Make Fold Over Baggies for Picnics

I wanted to have some reusable baggies we could use for picnics and my husband’s lunchbox.  Of course, it is the green thing to do to reduce the amount of trash we put in our landfills.  But, I will admit that my main motivation is economics.  It seems sillly to keep buying baggies if I could make something we can simply wash.

I started looking around to see what’s available.  There are to lots of bags you can buy that use velcro, but I am afraid the velcro would get yucky.  So, I decided we’d just make our own fold over style bags using PUL fabric.  PUL fabric is used for making cloth diaper covers, so it is washable and has a moisture barrier.  I don’t think I’d feel comfortable putting hot foods in it, but it should be fine for our purposes.

I ordered some PUL fabric from Very Baby in Candy Pink and Sea Spray.  I was pleased with how thin the fabric is.  It is just right for this project. Here’s how I made mine.  They are just the right size for chips, crackers, or cookies.  They are a little small for sandwiches.  Here’s what we use for sandwiches.

Cut out 7″x15″ rectangles.

Serge all the way around.  I used the rolled edge stitch on my serger.  If you don’t have a serger, don’t fret.  This part is inside the bag.  Just zigzag around the edge or use pinking sheers all the way around.

With the fabric shiny side up, fold over one side 6″.

Fold the other side down 3″ or so until the fold meets up with the end you just folded.  Pin the folded parts just through the top layers.With the pins still in, turn the bag inside out.

Sew up the two sides.  I used 1/4″ seam allowance.

Turn the bag right side out and take out the pins.  Now, just flip the top over and you have a fold over baggie ready to put in someone’s lunch box.