How to sew a lunch bag. Get the free pattern.

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My son needed a lunch tote for school- or rather, I wanted him to have a special one made by mommy- so I decided to show how to do this as part of the 30 Day Grab & Go Gift Series. I’ve made lunch bags for people before- they’re a fun gift and useful if you know the person packs a lunch. And they’re AWESOME for kids. What kid doesn’t love having a unique bag for school?
So I brought G (almost 5 years old) to the store and told him he could pick out his own fabric. What does he choose?

“I want the soda fabric mommy!” (as someone shopping nearby snickers, overhearing this)

Now y’all know… sometimes it’s worth the fight and sometimes it’s not. Normally I’d say whatever. But I figured this was a good time to redirect because I didn’t think this fabric would send the right message at preschool. Haha! Fortunately he found some cute road signs fabric which I immediately snatched up like YES! WE HAVE CHOSEN! Let’s buy this before he changes his mind.

Don’t forget to pin it: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48554502216790348/

Supplies for Sewing a Lunch Bag

Supplies listed below may include affiliate links to the products.

• PUL Fabric (lining)
• Hook & Loop (generic term for ‘Velcro’)
• Exterior Fabric (I used a thick fabric for the bottom and cotton print my son picked out for the sides). I don’t see the same fabric I used available still, but ‘Route 66’ on Fabric.com has similar products)
• Insul-Brite
• Pattern (Available to subscribers-only)

 

How to Sew a Lunch Bag

Rough finished dimensions: 10″ tall, 7″ deep, 8″ wide. 

Step 1: Cut your fabric according to the instructions on the sewing pattern. My pattern making is amateur so make sure to check out my instructions on assembling my patterns.

Step 2: Baste or Quilt your Insul Brite to the exterior fabrics

Step 3: Sew all the sides of your exterior fabric right sides together, then sew bottom to the sides (again, right sides together)

Step 4: Do the same with the PUL interior fabric

Step 5: Turn PUL interior right sides out, then stuff inside the exterior fabric- right sides together. Pin.

Step 6: Sew around, leaving an area to turn and top stitch.

Step 7: Turn and top stitch.

Step 8: Add strap. I make sure to back stitch over the straps quite a bit so they won’t come off.

Step 9: Add hook & loop. You may want to add these before you sew everything together, but I find it easier to place it after sewing it altogether.

 

If you love this, you might also love my tutorial on how to sew a toy car carrier.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”