#184 Sew a Reusable Sandwich Bag

Reusable sandwich bags have become very popular recently and they are relatively easy to make. The first thing you need to do is acquire some kind of fabric that is washable, preferably just by wiping it down. If you want to re-purpose something you already own then try using plastic coated table cloth, maybe one that is cracked or stained and might have been destined to a landfill.

I didn't have anything to re-purpose, so I used some place mats I purchased from Target on clearance. The first thing you need to do is figure out the size you want to create your sandwich bags. I like Brownberry bread, which tends to be winder than say Wonder Bread. So, I cut my fabric a 8" width and 15" length.

I sewed a 1/2" hem on the top and bottom of the length of the fabric. Then I folded a 1/2" hem on the edges of the long sides and folded the bottom up to create a pocket. When you create your fold, make sure that the top will fold down over the pocket by 1-1.5". Stitch the hem with the pocket folded in place and top laid open flat. Attach velcro to the center of the top and pocket.

I do have to admit that my stitching job is not the prettiest on this. Due to the plastic nature of the fabric it did not pull under the foot very easily and would stick, so there are spots where the stitch that was doubled or tripled. And because the plastic fabric would leave holes where the stitches were placed if I removed them, I just left the stitches as is.

Now we are all set to go on some park playgroups that we will bring along our lunch too.