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DIY Reusable Microwave Popcorn Bag (VIDEO)

Popcorn is one of the best snacks you could make as far as I’m concerned. Tasty, fun, and apparently, great for dieting since Madonna said she lost quite a bit of weight eating nothing but popcorn!

Everyone has their special way of preparing this snack but the most effective way of making popcorn is with a reusable microwave popcorn bag. Don’t know what that is?

popcorn made in a reusable popcorn bag

It’s a neat little thing that keeps your popcorn preparing and cleaning up process becomes much easier. Just fill the bag with popcorn and prepare them in the microwave as you would the instant ones. This method is much healthier though because there are no chemicals included and you don’t need to use any oil.

You can sew a reusable microwave popcorn bag in about twenty minutes, with no hassle. Just follow the steps in this tutorial and you’ll be finished before you know it!

microwave popcorn bag with 2 plates full of popcorn

Below you will find my step by step written tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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How to Make a Microwave Popcorn Bag

Reusable Popcorn Bag Supplies and tools

microwave popcorn bag supplies

Notes: All materials that go into the microwave should be 100% cotton – that means FABRICS and THREAD. If there are ANY synthetic parts the bag can catch fire in the microwave.

*** YOU DON’T NEED BATTING. APOLOGIES FOR THE CONFUSION! The supply list was updated.

Thank you, everyone for chiming in and spotting the error****

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How to Sew a Reusable popcorn bag

Watch the diy popcorn bag video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

Microwavable popcorn bag VIDEO TUTORIAL

DIY Microwave popcorn bag INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Cut the fabric

Remember to use 100% cotton or quilting cotton, as we don’t want the bag to catch fire or melt in the microwave. Wash the fabric thoroughly before you cut it to prevent it from shrinking or deforming later on.

You will need to cut out two identical rectangles from the fabric. Their dimensions should be 12 x 22 inches.

2 coordinating fabrics are used to make amicrowave popcorn bag

STEP 2: Sew the fabric pieces together

Place the two fabric pieces on top of each other. Make sure to keep their wrong sides facing out. Align the edges and pin the two layers together.

Sew all around the fabric, but keep a small gap of about two inches unstitched for turning on one of the long edges. Don’t forget to use cotton thread!

sew around the microwave popcorn bag

STEP 3: Turn around

Clip the corners a bit to allow them to lay flat. Turn the fabric inside out and push out the edges.

Fold the raw edges of the opening in a bit and use your iron to press the whole fabric piece flat, including the folded edges on the opening. Pin the fold if necessary.

STEP 4: Topstitch

Topstitch around the entire piece, making sure to run the stitch over the folded opening. You can also just topstitch the opening instead of the whole popping bag, but topstitching all around will add extra durability to the bag.

topstitch the microwave popcorn bag

STEP 4: Fold

Fold one of the short edges down for about two inches. Make sure all edges are aligned and pin them together.

folding top to make microwave popcorn bag

Fold the opposite short edge, the other short edge, all the way to the top fold. Align the edges again and pin them.

pinning the sides of the microwave popcorn bag

STEP 5: Sew

Stitch along each long edge, to sew the sides of the reusable microwave bag shut.

stitch the sides of the microwave popcorn bag

STEP 6: Box the corners

With the wrong side still facing out, push the bag so that the bottom corner forms a triangle and the side seam is in the center. Measure out about an inch or two from the triangle corner towards the top of the bag.

making a mircrowave popcorn bag - marking corners

Stitch across the mark to form a seam perpendicular to the side seam. Do so for both bottom corners.

pinned corners of the microwave popcorn bag

This is how the boxed corners look

microwave popcorn bag with boxed corners

STEP 7: Finish the reusable microwave popcorn bag

Turn the whole bag inside out and push out the edges and the corners. Since you boxed the corners in the previous step, now you’ll have neat, shaped corners instead of pointy, bulky ones. This will help the bag to stay upright on it’s own.

