"" sewing tutorial | KIDS | crafts | handmade gifts | bread bags | fort kits | diy hang tags | saltwater-kids

4.21.2010

5 minute bread bag tutorial


 





While baking bread a few weeks ago, I decided to wrap up a loaf and bring it to a friend who had just returned home from an emergency room visit.  But wouldn't you know, I couldn't find a bag to put it in.  On my next visit to Target, I grabbed a 3-pack of dishtowels that caught my eye.  At first, I considered adding a casing and a drawstring, but when it came down to it, I needed something faster and easier (with two busy boys running around, fast and easy is all that I have time for these days).  Instead, I found a spool of grosgrain ribbon in my stash (from the dollar store) and after five minutes of cutting and sewing I was finished!

Many of you probably don't need a tutorial to figure this one out, but I remember when I was just starting out on my sewing adventure, I loved having a step-by-step guide so I could visualize the whole process.

Oh, and for the bread, I LOVE this book: Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.  Baking bread theses days is a snap!  And it makes for great gifts too.  With this tutorial, you can make six bags in about 30 minutes (five minutes each - just like the bread).  I like to get my bread going and then hop on the sewing machine and whip out a few bags while I am waiting (and enjoying the wonderful aroma). 

finished bag measurements: 8"X13"





Materials: 
skill level: beginner

  • Dish towel (27"X18.5") - each towel makes 2 bags
  • 28" ribbon for each bag





step 1: fold the towel in half cross wise and cut...





creating two equal rectangles measuring 18.5" X 14" (two bags)


Step 2: to reduce some bulk, cut off the folded hem along the side...







it should look something like this.







step 3: cut your ribbon to 28" long and fold in half.  Measure 2" from the top of the bag and...








pin the folded side of the ribbon into place between the sides of the bag - I like to leave a little of the ribbon sticking out just to make sure it doesn't slip out while I am sewing







Step 4: sew down the side and across the bottom of the bag...





when you are done it should look like this.








Step 5: (this step is optional) I like to finish the edges so the bread doesn't get little strings all over it.  I used my serger along the unfinished edges, but if you don't have one, just use a zig-zag stitch instead...







then just clip the strings, and turn it right side out... 


Finished! 










place your cooled bread inside and secure with a bow!






Here is the book.  After borrowing it from the library, I immediately purchased a copy for myself.




If you decide to give the bags a try I would love to see them!
UPDATE: Here is an alternative to using ribbon:

Bread bag update 1

click HERE for the instructions!




40 comments:

  1. This is a great idea!

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  2. That is so cute! Thanks so much for the bag, this would make a great hostess gift- especially with a loaf of pesto bread inside, yum! I'll be linking.

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  3. Wonderful, I've had the book for a while and love it, some pretty bread bags would be a perfect addition.

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  4. You make it look too simple.... I am just going to have to give it a try and wouldn't this be an awesome year end gift for the teachers? (My daughter has 5 this year!!!)

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  5. cool - I've got a collection of teatowels that i wanted to create something with, and you've inspired me to get my book off the shelf and do some 5 minute bread!

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  6. Melissa, don't you just love that book! I would love to see your bags!

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  7. What a great idea...so much prettier that the cellophane I've been using. Thanks for the great idea!

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  8. wow this is way too cute and simple enough and quick enough to do a bunch! Will make great Christmas gifts for the ladies in the family. Thanks!

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  9. This is great! My husband has had the artisan breads book for a while now. He had a few flops when he first bought it so he gave up on it and it's been sitting on the shelf for a few months. However he just started working out of it again a few days ago, and since he's been successful so far this time, I think he needs some bread bags! It's so nice when his cooking hobby and my sewing hobby can come together :)

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  10. Oh, no! I'm going to have to make some bread so I can use these bags. They are great! Can't wait to try it. Thanks.

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  11. What a great idea! I love giving bread as a gift! I'm going to have to check out that book at my library. Thanks for the suggestion!
    -Sarah from Create Studio
    www.createstudio.blogspot.com

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  12. Thank you so much!! This was as simple as you said and a great idea. My husband is delighted that I've (with the help of 3yr old) made him bags for his bread! Thank you for sharing.

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  13. Thank you Jessica! I love hearing feedback - great to know they are working for you!

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  14. We got out carrying bags of hope! With it we will fight harder!

