This bag is the perfect size for storing homemade bread. It can hold a large amount of bread, including a big loaf.
In this post, I’ll guide you through sewing your own practical and beautiful bread bag, which can be closed with drawstrings.
Storing bread in single-use plastic bags can lead to mold, while paper bags cause the bread to dry out too quickly. Reusable linen bread bags offer the perfect solution for keeping bread fresh for a long time and preventing mold growth.
However, bread lasts the longest when stored in a linen bag inside a wooden bread box.
Ideas and Tips
- Sew several bread bags for yourself. For example, use one for fresh bread and another for older bread, or differentiate between wheat and rye bread.
- When washing your bread bag, use an unscented, natural, and mild detergent to avoid ingesting chemicals through your bread later.
- Machine washing linen is fine, but wash at up to 40°C (100°F) and avoid high spin speeds. Following proper care instructions will ensure your linen lasts a long time.
Necessary Equipment
Sharp fabric scissors
Tape measure
Pins
Sewing machine
Natural linen material
3mm cord – triple or braided macrame cord works very well
Thread – ensure the thread matches the fabric color
Sewing the Linen Bread Bag
Cut Out the Pieces
- Cut two identical pieces from the linen fabric. Each piece should be 9.8 inches (25 cm) wide + 0.8 inches (2 cm) seam allowance and 14.6 inches (37 cm) long + 0.8 inches (2 cm) seam allowance.
- Cut two cords, each about 21.7 inches (55 cm) long.
Mark the Top Edge
- If your fabric has a right and wrong side, place the right sides together.
- Measure 2.4 inches (6 cm) down from the top edge on both sides and mark with a pin or pencil.
Cut Diagonals
- From the bottom edge, cut off both corners to prevent bread crumbs from getting trapped.
- Measure 1.2 inches (3 cm) from the corner along both the side and up, marking with a pencil.
- Cut diagonally between these points.
- Pin to keep the fabric from shifting. Repeat for the other corner.
Sew the Fabrics Together
- Place the top right corner under the sewing machine’s presser foot, starting to sew where you placed the pin.
- Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end for security.
- Use a 0.4-inch (1 cm) seam allowance with a stitch length of about 2.5 mm. Sew up to the last pin on the other side and stop.
Sew the Raw Edges
- Sew all edges to prevent fraying. Don’t sew the fabrics together, sew each piece’s edges separately.
- If you have a serger, use it to finish all edges including the top.
- If not, use a simple zigzag stitch or an overlock-like stitch (SS23 on Brother machines).
Sew the Sides of the Bread Bag
- Lay the work with the side seam towards you on a table.
- Fold the fabric down 0.4 inches (1 cm) from the top edge, as if you were about to make a single hem.
- Tuck the folded edge under the seam allowance of the slit.
- Sew close to the edge on both sides of the slit.
Finishing the Top Edge
- Fold the fabric edge down by 0.4 inches (1 cm), then fold it down again by 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Pin near the inner edge and iron if necessary.
- Sew close to the inner edge, leaving room for the cord to move inside the hem.
Inserting the Cord
- Attach a safety pin or paper clip to one end of the cord.
- Thread this cord through the hem until it comes out the other side.
- Then thread from the other side too.
- Do the same with the second cord, starting from the opposite side.
- Now, both cords will exit from both sides.
- Tie a secure knot at each end of the cords and trim the excess.
You’ll likely find that making this bread bag was incredibly easy. Since this project uses relatively little fabric, you’ll probably have some left over. Sew yourself some linen tea towels and reusable kitchen wipes to match the bread bag style and blend into your kitchen decor.
Sew a bunch of linen bags, and you’ll always have a practical, lovingly made gift on hand for friends and family!
How to Sew Linen Bread Bag (Step-By-Step Guide)
This bag is the perfect size for storing homemade bread. It can hold a large amount of bread, including a big loaf.
Materials
- 3mm cord - triple or braided macrame cord works very well
- Natural linen material
- Thread - ensure the thread matches the fabric color
Tools
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Tape measure
- Pins
- Sewing machine
Instructions
Cut Out the Pieces:
- Cut two identical pieces from the linen fabric. Each piece should be 9.8 inches (25 cm) wide + 0.8 inches (2 cm) seam allowance and 14.6 inches (37 cm) long + 0.8 inches (2 cm) seam allowance.
- Cut two cords, each about 21.7 inches (55 cm) long.
Mark the Top Edge
- If your fabric has a right and wrong side, place the right sides together.
- Measure 2.4 inches (6 cm) down from the top edge on both sides and mark with a pin or pencil.
Cut Diagonals
- From the bottom edge, cut off both corners to prevent bread crumbs from getting trapped.
- Measure 1.2 inches (3 cm) from the corner along both the side and up, marking with a pencil.
- Cut diagonally between these points.
- Pin to keep the fabric from shifting. Repeat for the other corner.
Sew the Fabrics Together
- Place the top right corner under the sewing machine's presser foot, starting to sew where you placed the pin.
- Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end for security.
- Use a 0.4-inch (1 cm) seam allowance with a stitch length of about 2.5 mm. Sew up to the last pin on the other side and stop.
Sew the Raw Edges
- Sew all edges to prevent fraying. Don't sew the fabrics together; sew each piece's edges separately.
- If you have a serger, use it to finish all edges including the top.
- If not, use a simple zigzag stitch or an overlock-like stitch (SS23 on Brother machines).
Sew the Sides of the Bread Bag
- Lay the work with the side seam towards you on a table.
- Fold the fabric down 0.4 inches (1 cm) from the top edge (like doing a hem), as if you were about to make a single hem.
- Tuck the folded edge under the seam allowance of the slit.
- Sew close to the edge on both sides to close the gap.
Finishing the Top Edge
- Fold the fabric edge down by 0.4 inches (1 cm), then fold it down again by 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Pin near the inner edge and iron if necessary.
- Sew close to the inner edge, leaving room for the cord to move inside the hem.
Inserting the Cord
- Attach a safety pin or paper clip to one end of the cord.
- Thread this cord through the hem until it comes out the other side.
- Then thread from the other side too.
- Do the same with the second cord, starting from the opposite side.
- Now, both cords will exit from both sides.
- Tie a secure knot at each end of the cords and trim the excess.