Flip the two-inch fold on the top of the bag to the other side. Push out the edges of the fold nicely. Now your bag will have a flap over its opening that will keep the popcorn inside as long as needed.

Your bag is ready to pop some corn kernels!

diy microwave popcorn bag

Bonus: Tips for preparing popcorn in the microwave

  1. Flip the top of the reusable popcorn bag to the back and pour 1/2 cup of corn.
  2. Flip it back and place the microwave popcorn bag in the microwave either standing or lay it with the flap up
  3. Set the timer as usual but make sure you won’t leave them unattended at any time.
  4. Enjoy!

pouring kernels in a diy reusable popcorn bag in front of a microwave

TIPS:

When preparing your favorite movie snack, setting the microwave timer to two and a half minutes should be ideal.

If you don’t mind standing next to the microwave until the popcorn is ready, here’s a little trick I learned some time ago. With it, you’ll get perfect popcorn every time, they’ll be ready fast and no un-popped kernels will remain in the bag.

Crank up the heat level to the one before the maximum. Set the timer to five minutes. You won’t let them cook that long though. Listen to the popping closely. As soon as the popping stops, stop the microwave and take out the bag. Perfect popcorn every time!

Transfer the popcorn to a bowl and add seasoning (butter, salt, or whatever else you’d like them with)

You can also add some seasoning to the kernels before putting them in the microwave. If you do this though, you’ll probably have to wash the bag more often.

I also recommend you keep an eye on the bag during its first time in the microwave just in case it starts smoking or lights up.

 

What did you think about this tutorial? I hope you had fun making yourself a reusable microwave popcorn bag. Be sure to make a few of them for your popcorn-loving friends as a gift! Enjoy popping that corn fast, easy and tidy from here on out!

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How to sew a microwave popcorn bag

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 61 comments
Debbie Whitmore - May 19, 2021

When and where do you add the batting? Do you really need it? Thanks for this wonderful idea. Popcorn is my favorite snack. I never would’ve thought of a fabric popcorn maker!

Reply
    Helen - January 22, 2022

    No, you don’t need batting. I hope you’ll love the popcorn maker. What is a movie night without popcorn?!

    Reply
Pat - May 19, 2021

Where does the batting come in?

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    Helen - January 22, 2022

    You don’t need batting – I’ve updated the tutorial

    Reply
Darlene Sirrine - May 19, 2021

what did you do with the 100% cotton batting?

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    Helen - May 20, 2021

    You don’t need it. Sorry for the mistake

    Reply
SUSAN - May 19, 2021

I have been popping corn in brown paper bags for years, but this is an even better idea. I’m curious…how much un-popped corn will fill this bag when popped? 1/3 cup? 1/2 cup? Thank you, and thank you for these great ideas, patterns, and tutorials!
Susan

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    Helen - May 20, 2021

    Thank you for the kind words, Susan. It’s lovely to hear you like my ideas, patterns and tutorials. I’m all smiles!
    I use 1/2 cup of un-popped corn, but microwaves differ so you can test both to see which one works best for you.

    Reply
pat - May 19, 2021

You did not use the Batting. Is this an option?

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    You don’t need batting. I’ve updated the supply list

    Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    It’s not needed. Thanks for chiming in!

    Reply
Peggy - May 19, 2021

Does this bag not have batting? Curious since supply list calls for it.

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    It does not. Just a mistake 🙂

    Reply
Karen Yenerich - May 19, 2021

In the items needed, it calls for batting but in the instructions and video, there was none used.

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    You don’t need it. I’ve fixed the supply list

    Reply
Parris - Trish - May 19, 2021

In your popcorn bag instructions you list “batting” but nowhere in the video or written instructions do you direct where to use the batting. I’m assuming it’s a mistake?

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    Yes, it is a mistake. thanks!

    Reply
Bonnie - May 19, 2021

I see that cotton batting is on the materials list but I didn’t see where it was used. Did I miss something?

