Take the first step and use a pair of scissors and a pile of old, unused T-shirts to help change the world. Jenelle Montilone's Upcycled T-shirt (Stash Books, 2015) is full of inspiration for reusing T-shirts as reusable household items, reusable wearable devices, etc. The following tutorial on simple produce bags will eliminate your use of plastic bags and keep produce fresh.

Why use a dozen disposable plastic bags to fill your reusable food bags for fresh fruits and vegetables? These lightweight, recyclable T-shirt production bags provide a sustainable and smart way to reduce another major source of plastic bag waste, and they are fun to make! When asked, "Paper or plastic?" I replied, "None! I brought it myself."

You need: • T-shirt • 40-inch T-shirt yarn • Safety pin • Serger (optional)

Hint: Gardener! Reusable produce bags are perfect for storing bulbs in winter.

1. Place the T-shirt on a flat surface. Measure and cut 10 inches from the bottom of the T-shirt.

2. Fold in half and align the seams on both sides. Measure 8 inches from the side seams to the center. Cut vertically, so now you have 2 pieces for 2 bags, 10 inches x 8 inches. (If your bag eventually gets bigger or smaller, that's okay!

1. Unfold and refold the bag with the right side facing. Place the bag on the table with a hem at the bottom. Now fold the hem 2 inches.

2. Using a pair of sharp scissors, make 3/4-inch cuts on the fold line you just created, at 2-inch intervals. Stop 1 inch from the edge to ensure that there is enough seam space when sewing the bags together.

3. Fold the bottom up 2 inches again. Make cuts that alternate with those in row 1 (between those). Continue until you reach the bottom edge of the bag.

1. Nail the edges of the bag together and sew 1/4 inch seams, starting at the bottom, and then stitching upwards. Then use zigzag or elastic stitches to sew the bottom and sides of the bag.

2. Cut 20 inches of T-shirt yarn. Connect a large safety pin at one end. Pass the safety pin through the hem shell and keep it around the bag. Knot with a knot. Flip out the right side of the bag.

Tip: I used a serger when making my produce bag. If using a saw tooth machine, stitch along the bottom edge and end. Cut the end of the thread and reposition the bag so that it starts at the bottom corner. Be sure to be at the top of the initial stitch, up along the side edges, and turn to the bag before you reach the hem shell. Tuck the tail of your vest into the seam with a yarn needle.

• How to make T-shirt yarn • Paper towels • DIY dust removal gloves

Reprinted with permission from The Upcycled T-Shirt by Jenelle Montilone, published by Stash Books, imprint of C&T Publishing Inc., 2015. Cover provided by Stash Books. Teaching photos of Diane Pedersen. Style photography by Nissa Brehmer.

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