How to Sew an Insulated Lunch Bag With a Zipper

Your lunch sandwich will stay fresh in an insulated and zippered bag.

Insulated fabric has the ability to keep cold items cold and hot items hot. You can purchase insulated fabric by the yard at fabric stores. By sandwiching the insulation between pieces of oilcloth, you can make an attractive waterproof and durable lunch bag that can keep yogurt, soup, beverages and more at the right temperature. A heavy-duty zipper will add a secure closure and further protection. These lunch bags also make thoughtful handmade gifts for brown-bagger friends.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-yard insulated fabric
• 1/2-yard oilcloth
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Sewing machine with zipper foot
• 12-inch zipper
• 1/2-yard heavy 1-inch-wide nylon strapping

Instructions

1. Cut the insulated fabric into 2 pieces measuring 12 inches by 13 inches. Cut the oilcloth into 4 pieces measuring 13 inches by 14 inches.

2. Layer one oilcloth piece right-side down, one insulated fabric piece and one oilcloth piece right-side up, such that the insulated fabric is sandwiched in between the oilcloth pieces with the good sides facing out. Zigzag around all four edges, 1/4 inch from the edges on the sewing machine. This will be one side of the lunch bag. Repeat this to create a second layered piece for the other side of the lunch bag.

3. Place the two layers on top of each other. Zigzag around the two longer sides and one of the shorter sides to attach.

4. Unzip the zipper and sew one side of the zipper to the inside of the one open bag edge with a straight stitch 1/4 inch from the edge, using the zipper foot on the sewing machine. Attach the other side of the zipper to the other open side of the bag.

5. Cut the nylon stripping to 12 inches long. Sew the strap ends to the outside of the completed insulated lunch bag on the sewing machine.

References

• "Lunch Bags!"; C & T Publishing; 2010
• "Sewing for Dummies"; Jan Saunders Naresh; 2009