One of my goals for this year is to cut back on my family's resource use and the waste that we produce. For about 9 months, I have been meaning to make some reusable snack bags for Finn's lunch and packing snacks on the go. And this past week I finally did just that. Finally. Sometimes I just don't know why I put things off so long.
These are pretty easy to make, once you get the process figured out. I bought a half yard of ripstop fabric from the store for the linings of the bags, and used fabric from my stash for the outside. Here is a quick run down of the steps:
1. Decide on the size that you want your bag. Fold your cotton fabric in half (the folded side will be your bottom of the bag). Add 1/2" seam allowance to each side and the top and cut out your fabric. Do the same thing for the ripstop. Make sure you cut the fabric the same size (don't just guesstimate). If the 2 pieces are not the same, the bag won't sew together evenly.
2. Fold your fabric along the bottom edge so that the right side is on the inside. I like to iron my fabric folded flat at this point to make things nice and even. Sew the fabric together on each side seam, leaving a 1/2" seam. Leave the top side open. Do the same for the ripstop. Now iron the side seams open.
3. Now you will need some sew-on velcro. Turn your ripstop fabric right-side-out and sew a strip of velcro about 1/2 inch down from the top edge on each side of the ripstop (note: make sure your two pieces of velcro make a set that will stick together-- one side should have loops and one side should have hooks-- this is how your bag will close later).
4. OK, now turn your ripstop fabric back so that it is wrong side out (with the velcro on the inside). Next, turn your cotton fabric so it is right side out and place it into the ripstop fabric. At this point, the right sides of each of your fabrics should be touching.
5. Now top stitch all the way around the top of the two bags, closing them together. Leave a 2" opening.
6. Next. pull your bag through the 2 inch opening so that the right sides are both out. It's hard to explain this part, but just do it, and you will see what I mean. Now you (almost) have a bag! Just top stitch again, this time without leaving a gap, and make sure you close the gap that you left earlier.
You're done!
Sorry I don't have pictures of each step. I sew-by-night and there is just not enough light for a quality shot. Just leave a comment with any questions you may have!
Finn has been using his new bags all week. So far I have hand washed, but I don't see why they can't go in the machine as well.
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Thanks for sharing :)
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