Sew a Reusable Lunch Bag With Laminated Fabric

Prepare the Fabric and Laminating Pieces

Laminating fabric adds a vinyl coating to your favorite fabrics. The fabric becomes waterproof and is simple to wipe clean. It's easy to add the coating, but the process does have a few quirks.

First, always read through all the manufacturer's instructions for any specifics required. Be aware that sometimes the coating can get a little cloudy, which is more likely to show up on darker fabrics. You may also see irregularities on solid colors, as prints help hide these flaws. Working in smaller sections is often easier than trying to laminate an entire cut of fabric. Finally, the vinyl shrinks slightly when it heats and fuses to the fabric. Cut a larger piece than you need to ensure that the fabric is fully covered. 

1. Cut the Fabric and Laminating Pieces

   Next, cut out the fabric and laminating pieces into:

   • Two 7.5- x 12.5-inch front/back pieces of fabric 
   • Four 7.5- x 12.5-inch front/back pieces of laminating material
   • Two 5- x 12.5-inch side pieces of fabric 
   • Four 5- x 12.5-inch side pieces of laminating material
   • One 5- x 7.5-inch bottom piece of fabric 
   • Two 5- x 7.5-inch bottom pieces of laminating material

   Peel off the paper backing from a laminating piece and place it on the matching piece of fabric. 

2. Fuse the Laminating Material to the Fabric

   Follow the manufacturer's instructions for ironing the laminating material. Repeat this process on all of the fabric pieces. Once the fronts are done, add the vinyl coating to the back of the fabric as well. Although laminating both sides isn't essential, but it keeps your bag protected inside and out. 

3. Cut the Sides and Bottom

   Use a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and cutting mat to cut the pieces down to their final sizes:

   • Two 7- x 12-inch front/back pieces 
   • Two 4.5- x 12-inch side pieces 
   • One 4.5- x 7-inch bottom piece 

4. Trim the Top of the Bag Pieces

   Use pinking shears or other shaped fabric scissors to trim the top edge of the front, back, and side pieces. This step is optional, but it's a cute decorative element when the bag is open.

5. Attach Snaps to the Front and Back Panels

   To make your bag stay folded closed, add two snaps. On the front panel, attach one half of each snap 1 3/4 inches in from the sides and 3 1/2 inch down from the top. On the back panel, attach the other half of each snap 1 3/4 inches in from the sides and 3/4 inch down from the top. Add a small piece of fabric or felt to the back of the fabric if you want to reinforce the snaps.

6. Hold the Pieces With Sewing Clips

   When sewing with vinyl or laminated fabric, use sewing clips instead of pins. Once you make a hole in this fabric, there's no going back. It's best to keep the material intact. Clip the front and bottom together with right sides facing. Set your stitch length longer than usual to avoid over-perforating the material. Starting 1/4 inch from the edge, sew these two pieces together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Stop 1/4 inch from the end. ​​Lock stitch at the beginning and end of each seam. Repeat this with the back piece.

7. Sew the Sides to the Bottom

   Sew the sides to the bottom, once again starting and ending 1/4 inch from the edge. Check to make sure that the seams all match up at the corners.

8. Sew the Lunch Bag Side Seams

   Bring the sides together and sew up each of the four corners. Turn the lunch bag right side out. Because the fabric is very stiff, this may be a little tricky. The fabric itself is durable, so just take care not to tug at the seams.

9. Enjoy a Healthy Packed Lunch in Style!

   Fill your new lunch bag with your favorite sandwich, fruit, and a snack. Fold the top over two times to secure the snaps, and you're ready to go!