Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

I'm so excited to share this tutorial today! I am a huge fan of reusable snack and sandwich bags, and these are super easy to make. My requirements for these were that they be simple and healthy (this is sort of my mantra for life!). I didn't want closures (velcro, snap) that add time, expense, hassle of finding materials, and would potentially wear out. And I was a little weary of coated fabrics. I don't know what's in the waterproof fabrics, and I don't want them next to my food if they're controversial. These are made from cotton quilting fabric (you can use organic if you wish) and have self-closing flaps. Machine washable, quick-drying. Simple, easy, cheap. Even a novice can make these. You'll need:

• Fabric: This is a great project for scraps, or 1/4 yd of two coordinating fabrics is enough to make 3 snack size bags
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Ruler
• Awl
  (optional)

First, cut rectangles in two coordinating fabrics. You can definitely use the same fabric for both rectangles–in that case, the lining would be the same as the outside. I made three different sizes. Here are the dimensions:

Sandwich (7"x8" finished size): cut 16" x 9"
Snack (5"x6" finished size): cut 12" x 7"
Mini (4"x4" finished size): cut 5" x 10"

If you want a different size, here is the formula to use for determining the size to cut your rectangles (all lengths in inches):
Cut height = (finished height x 2) + 2"
Cut width = finished width + 1"

Next, pin your rectangles right sides facing. Sew around the perimeter (1/4" seams), leaving a 2" space unsewn along one of the long edges. Backstitch both ends. You might want to double-pin on either side of your gap to remind you to stop when you are sewing.

Clip your corners, being careful not to cut into your seam.

Turn your rectangle right-side out through the hole you left in the seam. You might use an awl
to get crisp corners. Press.

You now have a rectangle with a hole as shown below.

Lay your rectangle flat with the lining side facing up. Take one of the short ends and fold it over towards the other short end until it is about 1 1/2" from the other short edge.

Now fold the other short edge on top of the edge you just folded. It should look like an envelope flap. The ends should overlap at least an inch, and the edge underneath should reach all the way to the fold.

Pin along the edges as shown below, and stitch along each side edge, backstitching each end. Try to get very close to the end (approx. 1/8" seams) Your thread will show on both sides, so choose colors accordingly.

Voila! Done. Make lots of them and you'll never need a plastic baggie again!
If you have a blog and make some, please share the link in the comments. I'd love to check yours out!