How to sew a Bento bag

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Make your own Japanese-style fabric bag with our free bento bag sewing pattern.

If you’re in the mood for a spot of sewing with an international twist, learn how to make a bento bag with this free tutorial.

These handy little bags are both super-stylish and easy to make – just grab three fat quarters from your fabric stash and you’re ready to go!

This Japanese-style bento bag sewing pattern is one of our favourite easy sewing projects from Simply Sewing magazine, designed by Jennie Jones. It’s easy to make by piecing together and folding three fabric squares.

New to sewing? Take a look at our sewing for beginners, how to use a sewing machine and best sewing machines for beginners guides. We’ve also put together some great sewing kits for beginners for you to try. Read on to learn how to make a bento bag with our step by step guide.

Free bento bag sewing pattern

You will need

3 Fabric fat quarters
Basic sewing kit
Iron

Step 1

Cut three pieces of fabric to form the sides and bottom of your bento bag. The two side pieces should measure 40x42cm (15³⁄₄x16¹⁄₂in) and the bottom piece should measure 40x40cm (15¾x15¾in).

Step 2

Take one of the side pieces and turn the top edge over by 1cm (³⁄₈in) twice then stitch down to hem. Repeat with the left edge. Take the other side piece and do the same along the bottom and right edges. With right sides (RS) facing, stitch the right edge of the left side piece to the left edge of the bottom piece. Repeat with the left edge of the right side piece and the right edge of the bottom piece.

Step 3

With the wrong side (WS) facing you, fold the bottom piece along its diagonal. You will now have a V-shaped piece, with the RS facing you on one side and the WS facing you on the other.

Step 4

Turn over the bag then fold the left side in to join the raw edge of the bottom and pin together, RS facing.

Step 5

Turn over the bag and repeat on the other side.

Step 6

You’ll now have a U-shaped piece, with WS facing you.

Step 7

Sew along the pinned seams, then turn the bag RS out. Topstitch where the pieces are joined at the opening of the bag to neaten.

Step 8

Create box corners to finish the bento bag sewing pattern. Turn the bag to the WS and draw a pencil line 5cm (2in) in from each corner.

Step 9

Sew along the line and trim the excess fabric. Turn the bag RS out and tie the sides into a bow.

Ta da! Your bento bag sewing pattern is finished & ready to take out to play.

Try some stunning Sashiko

If you just can’t get enough of Japanese style, then you should definitely check out our tutorial on how to fix your clothes with Sashiko mending – an ancient Japanese stitching technique that is both practical and stylish.

Jennie Jones

Jennie Jones discovered sewing when she had children and her work is featured regularly in Simply Sewing magazine. Her Fast Fat Quarter designs show makers how to craft modern gifts, accessories and homewares using just one or two pieces of fabric. She shares a mix of handmade loveliness with a bit of vintage thrown in on her Instagram @thestitchinghut. Jenny harbors a fairly serious fabric buying habit

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