How to Make a Reusable Sandwich Bag
When your daily lunch to school or work includes a sandwich, the plastic sandwich bags can really add up. By using reusable sandwich bags, however, enormous amounts of money and space in landfills can be saved. Many people are venturing into the world of reusable products for those reasons. The upfront cost for buying reusable bags can be daunting, so making your own reusable sandwich bags is a great option and can be very easily accomplished.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Ruler
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Velcro or zipper
- Embellishments
Instructions
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1
Choose the fabric that you want the sandwich bag to be made of and cut two pieces that are 17 1/2 inches by 7 inches each. Some prefer to use fabric that is easy to wipe off, such as vinyl or PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric), while others are happy with cotton material. Using old clothing or an old table cloth are good options as well.
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2
Sew together 3 sides of the fabric pieces that you cut with right sides facing each other and a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Use either a sewing machine or a needle and thread. Leave the top open.
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3
When the sewing is finished, before turning the work inside out, trim off any excess fabric beyond your seam allowance. Turn the work so that it is right-side-out and make sure that all of the corners are sewn shut.
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4
Fold each side of the top of your bag down about 1/2 inch, folding down into the inside of your bag so that the pattern/color shows and not the back side of the fabric, and hem the edges to prevent fraying. Make sure not to sew the bag closed.
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Sew the Velcro or the zipper onto the top of the bag. This can be placed wherever you think it looks best. You can have it completely cover the top edge or leave gaps at the corners.
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6
Add any embellishments that might personalize the bag. You can add ribbons, lace, buttons, patches, or anything else that you want. Or, simply leave it as is.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use a button, magnet, or hook instead of Velcro or a zipper as the closure.
The size of your reusable sandwich bag can be however small or large that you prefer.
You can buy fusible vinyl at almost any fabric, and which can be ironed onto cotton fabric to make it more durable and easy to wipe.
Make sure to check for any loose threads. Tie and clip the loose threads before washing or the bag could fall apart faster than usual.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
