How to Make a Reusable Sandwich Wrap

BenAar0n writes: The PUL wazoodle sells says that it is food safe. It says "DiaperMaker PUL fabric contain no lead, phlalates or BPA making them ideal for applications that require direct contact with baby skin. They are also food safe, meaning they can be used to make or line snack bags." They have a site with USD and a site with CAD (but seems to have less selection). I'm not sure what some would consider "adult prints" but they have PUL with flames on it and blue camo PUL. Great tutorial :)
Posted: 7:00 pm on February 19th

Craig27Jannie writes: Some time before, I did need to buy a good car for my organization but I did not earn enough cash and couldn't order anything. Thank heaven my brother adviced to try to take the home loans at reliable creditors. Thence, I acted so and was happy with my collateral loan.
Posted: 2:45 am on September 9th

clbecker writes: This is great. I haven't made them yet. but I have to tell you my story.t work a single father asked if I could makr a reuseable bag that he could wash.Ofcourse I told him I would take on the chalange So now I just have to get started.
Thanks carolkyn
Posted: 11:46 am on July 6th

sconelady1 writes: Oops...We need an edit button, lol. I was going to say the foil works best for me, tried using a ziploc bag but it was sooo slippery I got mad and ditched it. ;)
Posted: 6:32 am on June 24th

sconelady1 writes: I made mine about 6 months ago and for the lining I use foil lined chip bags. You know, like veggie fries or chips come in? Just cut the bottom seam off, then cut down the center back seam, open and wash it, hang to dry and cut it out right along with your pattern. My husband uses his everyday and works in a machine shop,so it gets some rough use. It has held up very well and I make his sandwich the night before and it stays fresh until lunch the next day! It wipes out so easily, but honestly it rarely actually has anything more than crumbs left on it. I know the lining is safe because food is packaged in it to sell, I am accumulating a nice little stash so I can make a bunch of these for Christmas gifts! I tried making one with just a double lining of fabric...reversible for fun. I put some bread in it and let it set and after just 3 hours the bread was drying out, so it def needs a liner to keep them fresh and the foil
Posted: 6:28 am on June 24th

rigidheddleweaving writes: What a great idea!

I'm going to take this one step greener...

...either by using discarding clothing for the cloth or by weaving plarn cloth (fabric made from plastic yarn which is plastic shopping bags cut into strips) and then fusing a plastic bread bag to the fabric (either the discarding clothing or the plarn cloth) for the liner (gently ironing it on) OR by fusing a bunch of plastic shopping bags together to make the cloth (fuse by gently ironing) and the same bread bag lining. Then I'll make a lunch sack to match.
Posted: 3:35 am on April 12th

cecdkc writes: In my quest to find "safe," moisture-resistant material to use as the liner, I came across this: http://www.nationwideplastics.net/downloads/NPI_Polyethylene_Quadrant_HDPE.pdf
I'm not sure how to order (yet), or if they only sell in huge quantities, but thought I'd pass along the information, in case it's useful to someone else.
I also sent an email to the Director over food packaging at the FDA to see if there is a fabric that is deemed "food safe." I'll post if I get a reply.
Posted: 5:39 pm on November 9th

Mork_the_Dork writes: I love this idea I'm tired of doing the same old baggy every day for lunch, it always makes the sandwich soggy. This will be wonderful Thank you for posting this.
Posted: 9:56 am on October 30th

jiba writes: I think this is great. I would love to make a lot to sell or giveaway at my child's school. We are trying to make a greener school. Thank you.
Posted: 9:15 am on October 22nd

Jackie3072 writes: Phew!!
I'm exhausted after reading all these comments. Valuable information however.

I am so thankful for the pattern.
I will make my own decision as to the what I will use (if anything) as a laminate.

Hopefully you didn't get discouraged and will continue to share your creativity with us.

Thank you very much.
Posted: 8:06 pm on October 2nd

Jackie3072 writes: Phew!!
I'm exhausted after reading all these comments. Valuable information however.

I am so thankful for the pattern.
I will make my own decision as to the what I will use (if anything) as a laminate.

Hopefully you didn't get discouraged and will continue to share your creativity with us.

Thank you very much.
Posted: 8:05 pm on October 2nd

Jackie3072 writes: Phew!!
I'm exhausted after reading all these comments. Valuable information however.

I am so thankful for the pattern.
I will make my own decision as to the what I will use (if anything) as a laminate.

