Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

With the state of the economy and everyone trying to be more environmentally conscious, I have noticed fabric snack sacks popping up all over the place. Something that's incredibly cute and Eco-friendly? I love this idea! 

This morning I decided to sit down and try to make a couple for myself. I made my first one in fifteen minutes - that includes cutting, sewing, and making it up as I went! This was so simple and quick I can't believe I didn't make my own snack sacks years ago! Now I know what to make all my family and friends for the holidays!

Here's what you need to get started:

unbleached muslin for the lining
super cute fabric for the outside
velcro

I have heard about some people using a pretty printed fabric for the lining, and, while this may look nice, my instinct is to use a natural unbleached cotton, instead of a fabric full of dyes.

First, cut your fabric to the desired size. I made my sacks from 7x12 inch rectangles. The finished pouch is 6x5 1/2 inches. I couldn't find my rotary cutter this morning (I am constantly misplacing that darn rotary cutter!) so I cut my pieces with sharp scissors and it worked out fine. So don't worry if you haven't invested in a cutter and mat yet! It's not necessary for this project!

Now, place your fabrics face to face, and use a straight stitch to sew the short ends together.

Flip the piece right side out, iron the seams flat, and stitch along the edges to hold the layers together.

Now it's time to add the velcro. I highly recommend using non-adhesive velcro. I couldn't get my hands on any non-adhesive velcro for this project, and I ran into the exact problem I knew I would - the velcro adhesive gummed up everything it came in contact with! My scissors, my presser foot, the needle. I am also blaming the adhesive for the messy bobbin thread on my stitches that I just couldn't seem to avoid. Try to stay away from this stuff! It's not worth it! But, of course if you can't get your hands on anything else - it gets the job done, just not as pleasantly as regular velcro would.

That being said, my velcro began as 3/4 inch wide, but I cut it in half lengthwise. I figure this amount of velcro will keep the sack closed while still being easy enough for little hands to open (my sister is coming to visit today, and my two year old niece will be the first lucky snack sack recipient!)

Cut a 6 inch length of velcro and pin each side to the inside edges of your sack (against the muslin). Stitch it in place well - this area will bear the brunt of being opened over and over again. Sew all the way around each little rectangle of velcro. (You can see some of my messy gummed-up stitches below)

You're almost done! Now it's time to sew the pouch closed. Fold the piece face to face again, matching up the corners. Begin by sewing a straight stitch down the edge. Yesterday at work Angela and I were talking about our current sewing projects (as usual!) and she mentioned having just learned to fake-serge raw edges.

I thought it would be perfect for this project - sealing off all those loose threads so they don't mix in with your snacks. I am in love with this technique! (for all of us with regular sewing machines instead of fancy sergers!) Use a zig zag stitch to seal the frayed edges. Do this by sewing so that the far right of the zig zag catches the very edge of the pouch. I went up and down the seam twice. And look how clean that edge is!

Flip your snack sack right side out and you're done!

Fill it up with some cookies or pretzels and head off to school, or work, or for a nice little walk!

Now, get making and giving and snacking!