I've been meaning to make some reusable snack bags for quite a while. The research process was long, especially for the interior. I finally decided on uncoated ripstop nylon. Then I had to choose, gusset or not gusset? What closure? I finally decided no gusset and velcro for the closure.
My first prototype was a gusset bag thinking it would be nice to have a roomy bag that would fit thicker sandwiches. It was so large it was claimed by my oldest as a toy carryall. Oops!
I shaved half an inch on all sides of my second bag and it was a much more reasonable size.
However, I quickly realized that a roomier flat bag would give me flexibility for larger sized sandwiches without having to fiddle with turning and topstitching the top edge of a lining & outer fabric.
The second set of bags is sewn flat with french seams so there are no exposed seams inside to catch crumbs. I just traced around a disposable sandwich bag and added seam allowances. Then I followed this tutorial. Voila! A full sized and half sized bag. I told Mr. Maricucu his assigned bag for work will be the one on the right and he said no thank you. Wonder why?
Next to a disposable bag for scale.
Roomy enough for a sandwich.
The half size holds a generous amount of pretzels. Once I get more sew-in velcro I will finish the others I have cut out.
love it! i have been trying to decide if it is worth the time to make these or not. we have some wrap mats, but i dislike the plastic interior. i'll let you test run the interior for a bit . . . let me know, maybe i'll make some happier wrap mats!
ReplyDeleteOoh. I'd love a report on these after you've used them a while. I've been thinking about making some, but have frozen up over which fabric to use. I was thinking about a little drawstring bag for finger-snacks; I like the velcro idea for the sandwich size. They're beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacy and Carrie! I'll definitely report back with their durability. I'm used to using snaps in my sewing so velcro is definitely new to me. Thankfully the flat bags are super easy to put together.
ReplyDeleteDo you sell any of your stuff?
ReplyDeleteYou're too sweet Delma. At this time I don't sell anything, mostly because deadlines and young kids don't mix well (at least in my life). Maybe one day though . . .
ReplyDeleteHey do you know if the ripstop nylon is free of toxins? Thanks,Delma
ReplyDeleteHmmm, good question. I know the nylon I've purchased (at Joann's) doesn't have any type of performance coating like it would for a tent or a jacket, kwim? So I'm pretty confident in using it for our personal bags but I'm pretty sure the FDA would require all sorts of testing before approving anything for food contact use.
ReplyDeleteShort answer, I don't think so but I haven't researched it extensively. Just enough to use this over PUL fabric which I've seen as another option. I use PUL in diapers but wasn't sure if it was food safe. Keep me updated on yours Delma!