Hopefully you didn't get discouraged and will continue to share your creativity with us.

Thank you very much.
Posted: 8:01 pm on October 2nd

kastolzm writes: Hi, I am going to make this wrap today. But I was also concerned about using PUL. But I read another tip on a different site...use heavy duty ZIP LOCK gallon sized bags in place of the PUL. Cut out the pattern from the gallon bag, pin to fabric and sew. ZIP lock backs are already designed for food + the plastic is thicker than other bags. I bought some from Ikea that are really thick. Thanks.
Posted: 11:55 am on September 20th

shelleydavis writes: As consumers we all should be concerned about going green. However a larger concern is using plastics with PBA present in them. This is a known carcenagenic. Just because something says "food safe" we can not assume that PBA is not present. PBA is found in many sippy cups and baby bottles that we can purchase to feed our children.
Buyer BEWARE!!!
Posted: 1:21 pm on August 24th

junctioncats writes: diaperstash just made an extremely good point. Just how safe is Polyurethane for food contact? I've handled it also, and had what the docs called Contact Dermatitis after handling multiple yards of it. Polyurethane is not the same as the plastic in sandwich bags, so I'll ask again...how safe is this for good contact? I'd say its not something I'd wrap anyone's food in.
Posted: 1:36 pm on August 23rd

cathyfromyokohoma writes: I think this is the neatist ideal yet. If I cnn"t find the plastic coated fabric could I line this neat thing with waxed paper. I think it is the cutest thing & would be great way to use up some material, which we all have. Cathy A
Posted: 3:59 pm on August 22nd

hammersmithcm writes: Hello All,

This is such a cute idea, but really I don't think its practical due to the lack of a safe liner. I use waxed paper bags for backing lunches. They are biodegradable, natural (wax and paper), compostable, and do a good job of keeping food. Not to mention you can reuse them fairly easily.

For liquid/larger items I use stainless steel or class containers.

Posted: 10:32 am on August 21st

gypsymommab writes: Okay now I love this idea.. sheesh where was it when I was raising 6 kids and making lunches.. I have 14 grand children now and I am gonna make them for the gang.. cant wait to see your book!!!
Posted: 8:39 am on August 21st

Getsy writes: Ok...here's an idea.....for the plastic lining...walmart...yes I said it walmart sells a shower curtain liner that is food safe....human safe...I buy it and line all my little bags with it....as well as utensil rolls....this would work for this as well....it will be a bit challenging to work with but with tissue paper it might just work out really well...Can't wait to make these for my grandkiddos...want this world to see my grandkids kids and then some!
Posted: 12:48 am on July 21st

writerinfact writes: The best thing about this project (other than, of course, the pretty factor, the GREEN factor, and the uniqueness factor) is that I can finally fit my bread in the lunch container! Both solid sandwich boxes and bags (both made of non-eco plastic) are made for puffy square white bread, which I don't use; mine is much more oval-shaped (and it doesn't fit in regular toasters, either!). Gotta, gotta make one - or better, five!

Thanks a bunch.
Posted: 11:49 pm on June 26th

diaperstash writes: I have cut, folded and sold thousands of yards of PUL. It is not laminated with polyethylene (like the plastics used for food contact) - it is laminated with polyurethane (a whole different substance.) I don't think I'd want to put my food in it. I say this mostly from personal experience and the side effects I felt after handling large volumes of it.
Posted: 11:12 pm on January 29th

KnoxUpholstery writes: I frequently use velcro with the adhesive backing so I don't have to mess with pins...and if/when your needle gets gunked up just keep a bottle of goo gone near you and wipe off the needle (while still attached to the machine). Makes things quick and easy and no pins to mess with! Works like a charm every single time.
Posted: 9:48 pm on October 21st

Cookyv writes: I use nylon fabric for my lining. It works great. If your needle is getting sticky you are using the wrong type of velcro. Make sure it doesn't have adhesive backing on it.
Posted: 11:35 am on October 19th

torit writes: Looks like a cute project!
Can anyone explain why oil cloth can't be used on this project? I read on an oil cloth website that you can use it with food if the person is over 3 yrs old? That seems so odd. It has PVC in it right? I would use "confused" as my screen name but it might be taken....
thanks!
Posted: 5:38 pm on September 21st

kametals writes: Hello,

What about using a tightly woven unbleached cotton for a liner? Make a few and wash after use. What about nylon fabric for the liner?

