How To Make Reusable Snack Bags / Simple Sewing Tutorial
Do you find yourself using a lot of plastic Ziploc bags for lunches and snacks? Think about the waste, especially if you’re packing lunches for kids every day. I have an alternative that I think you will like. My new snack bag pattern and video tutorial will help reduce some of that waste by making your own washable, reusable snack bags.
Why Make Your Own Snack Bags?
Here are a few statistics to bring to your awareness:
1- Scale of Plastic Production: Plastics, including bags, have become a significant part of our daily lives, with half of all plastics ever produced being made in the last 15 years. Single-use plastics, like bags, are particularly concerning because they are used for a short time but can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
2- Environmental Impact: Every year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans from coastal nations. This amount is akin to placing five garbage bags of plastic waste on every foot of the world’s coastlines. Plastics often contain additives that make them more durable, leading to decomposition times of up to 400 years or more. This longevity means they accumulate in natural habitats, disrupting ecosystems and harming wildlife.
3- Human Health Concerns: Plastics and microplastics have been found in human organs such as the liver, kidneys, and placenta. Additionally, the chemicals used in plastics can leach into food and water, potentially leading to health issues like developmental, reproductive, and neurological disorders.
4- Ingestion: Animals frequently mistake plastic particles for food. For example, sea turtles often consume plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish, one of their primary food sources. Ingested plastics can cause physical harm, block digestive tracts, reduce the urge to eat, and lead to starvation or malnutrition. Additionally, microplastics, which are tiny fragments resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, have been found in over 100 aquatic species, including fish and shellfish consumed by humans (Environmental Protection Agency) (UNEP – UN Environment Programme).
5- Plastics contain and absorb harmful chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and heavy metals. These chemicals can leach out of the plastic into the tissues of animals that ingest them, leading to potential toxic effects. Such contamination can impact the endocrine system, reproductive health, and overall survival of wildlife (UNEP – UN Environment Programme).
I think that is enough information to convince you that making reusable snack bags is a great idea.
Snack Bag Ribbon Loop Convenience
These snack bags have convenient ribbon loops for easy opening and in addition, have a box bottom design that makes filling and accessing your snacks a breeze.
This makes it so nice when you’re filling the snack bags or when you need to grab your hand in and get something; the goodies you have inside will not fall out and spill all over.
Plus, they’re washable, waterproof, and one-of-a-kind!
https://geni.us/XONvIP4The PULL (Polyurethane laminate fabric) recommended for this project is non-toxic, food-grade fabric, and washable.
You can get this fabric here, or some stores have it in stock.
These snack bags are perfect for:
- kids to take to school
to keep in your purse or car - hikes
- beach trips, etc.
This is a great project if you’re new to sewing or looking for a quick project.
In the pattern and tutorial I provide measurements for two different sizes, and if you’re like me and prefer having a printout of the instructions, here is the link to the pattern.
Other posts and tutorials you may be interested in:
How To Make an Eyeglass Case | Sunglass Case | Quick and Simple Project
How To Make a Microwave Potato Bag // Quick Sewing Project
DIY Upcycled T-Shirt Bags | Sew and No-Sew Methods
Have fun making snack bags!
snack
2 Comments
Hi, Jan,
Regarding the reusable snack bag, the PUL food-grade fabric link given in your video description shows a different product than the one on this website https://youmakeitsimple.com/2024/08/09/how-to-make-reusable-snack-bags-simple-sewing-tutorial/, which is https://geni.us/XONvIP4 (doesn’t say food grade). Can you please clarify?
Best,
Meewin
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Here is the correct link. https://amzn.to/3RHvqih