How to Sew a Lunch Bag: Free Pattern, DIY Tutorial

Instructions

1. Start by drawing your pattern. This pattern has two pattern pieces, one for the top of the bag and one for the bottom. In the next step, we'll make the lining pattern.
   
   Top bag pattern: Draw a rectangle 18-3/4 inches by 6-inches on your paper. The top 18-3/4 inch side is where you'll put your zipper. On the opposite 18-3/4 inch side, cut 3-1/2 inch squares out of each corner.
   
   Bottom bag pattern: I've duplicated this pattern for the bottom of the bag. Turn it upside down. The long edge of this piece will be placed on the fold.
2. Now we need to make the lining pattern. This is optional. We won't be piecing this, it is all one piece of fabric. It is similar in size to the pattern we made above. Draw the 18-3/4 inch by 3-inch rectangle, then center an 11-1/2 inch by 7-inch rectangle and add another 18-3/4 inch by 3-inch rectangle for the bottom. Here is a sample of the pattern. If you use this pattern, remember that the bottom long edge of the bag should be cut on the fold.
3. Cut out your fabrics. Cut two (2) for the top of the bag and cut one (1) for the bottom of the bag on the fold. Cut the strapping or ribbon in half. Here are my fabrics cut out and handles ready to be sewn together.
4. It's easiest to put the zipper in when everything is flat. Sew the right side of the zipper to the right side of both of the bag top pieces. We will top stitch this when we add the lining. If you are making an unlined lunch bag, it is easier to top stitch about 1/4-inch from the fold now.
5. Here is the zipper sewn to the tops of the bag. Notice how I was careful cutting out the pattern and my design matches at the top of the bag!
6. Next, sew the bag bottom to the top, sandwiching the strapping in the seam. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance with the right sides together. Take one of your strapping pieces and place both ends of one piece inside the seam with each about 2-1/2 inches from the center of the bag. Make sure the strap is not twisted. If you want shorter handles, now is the time to make that adjustment. I used oil cloth, so I made sure the pins were in the seam allowance, or use quilters clips like Wonder Clips.
7. Turn the bag right side out and topstitch the seams you just sewed. This makes them stronger and helps secure the handles a little bit more.
8. Next we'll sew the side seams. Fold the fabric, right sides together, in half so that the zipper is aligned with the fold on the bottom of the bag. Stitch both side seams with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
9. Reach inside the bag and open your zipper a bit before we start the next step! If you don't, you won't be able to turn your bag right side out. (Ask me how I know????)
   
   Fold the sides, right sides together, so that both raw edges are aligned. For the bottom of the bag, the side seam should match the bottom fold. Sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Do this for all four corners. For the top corners, align the side seams with the center of the zipper. This is what makes the boxy bottom and top to the bag.
10. Turn the bag to the right side. (Which you can do because you remembered to open the zipper, right?) Here is the finished outer lunch bag! For an unlined bag, you are done! I like a nice lined bag, though. 🙂
11. Now make the lining. We are not going to put in the zipper, but we'll follow all of the directions above.
12. Slip the finished lining into the bag. I didn't finish the top edge because oil cloth doesn't ravel. If you make this out of fabric, I would turn the top edge in about 1/4-inch and press.
13. Now, topstitch the lining to the zipper. This has two purposes: one is to finish the inside, but it also makes sure the zipper doesn't turn inside and gives the top more stability.
14. Here is the finished DIY lunch bag ready for lunch!