Every step we take makes a difference!
Posted: 10:03 pm on September 9th

OrahLee writes: I'm just making mine out of "chintz" fabric (shinny on one side & crisp) then wraping my sandwich in waxed paper- - - I always want to "fasten" the wax paper closed, and aside from a corsage pin, this works better, AND WAY CUTER!!!!! This and a napkin and a matching lunch bag? I am too cool! Ha!
Would LOVE to win the book!
Posted: 2:09 pm on September 7th

betzwhite writes: Re: food safety
Obviously this is a topic that many people are passionate about! If you are wary of PUL or other plastics, please don't use them. Scan the comments on this post for other creative solutions that readers have left. I feel that the PUL manufacturers state that PUL is not certified as food safe because they have not had the FDA test it for food safety. Personally, vinyl (modern oilcloth) scares the beegeebers out of me due to the hype about lead, yet some folks are happy to use it.

This project was meant to be helpful and create less waste on a daily basis. I hope, as with any project, you make it work for you and tailor it to your own familly's needs and desires.
Posted: 11:25 am on August 30th

Catlynn writes: www.tatermash.com has a great selection of oilcloth. they are located in Tulsa, OK
Posted: 12:29 am on August 27th

GlacierBlue writes: This is such a cool idea, however confirming product safety around food ... and even certain types of reactive foods (highly acidic, etc.) is crucial to any project whether for human consumption or for pets.
KittyF blogged some really good ideas for rectifying this dilemma. Although oilcloth can be found in some fabric shops, and there are lots of online sites that offer some pretty choices, Kitty's suggestion for recycling the inside bags to cereal boxes is superb!
Another idea would be to use a tiny bit of fusible webbing to secure the coated paper within the wrap. The paper can be removed when worn out or when the wrap needs to be washed, then another sheet can be easily replaced with another bit of fusible webbing. If you don't eat that much cereal, a sheet of coated parchment paper can be used over and over again for this project.
I love to bring real silverware and napkins to work because it's kind of medatative to quiet down even a quick lunch aa one is surrounded by the colors, textures and warmth of "home". These wraps also serve that purpose by doubling as an inviting placemat. Such a cool idea!
Posted: 12:21 am on August 27th

KittyF writes: I'm not a fan of plastic, if I were doing this rather than buy plastic coated fabric I'd consider oil cloth. Not sure if they actually make oil cloth these days or if it is plastic embedded, but oil cloth was cloth boiled in oil til the oil became bonded with the fabric. Silk and cotton were two fabrics which were treated this way.

However, if you have to use plastic, why not just stitch a recycled Cereal box liner into your project. OR, use silk. it's washable, fairly cheap, and boy does it prevent air from moving through it. should keep a sandwich from drying out til lunch time. LOL

Well I gotta say, I love the idea as far as it goes, but I think it needs a bit of thought to make it fit YOUR lifestyle and values. FWIW, kitty
Posted: 10:45 pm on August 26th

SnickerDoodle_Kids writes: Recently I had a customer ask about BPA and food safety issues with PUL. I visited the fabrite web site and it said it was not food safe. But when I inquired about BPA, got an answer from Fabrite saying it does not contain BPA.

"Polyethylene does not contain BPA and has proven to be a benign plastic"
Thus far NOT sure why fabrite is saying their fabric is not food safe. Liability reasons? It may be easier to just state that it's not food safe than to pay legal costs if someone decided to sue them. Like most plastics, it may emit toxic chemicals when heated in the microwave?

Polyethylene is on highchairs and other infant feeding seats and many feed children right off of the high chair tray.

Who is to say that the sandwich bags we use everyday are safer?
www.junktique.etsy.com
Posted: 10:33 pm on August 26th

ecokaren writes: I contacted Fabrite and the customer rep e-mailed me and said that PUL is not Food Safe. I also sent e-mails to numerous vendors of PUL and they all said that they are not food safe.

If you are sure PUL is food safe, I'd love to find out if you can prove that it is. I've been searching all of the place to find out if they are. I am trying to make food safe bags with PUL but gave up on the project because I couldn't get anyone to confirm that it is. Even Betz e-mailed me and said she doesn't know if it is for sure.

