DIY Net Bag

After crushing hard on this vintage net bag spotted by Phil Oh on the streets of NYC, we knew we had to attempt to DIY it. Sprucing up a reusable cotton bag from the grocery store with some hardware and carabiners? Sign us up! In just a few simple steps, we’ll show you how to make our rendition of the net bag – perfect for a stroll in the park.

Supplies List

Start by cutting each of the straps down the middle, creating 4 loose straps. With a marker, mark 2 dots on each strap about 3 inches apart.

Carefully pierce a small hole through each mark with the tip of the scissors. Fold one of the straps through the carabiner, aligning the two holes with each other.

Push the screw post set through both holes and tighten with a screwdriver.

Add another set of screw posts about an inch of the way down for more support. Repeat the steps for the rest of the 3 straps.

Your bag is finished! You can also experiment with dying the bag a different color before assembling.

Attach keys, charms or pom poms to one of the carabiners and you’re all set!

(top image by Phil Oh; rest of images by Honestly…WTF)

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141 Comments

  1. Flora wrote:

    Man, you guys have the best DIYs ever.

    7.26.11
    Reply
  2. annasouid wrote:

    your bag is much much better !!!!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  3. Katie wrote:

    So great!! I love it with the little pompoms!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  4. I actually think your version is a lot cuter than the vintage one that inspired you. I love the little pompoms too. =)

    Need it? Want it? Crave it? Satisfy Your Cravings For Celebrity Style and All Things Stylish and Sweet

    7.26.11
    Reply
  5. raheli wrote:

    Yeaaah! This is really lovely. I’m making one this weekend. Thanks for this!

    http://raheliart.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  6. This is amazing, I love the result!

    xoxo
    http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/

    7.26.11
    Reply
  7. Ting wrote:

    I love your DIYs. I also like your version better!

    http://www.acidzip.com/

    7.26.11
    Reply
  8. I love it!! Beautiful!!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  9. Eva wrote:

    Genius! I agree with the above posts too, yours is much better than the original… Love!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  10. Keira wrote:

    That’s gorgeous. I can’t believe you made that from a grocery bag. You girls rock my world.

    7.26.11
    Reply
  11. Jessie wrote:

    oh man i am crushing hard on the bag above too. the diy comes out pretty nicely !! i love it.
    xx, http://wordbyjessie.com/

    7.26.11
    Reply
  12. Love the DIY! Never thought a net bag could be so trendy…
    http://www.noaslibellule.blogspot.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  13. Michelle wrote:

    Brilliant once again!

    x
    Michelle
    http://www.michellesstylefile.blogspot.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  14. Céci wrote:

    good job!
    PS: love the bright orange nail lacquer, can you tell us more? Thanks 🙂

    7.26.11
    Reply
  15. s wrote:

    i’m not very convince but it’s nice 🙂

    Cover: AMY WINEHOUSE x HEDI SLIMANE http://magmoiselle.fr

    7.26.11
    Reply
  16. Gotta get these pretty nails to work now…

    7.26.11
    Reply
  17. Christine wrote:

    This is so cool! Too bad we don’t have a whole foods, so I’m going to try to make my own with macrame and a hammock pattern. Wish my luck!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  18. Another fabulous DIY. Such a creative idea!

    Fashionable Collections

    7.26.11
    Reply
  19. chiamay wrote:

    wow!!! it’s really nice!!! love it!!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  20. MUST TRY!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  21. this is really cool. too bad i’d just be asking to be robbed if i carried this around town

    7.26.11
    Reply
  22. january wrote:

    LOVE this. you actually have the best diys ever.
    january, x
    jessicajanuary.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  23. january wrote:

    LOVE this. you honestly have the best diy’s ever.

    january, x
    jessicajanuary.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  24. that is so awesome. I really want to attempt making a bag like this

    7.26.11
    Reply
  25. Lara wrote:

    Love it!!!!!! <3

    7.26.11
    Reply
  26. Nancy wrote:

    Wow – your DIY tutorials are the best! I’ve been so inspired by the fashion and the DIYs I see here.