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    No, you are not missing anything. Batting is not needed. I’ve fixed this

    Reply
Marion R Nydam - May 19, 2021

Why are you calling for batting? There is no mention of it in the instructions.

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    Just a mistake – you don’t need it. I’ve updated the supply list.

    Reply
Ann Brinston - May 19, 2021

Materials calls for batting,yet there is no other reference to when it is used. I would imagine it is layered between the top & liner,so why wasn’t it used in the video? Will the corn still pop if the batting is used? Thanks.

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    Hi Ann, it’s not needed. I’m sorry for my oversight.

    Reply
Wynell - May 19, 2021

In materials listed there was the batting but was not used in the making of the bag. Is it needed or not?

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    It’s not needed. I’ve updated the supply list

    Reply
Sue Kaberlein - May 20, 2021

Just a little hint: If you sew one diagonal stitch across the corners, they will come out perfectly square. (If you accidently do two sts, that’s ok, also>)

Reply
    Helen - May 20, 2021

    Yes, this is a neat trick. Thanks for sharing, Sue

    Reply
Leanna - May 26, 2021

This is a great little sewing project. I think its perfect for tweens to encourage them to sew and then have a personal snack sack.

Reply
Alisa - May 29, 2021

Question: Is mercerized cotton thread okay?

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Chickenruby - May 30, 2021

I am so going to be doing this when I get back to the UK
Thanks for linking with #pocolo and hope to see you back soon.

Reply
Tracy Albiero - May 30, 2021

I love this idea!!! What a great end-of-the-year teacher gift. Toss in some popcorn and you are good to go! So creative. Thanks for linking up. You are my favorite for #trafficjamweekend!
~Tracy

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Sarita - June 2, 2021

What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing at The Homestead Blog Hop!

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Rhondda Mol - June 3, 2021

This reusable popcorn bag is a great idea! I’m sharing it with my MIL (again – every week you seem to have something I need her to make me!) 🙂 Thank you for linking up at our weekly Link Party! You are being featured at our Wednesday Party #401 this week. Here’s the direct link to the post in case you’d like to share your feature:
https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/2021/06/flower-potholder-popcorn-bag-iris-applique.html

Hope to see you again next week! Rhondda

Reply
Kerryanne - June 3, 2021

What a fun and useful project Helen.
Thank you for sharing this project at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring your reusable popcorn bag at tomorrow’s party and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne

Reply
Donna @ Modern on Monticello - June 3, 2021

This is such a great project. A friend of mine made me a similar bag a couple of years ago for potatoes. I have never thought to make popcorn in it. Thanks for sharing your creativity and ideas. #HomeMattersParty

Reply
    Helen - June 3, 2021

    they are a bit different, Donna. The potato bags have batting, the popcorn bags do not

    Reply
Donna Presz - June 8, 2021

Looks great. I’ve used paper bags before. How do you keep the bag closed or sealed to prevent the corn from popping out of the bag and into the microwave?

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    Helen - June 9, 2021

    Hi Donna, the bag has a flap over it’s opening that keeps the corn inside. Watch the video till the end to see how it works

    Reply
Karen - June 13, 2021

I made it, I tried it, it worked.
Used 1/2 c popcorn for 2.5 minutes on high setting. Too many kernels left unpopped but what did pop was perfect. Next time I will use the “popcorn” button, which is 3.5 mins.
Thank you. So glad I found your site!