I made bags with PUL side away from the food just to be sure for personal use.
Posted: 9:14 pm on August 26th

SnickerDoodle_Kids writes: If you don't find any PUL in adult prints, you could sew a layer of solid color PUL to the back of your print and treat as one layer of fabric. HTH Sharon www.junktique.etsy.com
Posted: 3:14 pm on August 26th

SnickerDoodle_Kids writes: Fabrite brand laminate PUL is food safe. I carry cuts of PUL on my Etsy store. www.junktique.etsy.com
LOVE you Betz! Sharon
Posted: 3:09 pm on August 26th

ecogeneration writes: Unfortunately PUL is NOT FOOD SAFE. So you should probably use some other fabric to make this.
Posted: 2:44 pm on August 26th

wcuhatter89 writes: I have a question..
I just put on my velcro tape, but when I tried to sew it my needle got all sticky in the tape. o_O
For now I'll just leave the velcro on un-sewn, but do you have any thoughts?
Posted: 8:08 pm on August 20th

SquarePenniesMaggie writes: These are great! Can't wait to make some. Am posting about it on my blog: www.squarepennies.blogspot.com

Thanks! Hope I win.

All the best, Maggie
Posted: 8:59 pm on June 24th

HDMac writes: An absolutely fun and clever idea for going green. I will be making these for my grandkids! Thank you!!!!
Posted: 1:08 am on June 8th

LiveLoveDoNaturally writes: I have pledged to no longer buy ziploc (plastic bags) and this is a beautiful alternative to tupperware containers. My daughter loves girlie and frilly anything and this is the perfect project for us to do together. I dont have PUL, but I am going to try to fuse the huge roll of vinyl I bought for a previous project that has been untouched because I got the wrong weight.

Your project is gorgeous.
Posted: 2:57 pm on May 22nd

Acker writes: Good day. very Interested info on your site. I have found the many information in the Internet.
adjustable baby sling
Posted: 4:12 pm on May 18th

RenewableNRG writes: Thanks for the great idea! I'm going to make a "weekly" set of these next weekend for my DH. A beeswax coating on cotton would be lovely! As another food-safe alternative to any suspect PUL - and the one I will be using - is lanolinizing the cotton/linen/blend material. It's very easy to do and completely food safe (some people with true wool allergies may not want to do this). Completely Dissolve a teaspoon/grape-sized dollop of pure lanolin in 8 to 16 cups (anywhere from 2 liters to one gallon) of warm water. Swish the sandwich wrap in the water for a few minutes, remove it, then let it air dry. Voila! It will keep a sandwich from drying out and can be wiped clean of light, nonfatty, nonmeat particles. The only drawback is the lanolinizing does have to be redone after a machine-washing. Pure lanolin (Lansinoh makes a great product) is available in the baby section of Target and other stores with baby and mommy supplies.
Posted: 2:28 am on May 3rd

PassiFlora_magazine writes: Thank you for the great tutorial. I linked it at PassiFlora magazine (we had a post about reusable lunch bags) http://passifloramag.com/2009/04/money-saving-and-lunch-bags/

And congratulations on your new book! ;)
Posted: 10:50 am on April 23rd

goody2socks writes: What a great little wrap! I would bring a sandwich to work everyday just to use the bag! I would love to get a copy of the book - what other possibilities are there for going green and reusable?

Posted: 8:23 am on April 23rd

VivOaks writes: My daughter just emailed me the url for this page and asked if I thought she could make it. She didn't take to sewing much as a youngster, but I'll bet she can do it. I'd love to win the book to send to her!
Posted: 1:35 pm on April 22nd

CJ_PA writes: I go through hundreds of "baggies" each year packing my husband's lunches. Thanks for the great suggestion, I am going to try this and variations!
Posted: 7:22 am on April 22nd

dette writes: I couldn't find the PUL fabric referred to in this tutorial (I live in western australia so it could be something else) Anyway I bought about 20cm of plastic fabric from spotlight- one of my local fabric stores- but it had a lightly flocked backing so I just layered the two together and zig zagged them with the flocked surface inside. Then rather than sewing the side flaps on one side and folding back and sewing them again I just did the whole lot in zig zag stitch around the outside sewing the sides in as I went- incredibly quick and easy and it worked out very much the same. The fabric cost $2 (australian) all up and there is enough to make two!
Posted: 3:26 pm on April 17th

sharonw12 writes: These are great, but so far, I've only been able to

find PUL prints that are more for babies. Any idea where to find adult style print PUL?
Posted: 1:31 pm on April 12th