    7.26.11
    Reply
  27. Maycie wrote:

    This is absolutely adorable!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  28. Kristina wrote:

    this is so awesome – I would just be afraid of something squeezing through the mesh openings!

    Kristina
    http://spottedappeal.blogspot.com/

    7.26.11
    Reply
  29. Emma wrote:

    Gorgeous. I need to make this.

    7.26.11
    Reply
  30. What a cute diy, definitely want to try to make this!
    Bisous,
    Rachel
    http://lovealamode.wordpress.com

    PS Don’t forget to enter my blog giveaway for an online shopping spree from Zestii! All you have to do is enter here!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  31. Kaila wrote:

    LOVE THIS!!!

    PS love your sandals!! Urban Outfitters?

    xo
    http://cestclassique.blogspot.com/

    7.26.11
    Reply
  32. um love!!! so clever (once again!) nice work, ladies!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  33. Disa wrote:

    Holy smoookkeeesss, this is too good. For one your bag looks better, and speaking of crushing, talk about those PANTS. Sign me up!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  34. What a great idea! Just love, love it!

    xo

    http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  35. Alexandra wrote:

    LOVE your DIY!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  36. oh I love this it’s fantastic! you are the BEST at DIYs.

    http://www.dragonnfruit.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  37. geri wrote:

    SO good! love love love!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  38. monique wrote:

    I so love yours! The other one wouldn’t have even turned my head. LOL! I especially love the look that you’ve created with the skirt and sandals. Gorgeous!

    7.26.11
    Reply
  39. Your version is so charming and fun-I adore it!

    x

    http://www.airtomyearth.blogspot.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  40. Great idea! I love it…

    http://www.evolvmag.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  41. Florencia wrote:

    Your DYI are the best thing ever! Love all of them. xoxo
    http://giamportones.blogspot.com/

    7.26.11
    Reply
  42. Erin wrote:

    TOTAL INSPIRATION HERE!!! Thanks so much for the idea that bag is amazing!!
    I love your blog 🙂 Follow mine as well our style is very similar!
    http://www.everythingbuttheshoes.blogspot.com

    7.26.11
    Reply
  43. ascensión wrote:

    Me encanta…Muchas gracias!!!…♥

    7.27.11
    Reply
  44. Jillian wrote:

    Now this one I might HAVE to make! Gorgeous!

    Thanks for another great DIY xoxo

    7.27.11
    Reply
  45. V. wrote:

    this is FAB.
    Excellent idea!

    xx
    http://WWW.PRETPENSER.BLOGSPOT.COM

    7.27.11
    Reply
  46. Natalia wrote:

    love the bag! you could even dye it whatever colors you want!….Im having a giveaway where you can choose from several things!

    http://cheapchicobsession.com/2011/07/cheap-chic-obsession-store-giveaway-free-stuff/

    7.27.11
    Reply
  47. Grace wrote:

    I’ve ordered all my stuff to make this, can’t wait to see the results!

    7.27.11
    Reply
  48. Alex wrote:

    that is actually quite cute.. perfect for a picnic in the park or even for grocery shopping! haha

    http://www.houseofslater.com

    7.27.11
    Reply
  49. Franzi wrote:

    That is an amazing DIY and I’m so gonna go look for one of those cotton bags to make my own.

    cheers for the brilliant, tutorial as always!

    Franzi
    xx
    http://franzistylenomad.wordpress.com/

    7.27.11
    Reply
  50. Rene Braun wrote:

    GReat idea! love it!!!

    http://WWW.RENEBRAUN.COM

    Kisses!

