This project came out of necessity. You see, my family LOVES bread. We go through so much that I started making my own. The only downside (besides how it is affecting my waistline) is that when you do that, you don’t have a convenient way to store it. That’s why we’re showing you how to make a reusable bread bag! I love how my bread bag came out.
It is quick and easy to make, and you probably have everything you need to make it in your supply stash or scrap bin. Plus, it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. I love these easy projects you can knock-out in a snap. Let’s Get started with this sewing project!
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric (I used cotton, you’ll need ½ yard)
- Hem gauge
- Chopstick or turning tool
- Iron/ironing board
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- 28″ Of Ribbon – 3/4” grosgrain
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Sewing Pins or clips
This bag fits a smaller loaf of bread. You can easily adjust the size of your bag by increasing the length (29”) for a longer loaf, or increasing the width (9”) for a wider loaf. Just tailor it to suit your needs. Feel free to make a couple in different sizes.
How To Make A Reusable Bread Bag
The first step in any project dealing with sewing fabric is to wash, dry, and iron the fabric. This helps do a couple of things: first, it softens the fabric and gets rid of any stiffness; second, it acts as a pre-shrink stage for the material so that when you wash it later, the stitches won’t pull out or get messed up. This is especially important when making reusable projects as you don’t want the first time everything is washed to be after you have assembled it and been using it a while. Now, let’s get started.
Begin by measuring and cutting a rectangle of fabric 29” x 9”. If you want to make a larger or smaller reusable bread bag, make adjustments here. Unless you have a lot of extra fabric, you won’t get a do-over in deciding the size so think about what kind of loaf you use the most or decided to make a few sizes.
After cutting, we need to hem what will be the top edges of the bag. Using a hem gauge, fold one 9” edge down ¼” and press well. It is easiest to do this across as you go – measure and fold, press, then move down to the next section. That way you don’t lose your place and the process and be quick and smooth.
Then, fold your same folded edge down another ½” and press well. Pin or clip to hold. Just repeat for opposite 9” edge and your bag will begin to take shape.
Now we need to sew your first stitches in this reusable bread bag. Along one folded edge you’ve created, you’ll want to stitch 1/8” away from the fold. See photo for reference. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch. This keeps it from fraying and makes it nice and strong. Simply repeat this process for the opposite folded edge.
To avoid getting frayed strings on your freshly baked bread, we will create a French seam inside the bag to enclose all raw edges. We will be stitching with the wrong sides together (it’ll look like it should when it’s finished – right side out). Fold the fabric in half so the newly hemmed edges line up. Pin or clip along each raw edge side to hold it in place.
We also need to add in the ribbon tie. Heat seal the cut ends of your ribbon so it won’t fray. To heat seal them can just cut them and use a lighter, just don’t overdo it or you will end up with burnt ribbon ends. This will allow you to neatly tie your bread bag closed to keep your bread fresh longer.
Fold the ribbon in half and lay the folded edge on one raw edge of the bag fabric. Pin in place to hold. Think about where you want the ribbon tie to be. As long as it is near the opening of the bag, you should be good to go.
Stitch along each side with 1/8” seam allowance. Backstitch over the ribbon 3-4 times to create a stronghold so the ribbon stays on the bread bag for good. I always reinforce with backstitches. Kids make you think about longevity in your crafts and since they will be using the bags as well I always try to reinforce them.
Flip the bread bag inside out. Using a chopstick or turning tool, push out the edges and press well. You won’t want the ribbon to get caught in the stitches, so be sure to pin it in the middle and have it come out of the opening of the bag. This is an important step. Don’t rush ahead of yourself. Whether this is your first sewing project or not, you wouldn’t want to ruin your reusable bread bag by accidentally damaging it when turning it out.
With ¼” seam allowance, stitch each side of the bag. Now flip the bag right side out again. Press the edges with the iron if you want sharp creases. It makes it look nice and crisp. Now your reuseable sewing project is complete.
Bake a yummy loaf of bread, put it in your reusable bread bag, and gift it to someone special or enjoy it with your family! It will keep the bread fresh longer if you put the bread in a plastic bag before inserting it into the gifting bread bag. And that is how you make a reusable bread bag. We hope you enjoyed this reusable sewing tutorial.
If you liked how to make a reusable bread bag tutorial, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make it take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices others make.
Reusable Bread Bag Tutorial
Quick and easy sewing project. Great if you bake your own bread or just like buying it right from the bakery. Fun craft to do with the kids, too. You'll use this reusable bread bag again and again.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and iron fabric.
- Measure and cut a rectangle of fabric 29” x 9”.
- First, we need to hem what will be the top edges of the bag. Using a hem gauge, fold one 9” edge down ¼” and press well. It is easiest to do this across as you go – measure and fold, press, then move down to the next section.
- Then fold your same folded edge down another ½” and press well. Pin or clip to hold. Repeat for opposite 9” edge.
- Now we need to sew! Along one folded edge you’ve created, you’ll want to stitch 1/8” away from the fold. See photo for reference. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch. Repeat for the opposite folded edge.
- To avoid getting frayed strings on your freshly baked bread, we will create a French seam inside the bag to enclose all raw edges. First, we will be stitching with the wrong sides together (it’ll look like it should when it’s finished – right side out). Fold the fabric in half so the newly hemmed edges line up. Pin or clip along each raw edge side to hold.
- We also need to add in the ribbon tie. Heat seal the cut ends of your ribbon so it won’t fray. Fold the ribbon in half and lay the folded edge on one raw edge of the bag fabric. Pin in place to hold.
- Stitch along each side with 1/8” seam allowance. Backstitch over the ribbon 3-4 times to create a strong hold.
- Flip the bag inside out. Using a chopstick or turning tool, push out the edges and press well. You won’t want the ribbon to get caught in the stitches, so be sure to pin it in the middle and have it come out of the opening of the bag (see photo).
- With ¼” seam allowance, stitch each side of the bag.
- Now flip the bag right side out again. Press the edges if you want sharp creases.
- Bake a yummy loaf of bread, put it in your bag, and gift it to someone special!
Notes
This bag fits a smaller loaf of bread. You can easily adjust the size of your bag by increasing the length (29”) for a longer loaf, or increasing the width (9”) for a wider loaf.
It will keep the bread fresh longer if you put the bread in a plastic bag before inserting it into the gifting bread bag.
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