IggyJingles writes: Thanks for the information about the iron on materials. I'm glad I didn't make it yet!
I remember having my sandwiches in plain paper bags when I was a schoolgirl. They didn't go stale in the few hours between being made in the morning and lunchtime.
Posted: 3:48 am on April 12th

Melmerc writes: my daughter loves unique things and this is no exception... I'm definitely making this... and maybe a lunch bag too!
Posted: 9:28 am on April 4th

ArtSmith writes: This is absolutely adorable! Of course, I'd have to add a matching cloth napkin and a matching bag! I even have that same patterned fabric already, but it's not lined/coated.
Posted: 5:19 pm on April 2nd

DonnaLee50 writes: Love this idea! I am always looking for items to sew that reduce the use of plastic bags. Would love the book!!!!
Posted: 2:11 pm on April 2nd

TheresaD writes: I love the idea - need to find a place to purchase the PUL!

I'm putting on my thinking cap - we have a yearly family picnic - what a hit this will make showing up this wonderful idea.

Thanks, Terry D.
Posted: 6:58 pm on March 31st

ohnoshesews writes: Thanks Patzee and Betz for the tips on the websites to purchase PUL!! I'll definitely be placing my order soon!
Posted: 10:54 pm on March 29th

betzwhite writes: Hi All,
Betz here...thanks so much for all of your comments! I will try to answer most of your questions here. Please visit my blog post on packing waste-free lunches at
http://blog.betzwhite.com/2009/03/reusable-sandwich-wrap-tutorial.html

1) Freshness: This keeps PUL wrap keeps sandwiches fresh because of the laminate coating.
2) Food Safety: In my research, I have found that vinyl (modern oilcloth and iron on laminate, etc) is not rated as food safe. I have read that PUL is regarded as food safe as the plastic used in lunch baggies. Waxed cloth and true old fashioned oil cloth would also be food safe, but I have not tried making these finishes myself. Finally, you could make these with plain uncoated fabric, but I am not sure if the bread would get stale.
3) Resources: I apologize about the shop I linked to, I didn't realize that is was not currently taking orders. Check www.acutabovefabrics.com sells PUL and I have found shops on eBay as well. Make sure it is cotton PUL.

If you have any other questions, please visit my blog and leave a comment there as I am more likely to see it. :)
http://blog.betzwhite.com/2009/03/reusable-sandwich-wrap-tutorial.html

I hope you enjoyed this peek into my book!
Thank you,
Betz
Posted: 9:02 pm on March 29th

lisarenata writes: this is an awesome idea. now i need to find excuses to pack a lunch.
Posted: 3:53 pm on March 29th

holley1 writes: supercute idea and another step closer toward reduction of unnecessary packaging. can't wait to check out the entire book.
Posted: 3:51 pm on March 29th

allmomsrule writes: What a great idea, of course I'm the only one in my house that would use this but it would be a great gift for co-workers since all of us bring lunch to work.
Posted: 3:41 pm on March 29th

mscraftypants writes: Lovely tutorial and great comments too! I want to try the wax coating and was also wondering how long it keeps the sandwich fresh? Looking forward to more from your new book!
Posted: 12:39 pm on March 29th

antax writes: What a wonderful project!with a clear tutorial.I have to make quite a lot,cos all members of family work,taking packed lunches with them. 'Sandwich pack' is very versatile since it can be used as placemat. I'm making 21 for sure,my daughter is giving them to her kindergarten pupils, encouraging them to be more green! I'm going to try one using fused plastic(etsy).I get 2 bags each week,(the sports guides, comes in plastic)in my shop and I've been saving them to re-use them.I use 'potch'glue to transfer fancy napkins on cloth,using them for projects,and the result is even washable.I hope more items will be published from the book,in case I don't win it!! Thanks and bye.Antoinette. P.S. I will post which method turned out best!
Posted: 10:41 am on March 29th

PASDENOM writes: It's wonderful to come up with reusable things that reduce waste, especially plastic waste that does not biodegrade, but this project poses a danger. Some PUL's are food safe and some are not, depending on what chemical was used to cure them in the manufacturing process. Unless you can find something produced especially for food and labeled food grade it is better to use the suggestions of waxed fabric or multiple layers. For the iron on you'd have to contact the manufacturer to see if that is intended for food packaging.
Posted: 7:34 am on March 29th

DeeDeeM writes: It is so nice to see the old ideas get another run thru. My grandmother used to make wraps very similar to these. She didn't have the fancy plastic material though. She used to wax cotton cloth.

