Lunch never looked better!
Packing lunch just got a little more fun.
Okay, a lot more fun.
Whip up some of these DIY lunch bags and you'll be toting that sandwich and apple in style. Choose some of your favorite prints and follow our simple instructions to make a few of these in an afternoon...they're easier than you think. Let's get started!
Here's what you'll need to make
both small and large snack packs:
• ½ yard of medium-weight, machine-washable patterned cotton (A)
• ½ yard of medium-weight, machine-washable coordinating solid cotton (B)
• ¼ yard of clear vinyl
• ¼ yard of fusible interfacing
• Templates for vinyl cutouts (see below)
• Matching all-purpose threads
• 3 sets of sew-on snaps
• Vinyl sewing machine presser foot or Scotch tape*
Please note: If you do not have a vinyl foot for your sewing machine, you can stick Scotch tape to the underside of a regular foot to help prevent the foot from sticking to the vinyl. Be sure to cut the tape so it doesn’t appear in any openings in the bottom of the presser foot, especially openings through which the needle moves.
Cutting the Fabric
The cutting instructions include 1/2"-wide seam allowances, which are used to sew the project unless otherwise noted in the instructions.
Wash, dry, and press the cotton fabrics. The cutting and sewing instructions apply to both sizes.
Mark two rectangles on both fabrics A and B as follows:
• For the small snack pack:
Mark 10" x 12-1/2" rectangles. Mark and cut away 1-1/2" squares at the bottom of each corner.
• For the large snack pack:
Mark 13" x 15-1/2" rectangles. Mark and cut away 2" squares at the bottom of each corner.
Print out the shapes provided below (or make one of your own!) and then trace the shape onto one rectangle of fabric A. Apply fusible interfacing, following the manufacturer’s instructions, on the wrong side of the fabric on the area behind and 1" larger than the traced motif. Cut out the shape.
Lay this cut-out fabric A on one fabric B piece with the wrong sides together; trace the shape through the opening. Apply interfacing to the wrong side of fabric B just as you did for fabric A. Cut the shape out of fabric B. Trace the actual shape/template onto the vinyl and add 3/4" all around. Cut out the vinyl.
Sewing Instructions
1. Layer the fabrics as follows: the cutout fabric B with the wrong side up, then the vinyl cutout (over the opening), followed by cutout fabric A with the right side up. Pin the layers together and straight stitch 1/4" from the edge of the cutout. Then, using a wide satin stitch, stitch around the edge of the cutout. Remove the tape from your presser foot, if you applied tape previously.
2. Pin fabric B toward the center of the fabric layers (from step 1) to keep it out of the way. Pin the remaining fabric A piece to the layered fabric A piece with the right sides together; stitch the sides and bottom edges, pivoting at the cut-out corners. Press the side and the bottom seams open. To shape the bottom of the bag, pin the side seam to the bottom seam with the right sides together and stitch. Repeat on the other side.
3. Pin fabric A to keep it out of the way and repeat step 2, but with the remaining fabric B piece and the layered fabric B piece. Shape the bottom of the fabric B (lining) at the bottom corners as in step 2 (for the outside of the bag).You will now have two bags, both wrong sides out, connected at the vinyl cutout.
4. Turn the fabric A bag right side out, leaving the lining bag inside so the wrong sides are together. Individually fold the tops of both bags approximately 1/2" to the wrong side and topstitch the tops of each bag closed.
5. Pin a fold (through both layers) in the front of the bag 2" in from each side seam. Edgestitch the folds, starting at the top of the bag and stitching to 1" from the bottom of the bag. Repeat for the back of the bag. This creates front and back side edges. Fold the bag flat, like a regular lunch bag, with the side seams pushed in toward the body of the bag.
6. Sew one half of a snap set in the corners and center along the top edge and outside back of the bag. Fold the top of the bag toward the front and then roll it over and mark the location for the corresponding halves of the snap sets with a fabric-marking pen.
7. Unroll the top edge and hand-sew the rest of the snap sets at the markings.
Finished measurements for the large is 8" x 12½" and the small will be 6" x 10".
Patterns you'll need are below. Click to view and print at full size.
