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DIY Reusable Snack Bags and Sandwich Bags [FREE PATTERN + VIDEO]

School is about to start and that means you need to get your kids ready. You must prepare those books, backpacks, clothes, and even prepare lunches every day!

While a lunch bag or box is a great option for homemade lunches, you need an option for those days when mama is too busy for complicated lunches. This is where reusable snack bags and sandwich bags really shine. Not only they are easy to sew, but they will eliminate the need of nylon sandwich bags. I’ve been looking for ways to reduce the single use plastics we use, as the landfills and oceans are overflowing with single use plastics. Plus kids nowadays already have enough load in their bags as it is, so something reusable and light is great for lunches and snacks.

But let’s be honest here, these DIY sandwich bags and snack bags are great for us adults as well. Bringing your lunch to work becomes a whole lot more convenient and fun with them.

Just follow the steps in this tutorial and you’ll learn how to make a sandwich bag or a diy snack bag in minutes!

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How to make reusable snack bags and sandwich bags

Supplies and tools

Notes: You can use a variety of materials– satin, silk and even chiffon

DOWNLOAD: sandwich bag /  snack bag pattern (Free PDF file)

Follow us for free patterns & tutorials! [easy-profiles]

How To Sew a Snack Bag or Sandwich Bag

Watch the diy snack 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.

DIY Sandwich bag VIDEO TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Prepare the pattern for use

Download our reusable snack bags pattern and print it out in full size – you’ll get three sheets of paper. Trim every other page, tape together, cut any excess paper and get ready to use the pattern.
This is a two-in-one pattern and you can use it to either make a larger sandwich bag or a smaller snack bag. I suggest you make one of each because they are both useful and they are fun to make

STEP 2: Cut out the fabric

Before you use the fabric remember to wash it thoroughly and iron it well. This will prevent the fabric from shrinking or deforming later on.
Use your DIY sandwich bag pattern as a guide and cut the fabric. Cut out two such pieces, regardless if you’re making larger reusable sandwich bags or the smaller snack-sized variants.

STEP 3: Finish the raw edges

I opted to use medium zig zag stitch, but you can serge them using a serger sewing machine or use the mock serger stitches on your sewing machine.

Not sure what how a serger differs from a sewing machine, just read the suggested article below

RELATED: Serger vs sewing machine vs coverstitch

STEP 4: Arrange fabrics

Put the two fabric pieces on top of each other, right sides together.
Align the edges and use pins or clips to secure everything in place. If you decide to use pins, put them close to the edge, where the stitch will go. That way the poke holes from pins won’t be visible

STEP 5: Sew around

Sew along the entire sandwich bag, about a quarter-inch away from the edge, leaving a two inch opening for turning.

STEP 6: Clip and turn

Clip the corners of the sandwich bag. Then turn the whole thing inside-out.

TIP  If using vinyl or nylon fabric: If the vinyl gets wrinkled as you do this, just press it with your iron for a few seconds. Don’t forget to use the ironing paper so that you don’t ruin the interfacing.

STEP 7: Mark the flap and pin velcro

Fold the fabric so to leave a 3 inch flap for the sandwich bag. Mark where the top edge of the bottom is.

Pin the velcro strips on the flap and on the front of the bag

STEP 8: Top-stitch the sandwich bag

Topstitch around the entire thing using a 1/8 inch seam allowance

STEP 9: Sew in the velcros

Sew as close to the edges of the velcro as possible. Go slow

STEP 10: Sew the sides

Fold the front of the bag to meet the marks you made earlier. Pin and stitch both sides in place

All that remains is to put some snacks or sandwiches inside!

Bonus washing tip

When you need to wash this sandwich bag, stick to the basics. Use warm water and gently scrub with a soft sponge. Avoid rough sponges entirely. You can also use a washcloth. Try to avoid using detergents, because of the velcro. And be careful around the velcro as not to damage it.