She melted wax, either parafin or beeswax. When the wax was hot enough to be very thin and watery, she would put the cotton cloth in the wax. Leave it long enough to absorb the wax and pull it out. She then hung the cloth until cool. The fully cooled cloth would be stiff. Holding the cloth over a basin to catch the wax, she would crumple and twist the cloth until all the excess wax came out.

When she was done, the cloth had a heavier, waxy feel, but was soft, waterproof, and washable. Washing with a mild soap in cool water maintained the waterproof qualities much longer. When the wax finally does wash out, just process the cloth again.

It would be easy enough to make some of these wraps, dip them in wax, work the excess wax out, and use them to your heart's delight.
Posted: 12:59 am on March 29th

BunnyHouse writes: I read all the questions about the PUL being safe and would think you could substitute lightweight clear plastic as an interlayer.

This goes on my Christmas gift list along with reusable hot drink cup cosies.
Posted: 12:00 am on March 29th

Maemary writes: I like the sandwich wrap I will have to make it. My men in family are in carpenter work and do't have a clean place to set food down, now they can get a drink of coffee and put food down where it is clean. thank you Maemary
Posted: 11:14 pm on March 28th

Patzee writes: You can find PUL material a www.wazoodle.com - she has good pricing. Also, you can do a search for PUL.
Posted: 10:30 pm on March 28th

carebear2 writes: This is a brilliant idea and one that could be used in the schools to teach the students how to sew and also go "green" with a very useable idea

I hope this can be introduced to the classes as this is one idea that the children will remember and why they are making this as well.
Thank you for spreading the word about going "green"
Carebear2
Posted: 9:34 pm on March 28th

mayan writes: always open for new ideas to make life simpler!
Posted: 9:28 pm on March 28th

skckag writes: What a neat idea! I belong to the American Sewing Guild and this year our Holiday Party will be a "Going Green" theme. I too would love to find the fabric. Any suggestions for purchasing online? I hope I win your book!!!
Posted: 8:48 pm on March 28th

ohnoshesews writes: I really, really want to make some of these and give as gifts to a few friends for Earth Day coming up in April but I'm having difficulty finding the PUL fabric. I checked out diapercuts.com and she is not taking orders at this time due to maternity leave. None of the local chain fabric stores even know what I'm talking about. Please please please can someone help me locate a website or a place to purchase this fabric! I love this idea and thank you so much for the tutorial. (oh, and I'd be thrilled to win the book too; hint,hint lol)
Posted: 5:34 pm on March 28th

threadneedle writes: This is a great idea for kids with peanut allergies because it does provide it's own placemat and prevents possible contamination. I had a mom in my store trying to do exactly this kind of thing. I wish I had seen this a few weeks ago. Wonderful idea.
Posted: 4:09 pm on March 28th

kathyinozarks writes: I Love this one!! Such a fun and refreshing idea. Please put in the drawing for your book as well-thanks so much Kathy
Posted: 4:07 pm on March 28th

pipet writes: some polyurethane is food safe and some is not... but this is still such a cute idea! For a messy sandwich bag, you could always line the bag or even make 3 layers with an inside insulated lining.
Posted: 1:20 pm on March 28th

homesweetidahome writes: I will be making some of these for spring picnics. How fun to have a cute way to keep our sandwiches fresh and they will serve as a place mat too. Thanks for the great idea!
Posted: 11:51 am on March 28th

sulinpanda writes: I'm with YVF: I think that I'd just use any cotton fabric that can be laundered. I'm trying to not use plastic of any form if I can help it nowadays.
I love these. Time to learn how to use that sewing machine my MIL gave me!
Posted: 11:09 am on March 28th

quiltinqueenie writes: Thank you for such a cute pattern. I am going to hurry up and make 5 of these and a lunch bag for my daughter she is 42 by the way to take to work with her I will send them to her for Mothers Day. After all, she is a mother too. And what a fun surprise for her. I would still love to win the book, I know there is so much more in there.
Posted: 10:56 am on March 28th

