028533

Feb 11, 2013

I use them as a lint filter on the end of the drain pipe from my washing machine. Just attach them with a hose clamp........change often!!

debeling 7024031

Feb 05, 2013

I wish someone could post the how they crochet with them. I dont understand how you can you them for that.

jovial56 2942484

Feb 16, 2013

you cut them in strips ..tie them all together..chain 4, slip stitch in 1st stich...chain 2, 16 double crochet in ring... chain 2, then 2 double crochet in each space (of double crochet from row before)...make 2 of these and then single crochet them together...I used yarn for one side and tulle or netting for the other...hope this helps...or you can go to http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/nylpot.html and check this out...

patardugno 2165917

Feb 04, 2013

Those are really great repurposing ideas. I save them to hold different items, but I was afraid to use them for some things. Now I have a better idea of how veristile & resilient they are. I love the reinforcing crochet idea.

patardugno 2165917

Feb 04, 2013

I save those mesh bags because it's a shame to fill landfills with them when they can be repurposed. Thanks for more ideas on how to use them.

jacqui c

Feb 04, 2013

you can also use them to hold small 2-3" pieces of scrap yarns and hang in a tree for the birds to use as nesting materials.

desiretwo80 803879 7

Feb 04, 2013

Great ideas - I've used them to hold a pets toy such as a big rubber ball which my doggie couldn't get into her mouth. I put the ball into the bag and then tie a big knot at each end and the dog can hold the knot and run around with the ball - and great for gentle tug of war as well.

robj98168 9494274

Feb 04, 2013

May favorite way to use them is for lids and such that have no where to land in my dishwasher except the bottom. I use them as a bag to put those jar lids (and other small things to small for the DW) and simply hang it from the top rack.

deelee180

Feb 04, 2013

i like to use them to make hammoks for my kids barbie dolls

stkrista1024 12060 46

Apr 20, 2012

These are some awesome ideas, I am always looking for things to make into something new.I recently used a mesh bag and tied it at one end for the bottom left the top open, then sewed a little handle to the top and it now hangs on the knob of my pantry door. It has replaced my gift of 25 years ago of a towel sewn together to put the shopping bags in when I come home from the store. It is so easy and convenient too. I crochet a lot and I cannot wait to try that one.

rlpalmatier 776732 1

Feb 26, 2012

I keep these bags around for the little things that you want to throw into the dishwasher, but can't because they are so little. Place them in a bag tie it with elastic band (ones that come on my newspaper) and throw in the dishwasher. Did this for a bunch of plastic tops for my small plastic bowls.

nannok

Feb 22, 2012

I have often used the bags to hold yarn - even having my grandchildren using them for their yarn

GrammyDesigns 5613 434

Feb 20, 2012

I've used the mesh bags to hold a lot of fat from all our meats and sometimes some old bread (NOT MOLDY). I keep the mesh bag and it's contents in a plastic bag in the freezer then when ever, I take it out, allow it to somewhat melt, mash in some bird seed but keeping the hanging part out so it can be the hanger from a tree. The birds LOVE it and it's so good for them and their feathers.

greylady1999 64830 56

Feb 19, 2012

I use them to clean up bug residue on our classic car and our everyday vechicles without messing up the paint!

kentenhike

Feb 18, 2012

I love the ideas. I also use them as bows and ribbon for Christmas packages. When tied around a package the mesh is surprisingly cute.

peggylea3 9814694

Feb 15, 2012

I love these ideas. My favorite is putting the mesh over a frame for earrings. Awesome idea.

cholbrook484 78120 78

Feb 13, 2012

I use these mesh bags to put moth balls in and hang outside my doors in the summertime to keep flies out of my house. I hang them beside the door and I don't have a problem with flies coming inthe house. I live in the South and sometimes flies can be a problem no matterhow clean you keepit around your doors. Carolyn 2/13/12

mssandyd 9907238

Feb 17, 2013

Do you have to replace the mothballs after they get wet from the rain?

galynn

Feb 13, 2012

Cut the bags into 2 to 3 inch strips and use to tie up plants to a stake. They are soft and will stretch as the plant grows. Great ideas here.

tnqlvspq 5288421

Feb 12, 2012

OMG, YOU GUYS USED MY IDEA FOR # 14 :0)

blue bayou

Feb 12, 2012

In the Spring, I fill a Haas avocado bag with cotton balls for the hummingbirds and smaller birds to use for nest building! You can tell that the birds use the cotton balls because they pull it through the bag.

Wendy L R

Feb 12, 2012

W have a lot of birds that we feed, so we fold the top over about 2 inches, thread kitchen twine through the doubled top...fill it with suet and we have some really pleased chickaedees! We have even had the BIG woodpecker (pileated) come and enjoy the suet!! We save the mesh bags that turkeys come in as well! Recycling at it's best!

brendagram

Feb 12, 2012

i use them to strengthen concrete projects

mariannebur 994245 7

Feb 11, 2012

cut them doubled into about 8" strips,make a knot in the middle and throw them inot your Clothes-Dryer along with your load :IT HELPS TO GET THE LINT OFF and you can use them over and over,until they go real limp.Read that hint about 8-10 years ago in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING!!!