estimated reading time: 4 min

Sewing a lunch bag: simple, fast & sustainable

17.05.2017 by Sabine Schmidt

Lunchbag nähen: Einfach, schnell & nachhaltig

What do I need for that?

Materials & Details

Chalk marker^*

Machine:: Overlock seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H200

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*
Thread:: All-purpose sewing thread^*

Canvas is a very sturdy, densely woven fabric that feels really stable. It's usually made of cotton or a cotton blend and is made to withstand quite a lot.

The surface is rather firm and sometimes slightly rough, but can be a little smoother depending on the finish. Canvas has hardly any stretch, but keeps its shape nicely.

Sewing it can take some effort because it's thick and stable – but in return you get a very long-lasting result. Fraying is easy to keep under control with the right technique.

Canvas is perfect for bags, backpacks, seat cushions, decor or even sturdy jackets.

In short: strong, long-lasting and ideal for anything that needs to be really stable.

Cotton poplin^*

Machine:: Overlock seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H250

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*
Thread:: All-purpose sewing thread^*

Poplin is a fine, densely woven cotton with a smooth, slightly cool surface. The fabric feels pleasantly soft, yet it is nicely stable and has no stretch.

Typical of poplin: it is fairly lightweight but still drapes neatly, so it looks clean and a little smarter than regular cotton.

Poplin is super easy to sew – it cuts well, hardly shifts and is great for beginners too.

It is perfect for blouses, shirts, dresses, skirts, bags, cushions or summer trousers.

In short: smooth, light and an easy fabric for lots of lovely everyday pieces.

coated cotton^*

Machine:: Backstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H640

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*

Coated cotton is a cotton fabric with a smooth, water-repellent surface. It feels a bit like oilcloth but is often softer and more flexible.

The fabric is pretty sturdy and wipes clean easily – perfect for when something gets spilled. On the inside you have the pleasant cotton, on the outside the coating protects against moisture and dirt.

Sewing it sometimes takes a little patience because the surface can stick slightly. With the right tricks, though, it works well.

Coated cotton is ideal for bags, backpacks, tablecloths or anything that has to withstand everyday use.

In short: practical, easy care and perfect for projects that can take a beating.

Jeans fabrics/denim^*

Machine:: Overlock seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline G770

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*
Thread:: All-purpose sewing thread^*

Denim is basically the classic jeans fabric – sturdy, tightly woven and really hard-wearing. Its slightly diagonal texture is typical, often with the blue-dyed look that everyone instantly associates with jeans.

The fabric is rather firm and a bit stiff at first, but softens over time and moulds itself better and better. That is exactly what makes denim so durable and popular.

It needs a bit more power when sewing – a strong needle and a sturdy machine help here. In return, the result can really take a lot.

Denim is perfect for jeans, jackets, bags or anything that has to stand up to everyday life.

In short: strong, timeless and a true everyday hero on the fabric shelf.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Sew a lunch bag: With my instructions, it's child's play! And because we explain everything step-by-step in the sewing tutorial, even beginners can make the lunch bag stress-free.

Beautiful & practical: Sewing a lunch bag

Are you often on the go and need to take your lunch with you? Especially during a hard work week, it's not always easy to eat healthy. And above all: always packing everything safely and in style.

That's where I can help! With my super simple instructions, you can sew this practical lunch bag in no time. By the way, this self-sewn breakfast bag is nothing more than a storage bag with a loop closure.

Your colleagues will be amazed! ;)

Besides that, the lunch bag is also really good for the environment. You can use it again and again - and if a yogurt should ever leak, you simply pop the lunch bag in the washing machine and off you go! Yes!

My tip: If you pack your bread in homemade beeswax wraps, you save plastic!

Which fabrics are suitable for sewing a lunch bag?

For the outer fabric, you should choose a firmer material. Canvas, coated cotton, coated canvas, denim, and decorative fabrics are ideal here.
For the inner lining, simple cotton woven fabric is particularly suitable. It is easy to iron and wash. However, you can also use coated cotton as an inner fabric.

Here you can find the right fabrics to sew a lunch bag:

You need the following materials to sew a lunch bag

For the outside

1 fabric circle^* 16 cm in diameter, reinforced with Vlieseline H640^*
1 rectangle^* 27 x 60 cm, reinforced with Vlieseline H640^*
Extra tip: If you want your lunch bag to also be insulated, use Thermolam^* instead of iron-on Vlieseline. By packing a cooling pack into the bag along with your food, you'll have the cutest cooler bag ever!

For the inside

1 fabric circle 16 cm in diameter, mark the quarters (see photo)
1 rectangle 27 x 60 cm

For the closure

For 6 loops:

6 fabric strips, each 10 x 4 cm, folded twice lengthwise to the center, topstitched close to the edge on both sides

For the drawstring:

2 pieces of twisted cord^* in dark blue, each 1 meter long
if you don't have twisted cord on hand (or want to add a little color contrast), you can also use topstitched bias tape instead of cords

Do you like the self-sewn lunch bag? Then feel free to write me something in the comments!

Happy simple sewing,

yours, Sabine

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Sew the Clara lunch bag

Sew the Clara lunch bag with a base, loops and drawstring — quick to sew, machine washable and ideal as a sustainable lunch bag.

Step

Close the outside into a tube

Place the short edges of the interfaced rectangle right sides together. Pin the edge and sew it closed with a straight stitch.
Step

Divide the base into quarters

Divide the lower opening into quarters (keep an eye on the fabric print). A fabric marker or pins work well for this. Divide the fabric circle for the base into quarters too.
Step

Pin on the base

Pin both pieces right sides together so the markings meet. Gather the fabric slightly as you pin.

My tip

You can also use a contrasting thread for gathering.
Step

Sew on the bag base

Sew the bag base on all the way around with a straight stitch. Sew rather slowly so you can keep the seam allowance even all the way around.
Step

Sew the lining the same way

Repeat these steps for the lining. Remember to leave a turning gap of approx. 6–8 cm in the side seam of the lining fabric.
Step

Sew in the loops

Divide the top edge of the outer bag into quarters and mark the 6 folds. Sew the prepared loops on at the markings, right sides together. The open fabric edges of the loops point towards the bag opening.
Step

Join the lining & outer bag

Turn the lining and place it right sides together inside the outer bag. The open edges meet flush. Close the edge by stitching it a presser-foot width from the edge with a straight stitch.
Step

Trim the seam allowances

Trim the seam allowances. Around the bag base, clip wedge-shaped notches into the seam allowance up to approx. 2–3 mm from the seam.
Step

Turn & close the turning gap

Turn the bag right side out, shape it and close the turning gap.
Step

Topstitch the top edge

Press the bag and edgestitch the top edge with a straight stitch at length 3.5.
Step

Thread the cord

Thread a pretty cord about 1 metre long in from each side and knot the ends together. Your Lunch Bag Clara is finished!

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.

Sewing a lunch bag: simple, fast & sustainable

Beautiful & practical: Sewing a lunch bag

Which fabrics are suitable for sewing a lunch bag?

You need the following materials to sew a lunch bag

For the outside

For the inside

For the closure

For 6 loops:

For the drawstring:

Sew the Clara lunch bag

Close the outside into a tube

Divide the base into quarters

Pin on the base

Sew on the bag base

Sew the lining the same way

Sew in the loops

Join the lining & outer bag

Trim the seam allowances

Turn & close the turning gap

Topstitch the top edge

Thread the cord

Comments

Sabine