Reply
shirley kathy tock - June 21, 2021

.Okay…been having craft withdrawal after being sick and your site caught me!haha..In the middle of packing to move all material and sewing machine and such packed under layers of boxes; I want to start unpacking and sew but must wait.
in the mean time IF fabric and notions happen to find their way into my cart or mail to start setting these neat bag ideas……Oh what’s a girl to do if ambushed at Joann’s by creative fabric!
wonder if they’ll notice? haha
thanks for your site

Reply
    Helen - June 23, 2021

    I love the way you think haha
    Don’t ask me for advice. I am very quick to fall in love with a fabric, to feel inspired, to envision a something featuring my new find. And then – cha ching! – into the stash it goes! I really trying to work through my (mountain of) fabric stash to bring it down to a more manageable level.
    I doubt anyone will notice unless they see the boxes arriving by mail 🙂

    Reply
SUSAN WARD - August 25, 2021

HOW CAN I PRINT OFF PATTERNS AND INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT HAVING TO PRINT OFF 33-47 PAGES?
I AM SUBSCRIBED.

Reply
    Helen - August 27, 2021

    Hi Susan,
    the printable patterns are between 1 and 6 pages and you can follow with the blog post or the video for instructions. Currently there are no downloadable instructions.

    Reply
Megan - January 31, 2022

Just made my first one for my popcorn loving 6 year old. So cute and easy!! Thank you!

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    Helen - February 1, 2022

    Awesome! I hope you have one happy kiddo and lots of popcorn. Yum

    Reply
Allyson - April 2, 2022

I just sewed three bags! So fast and easy. Great instructions. One bag is for my teen. The other two went with kernels and a family board game to 6 year old twins as a birthday gift.

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    Helen - April 3, 2022

    Cool! Great gift

    Reply
DeVon - June 1, 2022

I just tried this. OMG! What a fast project. I put 1 /3 cup of kernels and cooked for 3 min. It all popped. Everyone gets one for Christmas.

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    Helen - June 2, 2022

    It’s one of my favorite things to sew as a gift. It sews up so fast!

    Reply
Susan Ramsay - July 13, 2022

Never ever use Polyester or rayon thread. I accidently had rayon thread in my bobbin and made a potatoe baker bag. The rayon thread caught fire.
Again NEVER use synthetic thread.

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    Helen - July 14, 2022

    Absolutely. Everything you put in the microwave should be 100% cotton!

    Reply
bee - July 27, 2022

I’m making mine with synthetic batting, 100 per cent cotton on everything else! I don’t believe it says anything about whether the batting needs to be cotton?

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    Helen - July 28, 2022

    You don’t need batting! Just cotton fabric
    Also – EVERYTHING that goes in the microwave should be 100% cotton or you risk a fire!

    Reply
Nina - August 8, 2022

What is the difference between a microwave potato bag and a microwave popcorn bag? Other than perhaps size?

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    Helen - August 8, 2022

    The potato bag also has batting, Nina

    Reply
BERNADETTE - August 8, 2022

I have made these for seniors and they love them. Found it so easy to use. Thank you for sharing

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Sheryl - September 17, 2022

Helen, I decided to make mine with batting, for more stability, all cotton. Seemed like a good idea at the time.Made 3 & they turned out so cute! They were going to be Christmas gifts for 9 grandkids.
Tested one this morning. The corn & bag burned on 2.5 minutes; corn not totally popped on 2.0 minutes. Do you think the batting holds in the heat causing the overheating & burning? I like these bags so much & have learned to make them so well, that I want it to work. Can you give me some ideas?

You can send me private email rather than posting, if you like.

Reply
    Helen - September 17, 2022

    Hi Sheryl, it could be the batting. You don’t need stability for popcorn.
    But there is something more – everything that goes in the microwave should be 100% cotton, it’s possible that batting is not pure cotton.
    Check everything again, you can even test some scraps in the microwave
    That being said you *might* use bags with cotton batting for baking potatos in the microwave. It’s super quick and the potatos are delicious. I have a tutorial on that too, just search the site for potato bag

    Reply
Janet cannon - September 22, 2022

I’m so happy to see how to make this popcorn bag.
Always wondered, Thank you ? ?
Janet cannon

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Kathy - March 13, 2023

Awesome! Thanks. I am going to make one for each member of the family (different colors), and they can eat out of their individual bags.

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    Helen - March 15, 2023

    Cool! They will love them

    Reply

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