DIY Reusable Sandwich Bags

Reusable lined sandwich bags with zipper closures in bright, colorful prints — a practical and eco-friendly sewing project for everyday lunches.

Sew Lined Fabric Sandwich Bags with Zipper Closure

Dear Readers and Subscribers,

There’s something deeply satisfying about replacing disposable plastic bags with something handmade.

Today we’re sewing lined, reusable sandwich bags with zipper closures — practical, washable, and sturdy enough for everyday lunches. These are perfect for sandwiches, snacks, cookies, celery sticks, or even small sewing notions.

And best of all? They take very little fabric.

This is one of those small projects that feels simple — but makes a real difference.

Why Sew Your Own Sandwich Bags?

Reduce plastic waste

Save money over time

Choose safer fabrics

Make coordinated lunch sets

Create easy handmade gifts

If you loved the insulated lunch bag project, these make the perfect matching addition.

Fabric & Supplies

Exterior Fabric (Fat Quarter or Scraps)

Quilting cotton

Canvas

Lightweight denim

Lining Options

Choose based on preference:

Laminated cotton (wipe clean)

PUL (water-resistant lining)

Ripstop nylon

Tightly woven cotton (washable option)

Notions

7" nylon zipper

Matching thread

Pins or clips

Finished Size

Approx. 7½" wide x 7" tall

(Adjust to fit larger artisan sandwiches if desired.)

Cutting Instructions

Cut 2 exterior pieces:

8½" x 8"

Cut 2 lining pieces:

8½" x 8"

Cut 1 zipper:

7"

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Attach the Zipper

Place one exterior piece right side up.

Lay zipper face down along top edge.

Place the lining piece on top (right side down).

Sew across using the zipper foot.

Repeat for the other side of the zipper.

Press the exterior and lining away from the zipper, then topstitch for a professional finish.

2. Assemble the Bag

Open zipper halfway (important!).

Place exterior pieces right sides together.

Place lining pieces right sides together.

Sew around the entire perimeter with ½" seam allowance, leaving a 2–3" opening in the lining bottom.

3. Finish

Clip corners.

Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening.

Stitch lining closed.

Push the lining inside and press.

Your zipper-top sandwich bag is complete.

Optional Upgrades

Add a small fabric pull tab

Add boxed corners for extra depth

Add a label tag

Use contrasting lining

Add a wrist strap

Fabric Ideas That Fit Your Style

Since you love bold and cheerful prints:

Bright florals

Stripes with a solid zipper contrast

Southwestern prints

Color-blocked versions using scrap pieces

These are perfect scrap-busters — and you always have beautiful fabric in your stash.

Washing & Care

If using cotton lining:

Machine wash cold

Air dry

If using laminated cotton or PUL:

Wipe clean

Air dry

Why This Project Is Smart for Selling

Reusable snack bags:

Are low fabric investments

Sew quickly in batches

Pair perfectly with insulated lunch bags

Make excellent bundle items

And because they’re practical, buyers return.

A Little Sewing Philosophy

Small sewn items are powerful.

When you replace disposable plastic with something handmade, you’re making a quiet statement about craftsmanship, independence, and intentional living.

That’s what practical sewing is all about.

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Be sure to shop my Payhip Shop, The Needle Market Shop,  for downloadable sewing tutorials and eBooks, Sewing patterns, notions, and fabric. I list often, so check often for the latest and greatest!

“Thank you for supporting The Designer’s Needle.”

 

DIY Lined Picnic Scarf

A cheerful lined picnic scarf styled with a coordinated insulated lunch bag, reusable sandwich bags, and fabric napkins — a complete handmade lunch set for stylish dining anywhere.

Sew a Reusable Lunch Mat for Clean, Stylish Dining Anywhere

Dear Readers and Subscribers,

There is something comforting about setting your lunch down on a clean, beautiful surface — even if you’re sitting at a picnic table, a park bench, or an unfamiliar countertop.

Today we’re sewing a lined picnic scarf, also called a portable lunch mat — a soft, protective fabric square designed to place under your lunch bag, sandwich bags, and napkins.

This project completes our Handmade Lunch Collection and adds both refinement and practicality to everyday meals.

Why Sew a Lined Picnic Scarf?

Creates a clean eating surface anywhere

Protects food items from rough or questionable tables

Adds a coordinated, styled look

Uses stash fabric beautifully

Folds easily inside your lunch bag

Because this version is lined, it adds structure and protection — without being bulky.

Finished Size Options

Choose based on preference:

• 18" x 18" – compact and portable

• 20" x 20" – more generous coverage

• 22" x 22" – ideal for outdoor settings

An 18" or 20" square fits neatly inside your insulated lunch bag.

Fabric & Supplies

Exterior Fabric

Quilting cotton

Lightweight canvas

Chambray

Linen or linen-look fabric

Lining Fabric

Cotton

Tightly woven cotton

Light canvas

(You may also choose laminated cotton for wipe-clean protection.)

Optional

Lightweight fusible interfacing for added structure

Notions

Matching thread

Pins or clips

Iron

Cutting Instructions

For a 20" finished scarf:

Cut 2 pieces

21" x 21"

This allows for ½" seam allowance.

Sewing Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Layers

If using interfacing, fuse it to the exterior piece now.

Place the exterior and lining right sides together.

2️⃣ Stitch

Sew around all four sides using a ½" seam allowance.

Leave a 3–4" opening on one side for turning.

3️⃣ Clip & Turn

Trim corners diagonally (without cutting stitching).

Turn the right side out through the opening.

Push corners out gently using a blunt tool.

Press flat, folding the raw edges of the opening inward.

4️⃣ Topstitch

Topstitch around entire perimeter, about ⅛" from edge.

This closes the opening and gives a clean, professional finish.

Optional Enhancements

Add diagonal quilting lines

Add a small fabric label

Use a contrasting thread for visible topstitching

Add corner ties to secure around the lunch bag

Fabric Styling Ideas

Because you love cheerful, bold prints:

Floral exterior + subtle solid lining

Southwestern print + denim backing

Stripe + coordinating floral

Neutral linen-look exterior + bright lining

This piece visually anchors the entire lunch set.

How to Use Your Picnic Scarf

Place under your insulated lunch bag

Lay sandwich bags and napkins on top

Wrap utensils inside

Fold around baked goods

Use as a quick mini picnic cloth

It folds neatly and adds protection between your food and unfamiliar surfaces.

Washing & Care

Machine wash cold.

Tumble dry low or air dry.

Press if desired.

Because it is lined, it holds its shape beautifully after washing.

Completing the Handmade Lunch Collection

This picnic scarf pairs perfectly with:

• DIY Insulated Lunch Bag

• Reusable Zippered Sandwich Bags

• Linen-Look & Coordinated Fabric Napkins

Together, they create a cohesive, reusable lunch system that is both practical and elegant.

In Conclusion...

Small handmade items change daily routines.

A simple lined fabric square may seem modest — but it represents care, preparation, and thoughtful living.

When you build small systems like this — lunch bag, sandwich bags, napkins, picnic scarf — you’re not just sewing.

You’re designing how you live.

And that is powerful. ~

“Thank you for supporting The Designer’s Needle.”