Forget boring, brown paper lunch sacks. Follow these step by step instructions to make a fun oilcloth lunch bag!
This is a good project if you’re just learning how to sew or have years of experience. It only requires straight lines and a handful of supplies.
Choose a brightly colored oilcloth print to cheer up your lunch hour. There is a rainbow to choose from, and it is to keep clean. Just wipe it off with soap and water, then use the oilcloth lunch bag again and again.
Supplies to Make Oilcloth Lunch Bag
- 1 yard Oilcloth Fabric (I chose two coordinating fabrics at 1/2 yard each.)
- Sew on Velcro
- Scissors
- Sewing Clips
- All-Purpose Thread
- Sewing Machine
Click on each supply listed above to see the exact item used for this project.
The oilcloth lunch bag is made with one yard of oilcloth fabric. You can use the same fabric or choose coordinating fabrics. A different fabric for each side would be adorable! I chose two coordinating fabrics at a half yard each.
For the hook and loop (Velcro), be sure it is marked as ‘sew on’. The sticky Velcro products will not endure multiple uses for this particular project.
You will also need basic sewing supplies like a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and clips. Pins will leave holes in the oilcloth, so clips are a better choice.
How to Make an Oilcloth Lunch Bag
Begin by measuring and cutting your oilcloth. Cut two pieces 20″ by 8″ for the front and back of the bag. If you are using a complementary fabric, cut the remaining pieces with that: Two pieces at 20″ x 5″ and one 5″ x 8″.
Clip side pieces (20″ x 5″) to each side of the small base piece (5″ x 8″) with right sides together. Sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Open the seams and finger press. Then zigzag stitch along seams for added durability.
Clip the remaining pieces (20″ x 8″) with the shortest side along the base of the bag, right sides together. Sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Open seams, finger press, and zigzag stitch along seams.
Still, with the right sides together, bring the longest pieces together and clip along the sides. Sew with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Turn down the top 1/2″ of the bag and clip.
Sew around the top of the bag with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Turn the bag right side out, pressing the corners out with your finger or a turning tool. Then topstitch with 1/4″ seam allowance along all seams. This helps the oilcloth lunch bag stand up on its own.
To attach the Velcro, fold the top of the lunch bag down one inch, Then fold it onto itself again, and mark the center of the front. Directly above this spot make a mark on the front of the bag and directly above it where the folded part meets the front.
Sew a Velcro square to the front, and sew its corresponding square where you marked the opposite side. I suggest adding three pieces so it is very secure, and sew an ‘X’ through the Velcro square as well. You don’t want the oilcloth to rip with repeated use.
This project would be adorable to make for a child to take to school. I don’t work in an office anymore, but I find myself reaching for this lunch bag to take the park and pool too. The cheerful cherries make me happy!
Oilcloth Lunch Bag
Easy to follow instructions for making a reusable oilcloth lunch bag.
Materials
- Oilcloth Fabric (1 yard)
- Sew On Velcro
Tools
- Scissors
- Sewing Clips
- All-Purpose Thread
- Sewing Machine
Instructions
- Cut two pieces 20" x 8" (front and back)
- Cut two pieces 20" x 5" (sides)
- Cut one piece 5" x 8" (bottom)
- Clip sides to the bottom with right sides together
- Sew with 1/2" seam allowance
- Open seams and finger press
- Zigzag stitch over seams
- Clip front and back pieces shortest side to the base with right sides together
- Sew with 1/2" seam allowance
- Open seams and finger press
- Zigzag stitch over seams
- Cip longest sides together with right sides together
- Sew with 1/2" seam allowance
- Turn down the top 1/2" and clip
- Sew around top with 1/2" seam allowance
- Turn bag right side out
- Topstitch 1/4" seam allowance along all seams
- Fold top down one inch, then onto itself another inch
- Mark under where the fold meets the front on both pieces
- Sew Velcro squares where marked
Notes
- Use one yard of the same fabric or mix it up with coordinating prints.
- Make sure your Velcro is 'sew on', Adhesive backed Velcro does not stick to oilcloth well enough to last for this project.
- Opt for clips instead of pins to hold your pieces together. Pins will leave holes in oilcloth fabric.
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My mom made those years ago for us. To keep cold things cold she lined it with quilted silver fabric and made clear vinyl lining. She closed ours with elastic loop and a button. It lasted from jr high through my first enlistment in the Army. Great idea revival.