Now you know how to make a snack bag and a sandwich bag! Did you enjoy the tutorial? Make a few of these snack bags for your loved ones, they’re not just for kids! Let us know how they ended up, we love getting feedback. If you have some ideas for improvement, share them with us in the comment section. Enjoy your snacks!

FAQs, Tips and Troubleshooting:

  • I don’t have waterproof fabric, can I laminate my own cotton fabric? SURE, just follow these steps: Cut the vinyl to be about a quarter-inch smaller on all sides when compared to the two cotton fabric pieces.
    Set one interfacing piece on top of one cotton fabric piece. Make sure to place it on the right side of the cotton piece.
    Put the ironing paper between the vinyl and your iron and press without steam for a few seconds, until it sticks. Flip the fabric over and press on the wrong side as well.
    Repeat the same process with the other cotton piece and interfacing vinyl.

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OTHER BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECTS:

OTHER REUSABLE / SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS:

 

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 18 comments
Naush Samama - August 31, 2020

Thank you Helen, for sharing this clever reusable snack bag at Meraki Link Party . If only I knew 15 years back what I know now. Our landfills would have so many less ziplock bags.
Naush

Reply
    Helen - September 3, 2020

    Better late than never! We live and learn. I’m taking baby steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle and I love it

    Reply
Shelbee on the Edge - August 31, 2020

I have only ever seen these once before and I thought it was a brilliant idea then. And I think it is still a brilliant idea! They are super cute, too. Thanks for linking up.

Shelbee http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Reply
Marielle - August 31, 2020

I’m visiting from the Over the Moon link up today. This is such a great idea! I’ve never thought of making reusable bags like this before. Thanks for the tutorial!

Reply
    Helen - September 3, 2020

    I love sharing my reusable ideas. These bags are so handy!

    Reply
Priya - September 1, 2020

Great idea! I love sustainable habits.

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    Helen - September 3, 2020

    Me too! I’m taking baby steps towards a more sustainable life, but trying to turn these into habits

    Reply
Rhondda Mol - September 1, 2020

Hi Helen, This is a fantastic tutorial to make reusable lunch bags! Thank you for sharing it with us at our weekly link party! You are being featured tomorrow 🙂 Here’s the link to the post in case you’d like to share it: https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/2020/09/diy-reusable-lunch-bags-yummy-accordion-bread-a-new-cal.html Wishing you the very best and hope to see you again! Rhondda

Reply
    Helen - September 3, 2020

    Thank you so much for featuring my article and adding the video! I’m sharing this with my followers on pinterest

    Reply
Michelle - September 2, 2020

Another great idea! Thanks for sharing with Creative Compulsions.

Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com

Reply
    Helen - September 3, 2020

    Thank you Michelle! You know I love reusable and eco-friendly ideas. Trying to reduce our footprint as much as possible

    Reply
Meg Daves - September 2, 2020

Thank you for participating in our linky party!

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Ann Butler - September 2, 2020

Thank you so much for sharing! Your project is absolutely darling!

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    Helen - September 3, 2020

    Thank you, Ann. I’m thrilled you loved it

    Reply
Laurie Cover - September 2, 2020

This is a neat idea! I like it! The sandwiches I tend to make are so messy though. I think these would work great for non-messy items better in our home!

Thanks for sharing g at the Homestead blog hop!

Laurie

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Cherelle | The Inspired Prairie - September 2, 2020

I love this tutorial, and I really like the idea of making little snack bags for dry snacks!

Thank you for linking up and sharing this post with us on our Embracing Home and Family Link-up party. We hope you join us again this Friday for some more inspiration!

-Cherelle

Reply
    Helen - September 3, 2020

    Thank you, Cherelle! I will. I have a cool new projects to share with y’all

    Reply
Carol L - May 19, 2021

I wonder if this would work using beeswax wraps? I know the beeswax might gum up the needle, but it’s worth a try.
Thank you for the idea!

Reply

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