Sew a Sea Shell Collecting Mesh Bag

 

We love going to the beach, and go often in the summer. The kids enjoy searching for seashells and cool rocks. I thought it would be fun to make a DIY beach bag for shell collecting with mesh fabric that could shake out the sand in the process. I also like to use this handy bag for sunscreen and other beach essentials. You can personalize these with embroidery for gifts as well. Get the tutorial below on how to sew your own Mesh Shell Collecting Beach Bag.

Supplies: 
-Mesh Fabric (see measurements below)
-Cotton Fabric or Outdoor fabric for top panel of bag
-Bias tape or ribbon (optional)
-Bag strapping or fabric to make strap
-Velcro
-SE1900 Brother Sewing Machine
-PE800 Brother Embroidery Machine (optional).

Cutting:
Top panel: 10 x 9"
Mesh Fabric: 10 x 17"
Strap: 3 x 33"
Strip of velcro 1/2" x 1.5"

On the top panels, fold and press the edges 1/2" over.
Then fold the panels in half and press.



Place one side of the fabric panel with one side of the mesh and top stitch together using a zigzag stitch.

Flip the other side of the same fabric edge and then stitch all layers together using a zigzag stitch. Basically, sandwiching the mesh fabric in between the fabric layers.
Repeat for the other side.

**This is a good time to add embroidery and personalize the bag. Hoop Stabilizer and place the fabric onto the hoop. I then embroidered along the top edge prior to sewing the bag.**

Fold the layers together so right sides are facing. (It doesn't matter which is right side since they should look the same).

Stitch the sides together with about 1/4" seam allowance. I used my Brother serger to finish the edges after sewing. You can use bias tape or even ribbon if you'd like.


Flip right side out and it should look like this.

Create the straps by using this lanyard tutorial here or use any bag strapping. Mine was about 33” long but you can adjust this. For my younger son I made the strap about 28”.

Sew the straps onto the bag: Fold the strap edge up a ½” and stitch onto the wrong side of the bag right along the seam (about ½” down from the top edge).

You can sew a square with an x in the center to secure it. Repeat for the other side.

Sew a strip of velcro in the center by topstitching around the edges on each side.

Now you have a fun beach mesh bag that can be used for collecting shells and leave the sand at the beach when it’s time to go!

Try this Beach Mat here next!