DIY Oilcloth Reusable Lunch Bags

DIY  OILCLOTH REUSABLE LUNCH BAGS

Destiny may ride with us today, but there is no reason for it to interfere with lunch. – Peter the Great

Who remembers their lunch box as a kid?  I’m pretty sure I had a Smurf’s lunch box at one point as I was crazy for those little blue guys/gals. 

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Those lunch box days may be gone, but we still have a need for something to carry lunch in.  Whether you are packing a lunch for work, school, or a picnic, these oilcloth reusable lunch bags are a perfect choice.

Let’s get started:

REUSABLE LUNCH BAG SUPPLIES

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• *1/2 yard of your main oilcloth fabric (I got mine from Amazon)
• 1/2 yard of your complimentary oilcloth fabric (I got mine from Amazon)
• Scissors (I prefer pinking shears (I got mine from Amazon)
• All-purpose thread
• Wonder sewing clips (I got mine from Amazon)
• 1 package of Velcro circles, squares or ovals. You can use the sticky back or sew on (I got mine from Amazon)
• Sewing machine (From Amazon)

SALVAGE TIP – If you don’t have oilcloth, you can use cotton fabric and a waterproof lining maybe using some leftover fabric you have lying around.

THE HOW-TO:

1.  Measure, mark and cut 2 pieces of your main *fabric 20 inches long by 12 inches wide.
2. Measure, mark and cut 3 pieces of your complimentary fabric. Two pieces 20 inches long by 8 inches wide, and one-piece 5 inches by 8 inches.
3. With right sides facing each other, clip or pin the base to the sides and sew with a 1/2” seam allowance. At each corner where the sides are joined to the base, cut a 1/2” square. If you want, but not imperative, you can open the seams and tack them down at each end or sew a wider zig-zag stitch all the way along the seams.
4. With right sides facing each other, clip or pin the short width of the base to the front and back pieces of the bag and sew with a 1/2” seam allowance.
5. With a 1/2” seam allowance, join the front and back pieces to the sides. You can do the same with the seams as in the two steps above.
6. (Optional) Turn down the top of the bag 1/4-1/2” and clip. Sew around the opening of the bag. (Because oilcloth doesn’t fray much, you can skip this step if you like. If you are using cotton fabric/lining, you will need to complete these steps.)
7. Turn the back right side out. Topstitch about 1/4” along all the seams. This helps the bag stand up on its own.
8. To attach the Velcro, fold the bag down twice and mark the middle of the front, the main piece of the lunch bag. Directly above this spot, mark where the bag is folded. Attach 1-3 pieces of Velcro. I suggest adding at least 2, about 1” in from the side, on each side so it is more secure.

MORE REUSABLE IDEAS?

Whether you are getting the kids ready for back to school, creating a lunch bag for the office, or sewing bags to have around the house for picnics, these reusable lunch bags create less waste and are super cute!

Here are a few more reusable posts we think you will enjoy:

• 21 of the Best Upcycled Denim Ideas
• DIY Reusable Dryer Sheets Tutorial
• 13 Creative Ways to Reuse Dryer Lint