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  15. Great idea. I am going to make one today. I make my own brown bread, and I just put it in freezer bag. These looks so much prettier.

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  16. I am SO excited about this tutorial! I make bread all the time and have never found the right bag to put it in. I've been thinking about making bread for this kid's teachers this year for Christmas and this is perfect! Thanks!

    PS: Sending you an email now...

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  17. Great idea -- especially the teacher-gift part. I have a potentially silly question ... What exactly are bread bags good for? I have a bread machine, and I make all our sandwich bread, but I usually slice a loaf up completely and freeze the slices. How much does the bread bag extend the life of the bread on your counter? And would it work for sandwich-type bread as well as fancier breads? I would love to make some attractive bags and keep the bread on the counter rather than using up freezer space with it (and losing the last few slices of loaves in the back of the freezer)!

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  18. Thanks for sharing this. It was just what I needed to send off to a friend today.

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  19. Love it! Thanks for the book information as well. I bought a milling machine and haven't put much effort into using it to make bread yet. All the home school moms mill their own wheat so I had to jump on the band wagon but have chickened out at actually making the bread. I just use my milled wheat for breading fried food. Not really living up to it's potential ;)

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  20. Thank you for your tutorial. The first time I saw bread bag on a website was many year back and been wondering how to sew one just like that.
    I do now :)Other than the bag, I will check out to book too.Thanks again.

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  21. Ran into this idea just in time to make a cute bread bag with some homemade bread for teacher gifts this Christmas. Just wanted to let you know I love your ideas.

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  22. i gess i will have to go cheack this book out

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  23. I too love that book. I should make some of these bags for myself. They would make a nice way to keep the bread fresh in the fridge :)

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  24. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that book too. and this is a great idea for storing it. Thanks I think I know what I will be doing soon ;)

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  25. I just made these for a wedding shower... SO CUTE! Thanks for the idea!

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  26. Someone just asked how to deliver their breads as gifts and I found your site, what a sweet idea and I'm so thrilled that you are baking from our book!

    I will give her the link to this post!

    Cheers, Zoë François

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  27. Thanks! I just made one with an Ikea towel!

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  28. I think I will try just folding the towel in half and using the folded edge for the top of the bag. Since my serger has a chain stitch, I can use that to stitch around the three sides, catching in a ribbon. That way, the chain stitch can be removed easily and the bag can then be used as the full size towel again. No cutting required.

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  29. What a great and simple tutorial. Wonderful idea! Since I am getting back into making my own homemade bread I think this will be a great project for me. :-) I would love it if you considered sharing this at my linky party this week: http://www.artistic31mama.com/2012/03/fabulous-fridays-5-03-30-12.html Thanks!

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  30. I love baking bread, but I'm not much of a sewer...however, even I figured I could do this! Here are the ones I made. Thanks for the great tutorial! http://taylorstamped.blogspot.com/2012/05/end-of-school-year-gifts-part-1.html

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  31. I love this idea! It seems simple enough for a beginner like me. Thanks!

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  33. Thank you so much for the step-by-step directions. I am BRAND NEW to sewing, and this was the perfect beginner project for me!

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  34. Thanks for this! I have some 28" x 28" flour sack cloths, and I figured I can get 3 of these bags out of one flour sack. I already sewed one up (with 2 more cut out and ready to go), and I added a line of decorative stitching near the top edge. I think it took me longer than 5 minutes only because of the fancy stitching! It's so pretty I can't wait to bake some bread!

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  35. Wonderful idea! I wish I would have seen this before I handed out my bread gifts this Xmas.
    I just wrapped my loaves around new dish towels and placed them in a bag,
    but they were not anywhere near as pretty and cozy as these.

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  36. FAB IDEA for your simple & practical 5-MINUTE BREAD BAG TUTORIAL! LOVE the print towel fabrics & colors you purchased at Target. I plan to sew several as gifts for relatives. THANKS for sharing. Sarah in Minneapolis

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  37. The tutorial may be simple, but it's the idea that counts and this is a great one. I like baking looong baguettes and they don't fit in conventional bags. Your bread book looks interesting too. From one busy mom to another, it's great to be able to bake bread without much fuss. I've been using this book; the basic idea seems to be the same.

    http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Reinharts-Artisan-Breads-Every/dp/1580089984/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402591633&sr=1-1&keywords=artisan+breads+every+day+-+peter+reinhart%27s

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