    7.30.11
    Reply
  51. christina wrote:
    8.1.11
    Reply
  52. Cindy wrote:

    Great idea!! Thats cool 😀

    8.4.11
    Reply
  53. Elke wrote:

    This bag rocks- I went out to get the screw posts & fell in love with the endless possibilities. I couldn’t find the giant caribiners so I played with a piece of leather & ended up with a VERY simple DIY bracelet that’s on my blog today. Thanks for the hardware tip- i’m finding a ton of ways to use the cool screws.

    8.4.11
    Reply
  54. veronica wrote:

    Such an incredible idea. Instead of doing homework, I am making this. I love it, along with every other DIY you have.

    8.5.11
    Reply
  55. mello! wrote:

    your version is way better!

    8.16.11
    Reply
  56. Great! I have featured your DIY in my blog right now! THANKS! GLORIA

    8.25.11
    Reply
  57. cathy wrote:

    I
    thought the bracelet is cool and easy to make also.i love fiddling with my hands and doing something like

    11.15.11
    Reply
  58. Kooki wrote:

    Absolutely luv it , I’m so wining this year in talent show !!!!
    Thank y for showing this

    12.9.11
    Reply
  59. addie wrote:

    i loooooovvve this idea! i like the one uptop better though cuz its smaller and managable! i think the pom poms on it look really fashionable! (they would be even cuter if dyed the bag cobalt blue)…..give a “oh hi ya i just got back from the beaches costa rica!” vibe! 🙂

    2.16.12
    Reply
  60. Jan Ang wrote:

    I’m having a hard time finding the cotton net bag here in Singapore. Can you please help me find the net bag, I really want to give this as a present to my friends. Many thanks 🙂

    2.18.12
    Reply
  61. Jules wrote:

    Did you paint the carabiners in the photo? If so, what paint did you use?

    3.3.12
    Reply
  62. Catherine Yarmosh wrote:

    Sooo cute! Can’t wait to make one myself

    4.18.12
    Reply
  63. Li ChunBo wrote:

    The coordinated grommets really stand out with the handle. Nice design.

    6.4.12
    Reply
  64. Sarah Peach wrote:

    OMG I LOVE THIS SOOOOO MUCH!!

    10.18.12
    Reply
  65. Dane wrote:

    j’ adore une idée originale c’ est judicieux bravo et merci

    2.25.13
    Reply
  66. Macrame wrote:

    Macrame Bags and Belts – http://www.youtube.com/MacrameSchool

    2.8.14
    Reply
  67. I’m not sure why but this web site is loading very slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?

    I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

    3.7.14
    Reply
  68. We just love all hand made bags. Unique style for us. Pure boho chic style!
    We also have the most fabulous hand made bags for you.
    Check them out http://www.colombianstyle.com
    Just Love them

    3.11.14
    Reply
  69. it’s really nice! I’ll make one myself.

    6.2.14
    Reply
  70. Carole wrote:

    OMG you are seriously good. Thanks so much for sharing.

    4.8.15
    Reply
  71. Eric Bakula-Davis wrote:

    Hi Erica,

    I’m the web designer for bags4you.com. I recently rebuilt the site so that the link you have in the Supplies LIst doesn’t work. The new link is https://www.bags4you.com/shop/ for the shop or https://www.bags4you.com/shop/eurosac/ for the bag in the tutorial. Cheers.

    9.18.15
    Reply
  72. Eric wrote:

    I created a redirect so that the link works now. However, I think it would “better” if your link pointed directly to the correct page ( https://www.bags4you.com/shop/ ). Cheers.

    9.26.15
    Reply
  73. Wow, I should make this for my girlfriend. Maybe she will save her a few $$ compare to the bags she buys!

    12.3.15
    Reply
  74. wow, I really liked it, it looks very elegant, thanks

    4.17.16
    Reply
  75. James wrote:

    I’ve just made one 🙂 Thanks for the great topic

    1.26.17
    Reply
  76. Great DIY, this is amazing what we can create. I love this bags!

    11.26.17
    Reply