Reusable Bags Part Deux

My cousin asked me to make several of these bags for a fundraiser and someone else asked for directions. For you crafty ones, have fun and good luck making them!

Description:
The exterior is 100% cotton while the inside is made with water repellent nylon and the top Velcro closes. This sandwich bag is approximately 7" x 7" in size and is perfect for sandwiches or snacks. Bring it to work, school, the beach, the car, playgroups, airplane, etc. Use for packaging small gifts or gift cards.  When dirty simply wipe clean with a damp cloth or put in the washer and dryer.

Materials:

• 100% Cotton fabric
• Ripstop Nylon - this material comes in different weights and has "windowpanes" on it. Think tent or kite material. It's waterproof for your snacks. (other materials like PUL or Vinyl are not food safe)
• Thread
  
• Velcro (hook and loop)
  
• Cutting mat and cutting tool
• scissors
• seam ripper - just in case!
  

Steps:

1. Cut your fabric into 8.5"x8.5" square pieces. I've saved time by folding the material and cutting several layers at a time.  Cut the Nylon into 9" x 9" squares.  In my trials and tribulations of creating these, cutting the nylon saves a lot of time later on when sewing the squares together. 


2. Cut your Velcro into 6" strip


3. Pair up a square of the cotton and a square of the nylon. Pin to keep in place or not. ( I started with pinning, but found I saved time by not pinning and holding in place)

4. Fold over one side 1/4" and straight stitch twice to make a closed hem. This creates a hem on the top of each bag.
5. Place a strip of velcro in the middle of the hemmed side and straight stitch in place. (sorry no picture!) With each bag you need two sides, so be sure to use the hook on one side and the loop on the other. :-)

6. Straight stitch two squares (fabric sides touching).


7. Trim sides to 1/4" or less and then flip inside out.


Other tips:

• I found some great fabric on clearance, sale, or my mom's fabric stash. Use your coupons on the ripstop nylon - that's the most expensive part.
  
• I also found the velcro for $.99 for a yard - which makes 6 bags!
• These can be washed in cold water and hung to dry or thrown in the dryer.
• I do find matching the thread to the fabric color is a bit neater, but plain 'ole white works, too!
• The nylon comes in a variety of colors to match the fabric.
• Cut the nylon into 9" squares to prevent the struggle of sewing the slippery fabric to the cotton. 

Notes:

• Because of the nature of the breathable fabric, these bags are not airt tight.  Pack your lunches/snacks in the morning to keep fresh for lunch.

If you try these at home, feel free to pass along any feedback for a better bag!