How to Make a Canvas Lunch Bag from Scratch

Make your own canvas lunch bag!

I don’t know why., but I love canvas lunch bags. They just feel so classic and cool imo.

And since it’s back to school season already, I made some and thought I’d share how.

So, whether you have kiddos at home or are just looking for an excuse for a new lunch bag, I have you covered with a DIY canvas and leather version that works for adults and kids.

They’re sewn from hand painted water-resistant canvas, so you can mess with the dimensions, designs, etc to get it just right for you (or your kid).

Here’s how to make your own!

Supplies for Canvas Lunch Bag

• medium to heavyweight canvas (11.5 in x 29 in makes one lunch bag)
• fabric paint and paint brush (if creating your own design)
• fabric wax sealant – optional (I use Otter Wax, which you can get on Amazon)
• leather strap or scrap (see dimensions needed in step 7)
• gold button and screw back
• leather / fabric hole punch
• measuring tape and marking chalk
• sewing machine

How to Make a Canvas Lunch Bag

1. Prepare the canvas fabric.

Start by measuring and cutting a 11.5 in x 29 in piece of canvas.

If you’re painting your own design on the canvas or dyeing the canvas a solid color, now is the time to complete that process.

You can use fabric paint, a little water to thin out the paint if desired, and a paint brush.

OR you can dye the entire piece of canvas using this technique: how to dye natural fibers. Wait for it to completely dry before moving onto the next step.

2. Cut and fold.

Once cut, fold the canvas in half and pin, as shown in photo.

3. Fold and sew.

Next, fold the top edges down 1/2 inch and sew a straight line (1/4 inch from the edge).

Backstitch at the beginning and end of each side.

4. Sew the sides.

Then sew a straight line on both sides (1/4 inch from the edge), leaving the top open.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of each side.

5. Fold and sew.

Next, match up the bottom corners of the bag to each other (as shown in the photo) and fold, forming a diamond shape. 

On both corners, mark a line 2 in away from the corner and then draw a horizontal line 4 in across.

Sew over the lines and cut off the corners, leaving a 1/2 in edge.

6. Turn right side out and iron.

Turn the bag right side out and press out all four corners.

Then, form the bag into a lunch bag shape and iron all four vertical creases from the bottom corner to the top of the bag.

Also, iron a horizontal crease from each corner on the bottom allowing the bag to stand on its own.

 7. Cut leather strips.