• Home
  • About Me
  • Tutorials
    • Bags
    • Children
    • Women
    • Home
  • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Bags
    • Children
    • Women
    • Quilts
    • Home
  • Shop
    • Sale
    • Essentials
    • Flash Sale
    • Kits
    • Sewing Gifts
    • Pre-cut Fabric
    • Sewing Patterns
  • Roundup
  • Contact

The Stitching Scientist

    Lunch Tote with Free Pattern

    Bags· Free Pattern· Purses

    9 Jan

    I decided to start taking lunch to work everyday. I think I spend way too much eating out. Off course with this new plan comes a new project. I made myself a little lunch tote and decided to share it with you. Its a mini version of the Carnaby Bag I did a few months ago without the pocket and overlays. This tote measures about 11×8″. Its the perfect size for lunch and a snack. This lunch tote is a super simple project that any beginner can do. Enjoy the pattern.

    IMG_2825

    IMG_28251

    I was thinking about adding a flap as a closure but I was in a rush and my toddler was not happy I was doing this instead of playing with her so I did velcro closures. I think it will look cute with flap in the middle as a closure accented with a big button. I also intended to use insulated vinyl for the lining but didnt have enough so I used warm batting on the main fabric and then just regular cotton as the lining. Either will work fine.

    IMG_2832

    Here is what you need to make this tote

    2 Fat quarters each for outer fabric, lining and fleece interfacing

     2 strips measuring 2″x8″ for the straps

    2 strips of interfacing for the straps

    1 strip measuring 2″x 10″ for the bands

    Download the pattern HERE. You can scale it to however big you want. Use the pattern to cut out 2 pieces for the main, 2 pieces for the lining and 2 pieces of interfacing or batting.

    First, lets start by ironing on the fleece interfacing to the backs of the main pieces. I used batting for mine and quilted it to the main pieces with ~2″ wide long stitches. Either one works.

    IMG_2798 IMG_2797

    Now, sew the two pieces rights sides together all the way around leaving the top open. Repeat for the lining except for the lining, you will leave about 4″ open at the bottom to help you turn it when you are done.

    IMG_2798 IMG_2803

    Make a triangle with the bottom end and sew down about 1.5″ away from the tip. Cut when done. This will give you the boxy look. Repeat for the lining. Do you sew close your lining 4″ opening as yet.

    IMG_2799 IMG_2800 IMG_2801 IMG_2802

    Now, put the right side of the lining into the right side of the main bag so that the wrong side of the bag is facing out.

    IMG_2804

    Sew all they way around the top of both pieces. Turn the bag inside out using your 4″ opening. Top stitch the opening close.

    IMG_2806

    Top stitch the top of the bag all the way around.

    IMG_2808

    Lets make the straps! Take your interfacing and iron it down to the wrong side of the strap. Fold in and sew down. Turn inside out. Do some long stitches so that it looks quilted. Repeat for the other strap.

    IMG_2809 IMG_2810

    Sew the strap the top of the tote lining up adjacent pieces.

    IMG_2811 IMG_2813

    Now for the tube…take your tube strip and fold in half wrong side together. Sew down and turn inside out. Cut it in 4 equal parts. Take each tube and fold around the strap and tote raw edge and sew down, folding in the tube ends when you sew so that there is no raw edge. Thats it! You are done.

    IMG_2814 IMG_2815 IMG_2818

    IMG_2825

    Collage

    Thanks for visiting and happy sewing!

    signature_zpsf720200a

    « 10 Minute Infinity Scarf
    Heart Tree Pillow with Free Pattern »

    Trackbacks

    1. Carnaby Insulated Lunch Bag – Free Pattern and Sewing Tutorial | PatternPile.com - Hundreds of Patterns for Making Handbags, Totes, Purses, Backpacks, Clutches, and more. says:
      January 13, 2014 at 4:57 pm

      […] Get the Pattern and Tutorial […]

    2. Sew Tote Bag – Arte Creativo says:
      March 15, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      […] Click Here For Tote Bag’s Tutorial […]

    3. Bags Bags Bags | Free Sewing Patterns says:
      June 2, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      […] The Lunch Tote is a bag that I don’t think has received as much attention as it should. It is such a beautiful pattern. Paired with the right fabric, it is for sure going to get you attention in the lunchroom. You can also insulate this one to keep your food at the right temperature. […]

    4. Friday Funday! Free Tote Bag Patterns! – Quilt Therapy says:
      March 15, 2022 at 11:52 am

      […] “Lunch Tote” Free Tote Bag Pattern designed by Remona from The Stitching Scientist […]




    Welcome

    Hi there! Thanks for visiting my creative corner. I am a DIY enthusiast and single mom to a little girl and a slobbering dog. I enjoy my full time job as a research scientist during the week but like to experiment on sewing and crafty projects on the weekends. Join me as we explore the beautiful world of fabrics together. Read More…

    Craftsy

    Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies

    • Home
    • About Me
    • Tutorials
    • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Shop
    • Roundup
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 · Refined theme by Restored 316