*This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn commissions.*
It is amazing how much waste sneaks into our lives, especially in the form of plastic snack bags. They are convenient, but after one use, they are tossed into the trash.
What if you could make something just as handy, kinder to the earth, and far prettier? A simple reusable snack bag is a small sewing project with a big heart. It takes less than an hour to make and is beginner-friendly.
You will learn how to sew your own eco-friendly, washable snack bag. They are perfect for road trips, lunches, or gifting to friends and grand-kids. Sewing a snack bag can be doing your part to give back to the environment.
Why Make Your Own Snack Bags?
Sewing reusable snack bags is about reducing waste, but it is also about creating something meaningful with your hands. Each one can replace dozens of plastic baggies. Seeing a cheerful bag in a lunch tote reminds us that small actions matter.
Here are a few reasons to try them:
- Eco-friendly and washable: One fabric bag can be used over and over again.
- Budget-friendly: Replaces the cost of plastic baggies and is made from small fabric scraps or fat quarters you already have.
- Customizable: Choose cheerful prints for kids, neutral tones for grown-up lunches, or even holiday-themed fabrics for gifting.
- Great for gifting or charity sewing: For a heartfelt gift, add some healthy snacks or homemade granola to each snack bag.
If you are looking for a quick, satisfying sewing project, this is the perfect place to start.
I really enjoy making sets in three different sizes, stacking them, and holding them together with a piece of twine for a unique gift for friends and for giving to my favorite charities for their fundraisers.
They are so easy to make and are a big hit. My family especially likes using the snack bags in their lunches because they are customized to individual personalities with cheery prints, sports-themed fabrics or flower prints.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The best fabrics for reusable snack bags are safe, washable, and easy to sew. You will want a lining that is easy to wipe clean or toss in the wash.
Outer Fabric:
- 100% cotton quilting fabric because it is easy to sew and comes in endless prints
- Canvas or linen for a sturdier, rustic look
Lining Fabric:
- Food-safe, waterproof fabric such as food-safe PUL (polyurethane laminate) or nylon ripstop
- If you prefer a natural option, unbleached cotton or muslin works too, but remember it is not waterproof.
You can often find pre-cut fabric bundles that are great for projects such as this, especially fat quarter packs in coordinating prints. These packs make it easy to match and mix designs for an entire set of snack bags.
Getting Ready to Sew
Before you begin, read through all of the instructions and gather your materials. You do not need much and probably already have most of the items on hand.
You will need:
- For a medium bag, you will need two fabric rectangles, one for the outer fabric and one for the inner lining, each piece 7″ x 8″.
- Matching thread
- Sewing pins or clips
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Iron and ironing board, or mini iron and wool pressing mat
- Sewing machine. You do not need a fancy sewing machine; just a beginner-friendly model works beautifully
- Optional: Snaps, velcro, or a button for closure
Tip: Prewash and press any wrinkles out of the fabrics so they do not shrink later.
Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Reusable Snack Bag
This project takes about 30–45 minutes. Once you make one, you will want to make a whole batch!
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric
Cut both the outer fabric and inner lining 7″ x 8″. This is a popular size to start out with, but feel free to adjust the size to your specific needs.
Step 2: Sew the Top Edge
Place the two fabrics right sides (pretty sides) together so they match up. Align one of the 8″ edges and begin sewing across that edge with a ¼” seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning of your sewing and at the end to secure the stitches.
Press the seam flat. Fold the fabrics so the wrong sides are together, which creates an even, finished edge along the top.
Step 3: Sew the Sides and Bottom
Fold the fabric in half with the right sides (pretty sides) together, matching up the side seams so they are even. Sew along the sides and bottom, but leave the top open.
Trim the corners slightly to reduce bulk, then turn the bag right side out and press.
Step 4: Add the Closure
You can choose from several easy closure options:
- Velcro: Kid-friendly, soft, and easy to sew.
- Snap fasteners: Easy to install and washable.
- Fold-over flap: No velcro or snap needed, just fold the top edge over twice for a roll-top look.
Step 5: Topstitch for a Clean Finish
After you have pressed the snack bag, topstitch around the top edge to give it a neat, finished look. This will also help to keep the outer and inner layers flat.
You did it! You have just sewn a reusable, washable snack bag that is both pretty and functional.
Creative Ways for You to Use or Give as Donations
There are so many uses for these easy-to-sew snack bags. You will find yourself making them over and over again. Some uses include:
- Pack fruit, nuts, homemade treats, or crackers for lunch.
- Store small craft supplies such as beads or buttons.
- Use as a cute handmade wrapper for small gifts.
- Donate a batch to your local food pantry for families to use again and again.
Snack bags are excellent items to sew for fundraisers, eco-themed community projects or school drives. Folks will enjoy the combination of handmade items together with their practicality and waste reduction.
My Favorite Tools
These simple, affordable tools, while not necessary, will make the process smoother, especially if you are sewing multiple sets of snack bags for gifts or charity functions:
- Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine: A beginner-friendly sewing machine that is easy to use and sews beautifully.
- Rotary Cutter Set: Makes quick, easy, and precise fabric cuts.
- Mini Pressing Iron and Wool Pressing Mat: Great for pressing projects of this size.
- Food-Safe PUL Fabric – Practical waterproof lining for snack bags.
Conclusion: Small Projects with a Big Purpose
Handmade projects may seem ordinary, but a little snack bag helps eliminate environmental waste, adds simple pleasure to daily life, and carries the love of the hands that made it.
Whether you are sewing for family, friends, a charity, or for yourself, you are creating something good, not only for the planet but for your own sense of purpose. The magic of sewing is that it can turn quiet moments at your sewing machine into meaningful acts of kindness.
Gather those cheerful fabric scraps, get yourself your favorite beverage, and begin stitching. You will be astonished by how satisfying and rewarding it feels to exchange disposable bags for durable, reusable snack bags. You are creating something as useful as it is heartfelt.
Optional Next Step
If you enjoyed this project, you might also like:
- How to Sew a Reversible Fabric Coaster
- Easy Reusable Produce Bags for Beginners
- How to Sew Simple Fabric Gift Bags