
How to sew a lunch bag. Get the free lunch box 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.
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Prefer a zippered pattern? Check out my sewing pattern for a square insulated lunch bag.
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. You can also check out these other great lunch bag DIYs!
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DIY Lunch Bag With Free Pattern
Make an adorable DIY lunch bag with this included free pattern. They make great gifts too!
Materials
- PUL Fabric
- Hook & Loop
- Exterior Fabric
- Insul-Brite
- Lunch Bag Pattern
Tools
- Sewing machine
Instructions
- Cut your fabric with the instructions on the sewing pattern.
- Baste your Insul Brite to the exterior fabrics.
- Sew all the sides of your exterior fabric right sides together.
- Sew bottom to the sides.
- Repeat with the PUL interior fabric.
- Turn PUL interior right sides out.
- Stuff inside the exterior fabric, right sides together. Pin.
- Sew around, leaving an area to turn and top stitch.
- Turn and top stitch.
- Add strap.
- Add hook & loop.
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Sarah
Sunday 14th of July 2019
I too have subscribed and everything and still cant find the pattern...please help
Danielle
Sunday 14th of July 2019
Hi! It should pop up when you sign up through the link or in one of the first emails. If you don't see it, go ahead and shoot me an email and I'll send you the link directly. :)
[email protected]
Julie
Wednesday 20th of March 2019
I take it you are no longer giving this pattern to your subscribers so... What is the name of your book and where can I find it?
Danielle
Saturday 23rd of March 2019
It's still available to subscribers! If you're having trouble accessing it, send me an email and I'll give you the direct link! [email protected] :)
Kristiana
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
Hi I just bought your book as I could not find measurements for the lunch bag on your website and the book doesn't have them either. Where do I get measurements from?
Danielle
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
There's a link in the book to my Google Drive with the pattern. I'll send you an email with the link though to the email listed above! :)
Alison Chamberlin
Sunday 10th of February 2019
Hi there! I love this tutorial so much, and just subscribed so I’d be able to download the pattern and try it out myself. However neither on this page or the Patterns page can I find the link for the PDF download. Have I missed it somewhere, or does it come in your emails? Please let me know! I’d love to post the finished product after trying this out!
Debbie
Sunday 13th of January 2019
Love the lunch bag
Danielle
Tuesday 29th of January 2019
Thanks for the kind words! :)