DIY PICNIC BAG// CUTE BAG TUTORIAL


 If you’ve been searching for the perfect DIY lunch tote or picnic bag, you’ve found it! This little bag is practical, stylish, and simple enough for beginners, but with enough structure to look professional. The design features short sturdy handles, a structured base, and a flap closure, making it both functional and cute.

It’s the kind of bag you’ll want to take everywhere—whether to the park, office, or even as a mini carry-all for quick errands.

Let’s dive in and sew your very own DIY picnic bag!


Materials You’ll Need

Before we start, gather these supplies:

  • Outer fabric: Cotton canvas, denim, or home décor fabric (½ yard)

  • Lining fabric: Quilting cotton or lightweight canvas (½ yard)

  • Interfacing: Medium-weight fusible interfacing for structure

  • Handles: 12” of 1”–1.5” cotton webbing or thick straps (can also make fabric handles)

  • Closure: Magnetic snap, button, or Velcro (image shows a flap closure with button)

  • Thread: All-purpose polyester thread

  • Tools:

    • Fabric scissors or rotary cutter

    • Cutting mat & quilting ruler

    • Iron

    • Sewing machine (with heavy-duty needle if using thick canvas)

    • Clips or pins

Cutting Measurements

For this bag, we’ll make a medium-sized picnic tote:

  • Outer fabric

    • 2 pieces: 11” wide × 12” tall (front & back)

    • 2 pieces: 5” wide × 12” tall (sides)

    • 1 piece: 11” wide × 5” tall (base)

  • Lining fabric (cut same as outer)

  • Interfacing (cut same as outer pieces)

  • Flap:

    • Outer fabric: 6” wide × 7” tall (curved on one end)

    • Lining fabric: 6” wide × 7” tall

    • Interfacing: 6” × 7”

  • Handles: 12” each (cut 2 pieces of webbing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Fabric & Interfacing

  1. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of all outer fabric pieces.

  2. Press well to avoid bubbling.
    👉 This gives your bag structure and prevents sagging.


Step 2: Sew Outer Bag Body

  1. Take the front panel (11×12) and side panel (5×12), place right sides together, and sew along the long edge (½” seam allowance).

  2. Repeat with the back and other side.

  3. Attach the side panels to the base (11×5) piece, sewing along edges.

  4. Now attach the front and back panels to the base.
    👉 You should now have a box-like shape.

Step 3: Sew Lining

  1. Repeat the same process with the lining fabric pieces.

  2. Leave a 4” gap at the base seam (for turning the bag later).

Step 4: Make the Flap Closure

  1. Place outer flap piece and lining flap piece right sides together.

  2. Sew around edges, leaving top edge open.

  3. Trim seam allowance and clip curves.

  4. Turn right side out, press, and topstitch around curved edge.

  5. Insert magnetic snap or sew button to flap (before attaching).


Step 5: Attach Handles

  1. Take your 12” webbing straps.

  2. Place each handle end 2.5” from side seam on the front and back panels.

  3. Pin or clip in place, making sure they don’t twist.

  4. Baste (temporary stitch) handles in place.

Step 6: Assemble Outer + Lining

  1. Place the flap right side down against the back panel, aligning raw edge with the top edge.

  2. Place outer bag inside lining bag, right sides facing.

  3. Align seams and pin all around the top.

  4. Sew all around the top edge with ½” seam allowance.

Step 7: Turn Bag

  1. Pull the entire bag through the gap in lining.

  2. Push outer bag through, smooth corners, and press.

  3. Stitch the lining gap closed neatly with a small seam.


Step 8: Finishing Touches

  1. Push lining inside, press top edge well.

  2. Topstitch around top opening for a neat finish.

  3. Sew the other part of the closure (magnetic snap/button loop) onto the front panel.

  4. Give bag a final press.

Finished Size

Your picnic bag will measure approximately:

  • Height: 11” (28 cm)

  • Width: 10.5” (27 cm)

  • Depth: 5” (13 cm)

Customization Ideas

  • Insulated version: Add thermal lining (like Insul-Bright) to make it a lunch cooler bag.

  • Quilted style: Use batting between outer fabric and lining for a puffy, soft look.

  • Patchwork design: Piece fabric scraps together for a unique picnic vibe.

  • Different handles: Use leather straps or make padded fabric handles for comfort.

  • Closure options: Replace flap with a zipper top or drawstring closure.

Pro Sewing Tips

  • Use clips instead of pins for thick fabric layers.

  • If seams get bulky, trim and press open before sewing next step.

  • A walking foot helps keep fabric layers even.

  • Always test your stitch length on scraps first—longer stitches (3.0 mm) look better on canvas.

  • For a professional look, press after every step—creases make seams sharp and clean.



Conclusion

This DIY picnic bag is fun, practical, and endlessly customizable. The structured box shape makes it roomy enough for food containers or personal items, while the flap keeps everything secure. Once you sew one, you’ll find yourself making more—for work lunches, gifts, or even as a stylish mini tote.

It’s proof that with just some fabric, webbing, and basic sewing skills, you can create something that looks like it came straight from a boutique shop!

Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

DIY Sewing Pattern

  Welcome! This is an incredibly practical and polished project that results in a versatile bag with a clean, structured design. It's pe...