Back to school series: DIY lunch bags

I'm finding that children's school bags are becoming larger & heavier and one of the reasons seems to be the increased size of lunch bags/boxes. Here's a few options that will help create a little more space in your child's already bulging school bag. 


The Haby Goddess online store has these way cute fabric lunch bag kits from Be Be Bold.  I made one up over the weekend for my daughter.  The Japanese linen & cotton lining fabric fabric were beautiful to work with and it went together like a dream.  The size is deceiving as they look quite small.  They comfortably held a tupperware lunch bag, apple & a couple of snacks.  I also had enough fabric left over that I could of made a little wallet to hold lunch money in. Or you could maybe add an inch or 2 to the width or length.

There are loads of tutorials on making lunch boxes.  I've listed a few good ones for you.


Vintage Pillowcase Lunch Box tutorial from Oh, Fransson!
Belly Button Boutique added insul bright to her bag.
A cute embroidered lunch bag by The Purl Bee, similar the the Be Be Bold design but it doesn't have a lining.
 Ayumi from Pink Penguin has put together a fantastic tutorial for a more detailed bag.

More Tips:

Use an oilcloth fabric so you can just wipe it down if you don't want to continually wash it.
Add a waterproofing spray to the fabric inside & out so protect against spillage stains.
Add an insulating fabric to help keep food cooler.

2 comments:

Tiff said...

I loved seeing these wonderful ideas for lunch boxes...very inspiring... I have two versions I have made 'on the go' and currently favour an oilcloth but made mine a bit narrow and tall.... I will try again making a different size because I found it is all about personal preference and depends on what you have to carry in it! X

ara said...

This is way too fun. I would love to have these cute bags but maybe I'd rather do it on my own. It excites me more if I am the one who's making the bag. Good thing, I have time for this. Also thank you for sharing this with us. By the way, as for an alternative you might like to try the stainless steel tiffin container. It is also convenient to use, durable, eco-friendly and reusable too.