A760 Fabric Lunch Bag

How to Sew a Fabric Lunch Bag

Make a reusable fabric lunch bag using calico, heavy fusible interfacing and bias-bound exposed seams. The simple rectangular construction creates a roomy bag with a flat base and an adjustable fold-over closure.

Personalise the outer fabric with painted stripes, flowers, names or other simple designs before assembling the bag. The finished lunch bag can be folded lower or higher depending on its contents by adding extra snap fasteners to the front.

Finished Size

The pattern does not provide a separate finished measurement. Based on the panel dimensions, the completed bag is approximately:

• Width: 20 cm
• Depth: 7 cm
• Height before folding: 30 cm

These dimensions are approximate and allow for the included 5 mm seam allowances.

What You Will Need

Materials

• Calico fabric
• Heavy fusible interfacing
• Fabric paint
• Bias binding
• Snap fasteners
• Matching sewing thread

Equipment

• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Cutting mat and ruler, if available
• Iron and ironing surface
• Paintbrush
• Dressmaking pins or clips
• Sewing machine
• Hand-sewing needle
• Fabric-marking pencil or chalk
• Snap-setting tool, if required

Construction Overview

The lunch bag is made in six main stages:

1. Cut the outer and inner calico panels.
2. Fuse interfacing to one layer of each main panel.
3. Paint and dry the outer panels.
4. Baste each outer panel to its matching inner panel.
5. Assemble the bag with the raw seams facing outwards.
6. Bind the seams and add the snap-fastened closure.

The visible bias-bound seams are an intentional design feature and give the bag its structured, boxed shape.

Cut the Fabric

Cut the Calico

Cut the following pieces:

• Bottom: 2 rectangles measuring 21 × 8 cm
• Front and back: 4 rectangles measuring 21 × 31 cm
• Sides: 4 rectangles measuring 8 × 31 cm
• Closure tab: 1 rectangle measuring 13 × 3 cm

The duplicate bottom, front, back and side pieces create two fabric layers for each panel.

Cut the Interfacing

Cut the following pieces from heavy fusible interfacing:

• Bottom: 1 rectangle measuring 22 × 9 cm
• Front and back: 2 rectangles measuring 22 × 32 cm
• Sides: 2 rectangles measuring 9 × 32 cm

Prepare the Outer Panels

Separate the Fabric Layers

Set aside one bottom piece, two large panels and two side panels. These un-interfaced pieces will form the inner layer of the bag.

The remaining matching panels will become the decorated and interfaced outer layer.

Fuse the Interfacing

1. Place each fusible interfacing piece with its adhesive side against the wrong side of the corresponding calico panel.
2. Centre the calico over the slightly larger interfacing.
3. Cover with a pressing cloth where recommended.
4. Press according to the interfacing manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Allow each panel to cool flat before moving it.

Do not slide the iron backwards and forwards, as this may shift or distort the layers.

Paint the Fabric

Paint your chosen design onto the right side of the interfaced calico panels.

The examples on the project cover use simple hand-painted flowers and uneven vertical stripes, which suit the natural texture of calico.

1. Place protective paper beneath each panel.
2. Mark the design lightly with fabric chalk if required.
3. Apply the fabric paint with a brush.
4. Avoid saturating the cloth excessively.
5. Allow the paint to dry completely.
6. Heat-set the design according to the paint manufacturer’s directions.

Layer the Bag Panels

Match each interfaced outer panel with its corresponding un-interfaced calico piece.

1. Place the two pieces with their wrong sides together.
2. Align all raw edges.
3. Pin or clip the layers securely.
4. Baste around all four edges, sewing close to the raw edge.

Prepare the front, back, two side panels and bottom panel in this way.

The basting treats each pair of layers as one thicker piece during assembly.

Assemble the Bag

Attach the Side Panels

1. Place one long edge of a side panel against a 31 cm edge of the front panel.
2. Keep the outer sides of both panels facing away from the inside of the bag.
3. Align the raw edges and pin securely.
4. Sew the seam using the included 5 mm seam allowance.
5. Attach the opposite edge of the side panel to the back panel.
6. Repeat with the second side panel.

All four vertical 31 cm edges should now be joined, creating an open-ended rectangular bag shape.

Attach the Bottom Panel

1. Match each 21 cm bottom edge with the lower edge of the front and back.
2. Match each 8 cm bottom edge with the lower edge of the side panels.
3. Pin or clip the bottom panel evenly around all four sides.
4. Sew around the complete bottom edge using a 5 mm seam allowance.

