DIY Reusable Lunch Bags

A single family can go through thousands of plastic lunch baggies in just a year’s time, especially if you have multiple children who take lunch to school each day. Want to be more eco-friendly while also giving your kids a pop of color and originality to take with them in their backpack? 

These DIY reusable lunch bags are easy and quick to make and can be taken to school, work, a picnic, or anywhere you need a snack on the go. In addition to your trusty sewing machine, you’ll just need a few key supplies to get started.

What You’ll Need 

Use laminated cotton or oilcloth for the main fabric of your bags, as these repel moisture and allow the bags to be reused over and over without falling apart. To line the bag, you’ll need thick cotton canvas fabric. Also, make sure to grab some strips of Velcro to create an easy latch for your bag.

Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Cut down each piece of fabric to 6” by 15” for the main bag piece and 6” by 3” for the flap piece. Your Velcro should be cut to about 5”. 

2. Place the Velcro pieces where you’d like them to be on the top edge of the main piece and around the middle of the flap piece. Sew them into your fabric. 

3. Place the flap pieces with the right sides lined up, and sew around 3 of the sides with a ¼ inch seam allowance. This should leave the top edge open. Round out the corners by placing a round object at the edges and tracing around it. Trim the corners and the seam allowance and turn the flap right-side out. 

4. Use your sewing machine to turn the two larger bag pieces into pockets by sewing around 3 sides. You’ll sew up the main piece and lining piece separately and combine them afterward. We recommend using a backstitch for security at the ends. 

5. Tuck the lining piece into the main piece, carefully turn them inside out, and sew together, leaving the top open. Insert the flap piece between the layers at the top and sew into one side of the opening, making sure the Velcro pieces are aligned.  

Love Crafting? Find More Ideas with GoldStar Tool

Now you have a stylish and eco-friendly way to pack lunches for work or school. Check out more DIY crafting ideas and sewing machine tips at GoldStar Tool.