Peachpine writes: Thank you for this idea! I've been bringing my lunch to work since Jan 1 this year to save money and reduce my use of styrofoam containers from the cafeteria, but I've been concerned about how many plastic sandwich bags I'm using each week. This is fun idea and I'm going to make one this weekend!
Posted: 10:13 am on March 28th

YVF writes: The alternative to the plastic coated fabric if you are worried is to make a short stack of these out of any cotton fabric that simply can be washed like cloth napkins and just laundered.
At home we no longer use paper napkins but have a stack of about 25 napkins or so that we cycle through like our socks.
The sandwich wrap is very cute.Thanks so much for the instructions. I'm going to make a set of five one for each day of the week which will all go in the laundry over the weekend to be fresh and ready for Monday again. I'll be happy not to buy so many plastic sandwich bags.
Posted: 9:42 am on March 28th

ArtzyGal writes: Love this idea!
Does anyone know what the first comment asked - if the PUL is food-safe?
Posted: 9:04 am on March 28th

MargaretR writes: Are the polyurethane fabrics food safe?
Posted: 8:54 am on March 28th

CreateMom writes: Wow - what a great idea! gifts for a green Christmas? Guess I have to start now!!

Thank you!
Posted: 8:47 am on March 28th

redcent writes: I really adore this project. Teaching kids also includes teaching them about smart choices, even on simple things like lunch. For a project with our elementary school a few years back we had the kids keep the trash they generated from 'lunchables' - weighed it and added up the waste. For a single student to bring one lunchable a day for 180 days to school results in a pile of trash weighing AT LEAST 40 pounds, or in the case of some of those students **their entire body weight in trash each year**. Add to this the excess cost for the ingredients, and we had a lot of converts. These wrappers might even swing the coolness factor back to sustainable choices. Thank you.
Posted: 7:59 am on March 28th

IggyJingles writes: If you have a particular fabric that you like, there is iron on laminate that turns any fabric to PUL, that I have bought by the yard from chain fabric stores. I wonder if oilcloth would also work, perhaps doubled.
I'm not a fan of velcro, especially for any situation where breadcrumbs could end up getting caught up in it. If I were doing this I might make a button and loop, or tie fastening.
But what fun - and you could open the sandwich wrap and use it like a little placemat which is nice in some situations where the table tops may not be fabulously clean.
Robyn Coburn
Posted: 5:36 am on March 28th

sigridsoto writes: Yes thank you
Posted: 2:49 am on March 28th

MonicaElaine writes: This is just too cute. I happen to have some of this PUL material on hand, now I just need the book!
Posted: 10:56 pm on March 27th

quilties writes: So do these keep the sandwiches fresh for any amount of time, or are they just good for a short hike up the hill to the picnic spot??

Well, I'll have to try it!! I love to be eco-friendly.
Posted: 10:24 pm on March 27th

giugiu writes: Oh magnificient idea!
I'll make it for my scout camps!!!
Posted: 5:31 pm on March 27th

mabrunton writes: How pretty is that?!! I make my reusable sandwich bags like the baggie fold over version out of cotton. This will be a great change and alternative to keep sandwiches fresher or keep messy ingredients contained!! Thank you for the great tutorial and for sharing it with us all!
Posted: 9:10 am on March 27th

JaimeM writes: I have been looking for a project like this for a long time. Betz is a genius.
Posted: 4:45 am on March 27th

mpfox223 writes: Ooh, I have this book marked on my Amazon wish list...next big holiday is Christmas, unfortunately...unless I win it of course!
Posted: 1:31 am on March 27th

arosebyanyothername writes: sew cute!! (pardon the pun ;))as a student, this would really be perfect for an in between class snackaroo! I cant wait to go home to my beloved sewing machine!!
Posted: 5:55 pm on March 26th

JoyfulMommy2two writes: Cute cute cute! We homeschool, so packing a lunch each week for co-op is a major novelty! It will be even more fun when I make up some of these ... but right now they are keen on homemade 'lunchables' since they see the other kids eating the store bought variety - yuck! If they ever go back to sandwiches, we'll definitely have to make these! Thanks Betz!
Posted: 3:06 pm on March 26th

janetdawson writes: If I had that to look forward to, I'd pack a lunch more often! (Who says you can't pack yourself a lunch even when you work from home?)

Love the pink polka dots and stripes fabric. :)
Posted: 1:55 pm on March 26th

Crafty by Nature

How to Make a Reusable Sandwich Wrap

Comments (91)

Crafty by Nature