Stop with the needle down at each corner, lift the presser foot and pivot the work before sewing the next side.

Trim the Raw Edges

Trim all exposed seam allowances so they are neat and an even 5 mm wide.

Remove loose threads and smooth any uneven areas before applying the bias binding.

Bind the Exposed Seams

Bias binding covers the visible raw seams and strengthens the bag.

Bind the Vertical Seams

1. Cut four lengths of bias binding slightly longer than the 31 cm seams.
2. Enclose the first raw seam inside the folded bias binding.
3. Pin or clip the binding in place.
4. Stitch close to the open folded edge, making sure both sides of the binding are caught.
5. Repeat for the remaining three vertical seams.

Bind the Bottom and Top Edges

Apply bias binding around the complete bottom seam, mitring or carefully folding the binding at each corner.

Bind the open top edge of the bag in the same way to create a neat and durable finish.

Make the Closure Tab

Use the 13 × 3 cm calico rectangle to make the closure strap.

1. Fold the rectangle in half lengthways with the right sides together.
2. Sew around the raw sides, leaving a small opening for turning.
3. Trim the corners carefully without cutting through the stitching.
4. Turn the tab right side out.
5. Push out the corners gently.
6. Press the tab flat.
7. Topstitch around all four sides, closing the turning opening as you sew.

Attach the Closure Tab

1. Position one short end of the tab on the outside of the back panel.
2. Place it approximately 4 cm below the top edge.
3. Centre the tab across the width of the back panel.
4. Sew the end firmly in place using a rectangle and diagonal cross for reinforcement.

Add the Snap Fasteners

1. Attach the male half of the snap fastener to the free end of the closure tab.
2. Position the female half on the front panel approximately 15 cm below the top edge.
3. Check the placement by folding the top of the bag down before permanently setting the snap.
4. Attach both snap components securely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additional female snaps can be added vertically along the front panel. This allows the bag to close at different heights depending on how much food is packed inside.

Close the Lunch Bag

1. Pack the lunch containers inside the bag.
2. Flatten the upper section gently.
3. Fold the top down over itself.
4. Bring the closure tab over the fold.
5. Press the snap fasteners together.

Roll or fold the top more times when the bag contains a smaller lunch.

Optional Insulated Version

The original project uses calico and heavy interfacing rather than thermal insulation. To create an insulated lunch bag, replace or supplement the interfacing with a food-safe insulated batting.

Suitable options may include:

• Insulated thermal batting designed for bags
• Foam stabiliser with a wipe-clean inner lining
• Reflective insulated fabric approved for sewing projects

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and confirm that the chosen material is suitable for use around food containers.

Optional Wipe-Clean Lining

For easier cleaning, use laminated cotton, waterproof canvas or another wipe-clean material for the inner layer.

Test a fabric scrap first because coated materials may require:

• Fabric clips instead of pins
• A non-stick or walking foot
• A longer stitch length
• A fine polyester thread

Fabric Alternatives

Calico is inexpensive, easy to paint and simple to sew, but several other woven fabrics may also be used.

• Cotton canvas – creates a stronger and more durable bag.
• Cotton drill – provides structure while remaining easy to sew.
• Heavy quilting cotton – offers a wider selection of printed designs.
• Denim – creates a sturdy casual bag but may require a denim needle.
• Waxed canvas – provides extra water resistance but may not require fusible interfacing.
• Recycled cotton fabric – suitable when it is strong, clean and firmly woven.

Choosing the Best Fabric

Choose a medium- to heavyweight woven fabric with minimal stretch. The material should tolerate regular handling and support the weight of lunch containers without sagging.

Lightweight fabric will require firmer interfacing. Very thick fabric may become difficult to bind neatly where several layers meet.

Decoration Ideas

• Hand-painted vertical or horizontal stripes
• Simple flowers or leaves
• The owner’s name or initials
• Fruit and vegetable motifs
• Fabric stamps
• Stencilled shapes
• Appliqué patches
• Machine embroidery
• Contrasting bias binding

Food Safety

• Pack food in sealed, leakproof containers.
• Use an ice brick when food needs to remain cold.
• Do not place uncovered food directly against the fabric.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Allow the bag to dry completely before storing it.
• Follow local food-safety guidance for perishable food and temperature control.

Care

Follow the care instructions for the fabric paint, interfacing and chosen materials.

Spot clean where possible. When machine washing is suitable, close the snap, place the bag inside a laundry bag and use a gentle cold cycle.

Reshape the bag while damp and air dry it fully. Avoid tumble drying unless every material used is suitable for heat.