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Today I have a really easy sewing tutorial on how to make a reusable sandwich wrap. These eco friendly reusable food wraps are a great food storage idea and an alternative to single use sandwich wrapper plastics such as cling wrap or sandwich bags.
Why Make Reusable Sandwich Wraps?
As a planet we are using more and more single use plastic. As you know, here at A Rose Tinted World we love to be environmentally friendly. We strive to use less single use plastic and be more zero waste. So today’s sewing tutorial shows you how to make a more sustainable reusable lunch wrap.
See my full list of Zero Waste Products that you can make at home
By using reusable sandwich bags, reusable lunch wraps and other sandwich wrap alternatives such as beeswax food wrap (see how to make beeswax wraps here), it stops me from using single use plastic wrap and aluminium foil when wrapping lunches.
Why Use These Reusable Wraps For Food And Not A Reusable Sandwich Bag?
There are some great alternative options out there. You could try using waxed cotton bags and wraps. I have tried waxing some cotton fabric to use instead of cling film. But I did think that this may be a bit messy for my 4 year old.
Also, she is not the best at zips just yet, and finds it hard to open reusable boxes. So I personally decided to try easily opened reusable lunch wraps instead.
What Plastic Should I Use As A Lining?
Yes, I know. There is some plastic with a DIY reusable food wrap. But as they can be washed and reused again and again, they are a great alternative to throwing away a plastic ziplock bag every day. These should last us a few years.
I did some research though into the correct plastic to use as the lining of my DIY reusable sandwich wrap. Coated cotton is not always BPA free, and there are often phthalates in some of the plastics that are available.The one general consensus I found by researching the best type of waterproof fabric is that ProCare fabric is generally considered to be the safest. This is used in the reusable nappy market, and meets medical safety standards for food use. It is quite expensive, but for safety reasons I personally would not use anything else when wrapping edibles.
How To Make Reusable Sandwich Wraps
So are you ready for a step by step reusable sandwich wrap tutorial? Then read on!
They are actually quite easy, as you don’t really need a eco sandwich wrap sewing pattern, but just make them the size that you need in your home.
So, To Make Each Eco Lunch Wrap You Will Need
- Some pretty cotton – I used this skull one from Minerva plus some others from my remnant bag
- Some ProCare or other food safe plastic
- Velcro strip or pads – I decided sew on velcro was the easiest opening for my little one
- A quilting ruler, scissors, cutting mat and rotary cutter
- Coordinating polyester thread.
- A sewing machine
I cut my squares to be 12 inches. And cut 2x 1 inch of sew on velcro for each wrap. The sew on velcro has both the hook and loop parts, and comes apart.
Take one piece of ProCare and one piece of cotton. Place them right sides together and sew a 1 cm (Half inch) seam allowance all the way around – except for a 5cm gap at one side. Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing.
Clip the corners and trim the seam allowance down. I used pinking shears.
Turn the wrap the right way out and press on the cotton side with an iron on a low heat. Beware! The plastic may melt if you use too hot an iron!
Make sure that the seam allowance in the turning gap is pressed well, as we will need to close this.
Then topstitch about 6mm from the edge all the way around the square. This closes the turning gap and gives a nice crisp edge.
Finally, sew the hook and loop pieces of velcro to opposite corners. I sewed the hooks to the inside corners and the loops (fuzzy part) to the outside corners.
And you have your finished fabric sandwich wrap!
Now you know how to make a sandwich wrap you can make these in all the colours. They are totally washable. I wash them with my usual dish soap. But do not tumble dry, it is better to air dry or line dry them.
And yes, in the future I will probably make some zipped lunch bags or a wet bag to wrap sandwich and snacks. But I hope that you have enjoyed this tutorial and that you love making these eco snack wrap alternatives for yourself!
Prefer to buy these? Why not shop for some ready made items on sale here?
Have You Enjoyed This Post? Why Not Read These?
I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial on how to make reusable sandwich wraps. Will you be using this to wrap sandwiches in future? Love this DIY sandwich wrap and want more zero waste ideas? Why not read
- My Post On How To Make Reusable Kitchen Roll?
- Find my Beeswax Sandwich Wrap DIY post here – another reusable lunch wrap idea.
- if you have some ProCare left over you could make these reusable straw holders.
- how to make shampoo bars and soaps last longer by making and using a wash cloth soap holder?
- How To Make Your Own Zero Waste Dish Washers – Unsponges.
I love to see all your projects. Do comment below, or tag me in your makes on social media. Find me at
Instagram: @ARoseTinted
Facebook: A Rose Tinted World
Twitter: @ARoseTintdWorld
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Why not pin this post for later?
You know, I don’t sew (yet). But every time I look at your posts, I feel some motivation… so one day, when I finally set my hand to it, your blog is the place where I will begin. Love this project!
Thank you. And this is a perfect starter project Eilidh. Just straight lines and it doesn’t matter too much if it isn’t perfect! Good Luck.
Such a great idea, and I love how clear your instructions are, it makes me feel like I might actually be able to do it myself! x #KCACOLS
Thank you, that is a lovely thing to hear. Actually, with all straight lines, this is probably one of the easiest things to try. Have a go!
We use containers rather than bags – but reusable…so still good. #KCACOLS
Love your tutorial posts, you make it look so easy! These are such a great idea, I am guilty of using so many plastic sandwich bags #KCACOLS
Thank you. And yes, I was using too many. Just a small way of becoming more sustainable.
Brilliant! I’ve been looking into buying some of these but hadn’t thought of making my own. Thank you! #KCACOLS
My pleasure!
Your sandwich wraps are so cute and really make it easy to ditch the plastic! #MMBC
Thank you.
What a great idea, as it is something that we use so much and you can have any design you like! Thank you for joining us for #kcacols we hope to see you again!
These look fab! I am trying to cut down on my plastic use, so these are perfect. Pinned them so I can have a go at making them #MMBC
Thank you. I do plan on doing some with zips in and with only one end open too, as snack bags.
I put sandwiches in plastic boxes but this is a great eco-friendly idea! #KCACOLS
So cool! even though it includes some plastic it’s still reusable and much better than disposable bags. Good job : )
What a great idea! #MMBC
Great idea Jo and really simple to make too. I also use the reusable beeswax wraps which are pretty good. 🙂
This is such a great idea. My fella often takes sandwiches to work and just uses tin foil or cling film. These would be so much better for him and the world. x
wow you’re so talented. I’m not sure I have the patience to make these but I do like the idea of cutting down on plastic in the kitchen 🙂
Would it be possible to sew beeswax paper inside or make a way to have the inside be waterproof and not suck the moisture out of the sandwich?
Hi, the lining of this is waterproof food safe vinyl. However, I am sure if you did use a beeswax wrap for the inner and add velcro, it would act just like a reusable beeswax wrap, you would just need to keep reapplying wax after hand washing the whole wrap.