By Janome Maker: Sandy S.
Hi friends, it’s Sandy from Thai Charm LLC here! Fall always feels like the perfect time to bring out your favorite sourdough recipe or maybe your great grandma’s tried-and-true bread recipe and start baking, right? Today I’m sharing a cozy project to go along with those homemade loaves: a lined linen bread bag you can sew on your Janome. Not only is it practical and reusable, but it also adds a handmade touch to your kitchen this season.
What You’ll Need
- Exterior fabric – Brown (⅜ yard), cut the following:
– (1) 11.5″ x 16.5″ (exterior backing)
– (1) 6.5″ x 11.5″ (top)
– (1) 2.5″ x 11.5″ (bottom)
– (1) 6″ x 6″ (star)
– (1) 4.5″ x 4.5″ (star)
– (4) 2.5″ x 2.5″ (star)
– (2) 2″ x 8.5″ (star-side borders)
– (2) 4″ x 9″ (casings) - Exterior fabric – White (10″ square), cut the following:
– (1) 6″ x 6″ (star) - Lining – Linen (⅜ yard), cut the following:
– (2) 11.5″ x 16.5″ - (2) Ribbon, cord, or twill tape for closure (about 24″ each)
- Matching thread
- Janome Clear View Quilting Foot and Guide Set
Make a Sawtooth Star Block
- On the back of the lighter (white) square, draw both diagonal lines corner to corner.
- Place the 6″ white square and the 6″ brown square right sides together.
- Sew a ¼” seam on both sides of each drawn diagonal.
- Cut vertically (through the center), horizontally, and then along both drawn diagonals.
- Press the seams open and trim to 2.5″ x 2.5″.
- Gather (1) 4.5″ square, (4) 2.5″ squares, and (8) HSTs. Layout your unit as shown below.
- Sew rows together, pressing the seams open to reduce bulk.
- Sew the rows to make your Sawtooth Star block, which should measure 8.5″ x 8.5″.
Complete the Front Exterior
- Sew (2) 2″ x 8.5″ strips to both sides of the Sawtooth star block. Press toward the strips.
- With the Sawtooth Star block framed by the two side strips, sew (1) 2 ½” x 11 ½” strip to the top of the block. Press seam toward the strip.
- Sew (1) 6 ½” x 11 ½” strip to the bottom of the block. Press seam toward the strip.
- Your front exterior panel should now measure 11.5″ x 16.5″, ready to assemble with the back and lining pieces.
- Take one 4″ x 9″ piece and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together.
- Sew along both short sides and one long side with a ¼” seam, leaving a 2-3″ gap along the long side for turning.
- Turn right side out through the gap, press flat, and topstitch around the edges using the ⅛” guide on the Janome Clear View Quilting Foot for a neat finish.
- Repeat with the second 4″ x 9″ piece to make the second casing.
- Take one finished casing unit. Center it on the front exterior panel, about 2″ below the top edge.
- Pin or clip in place. Stitch along both long edges of the casing to secure it. This creates the channel for your cord.
- Repeat with the second casing on the back exterior panel.
- Place the two exterior panels right sides together. Sew along both sides and the bottom with a ¼” seam, leaving the top edge open. Press seams. Repeat with the two lining pieces
Optional: Boxed Corners
- Measure and cut a square from each bottom corner of the bag (anywhere from 1″-2″).
- Open the cut corner and line up the side seam with the bottom seam to form a straight line. Sew across with a ¼” seam, backstitching at the beginning and end. Repeat for the other corner.
- If you choose to box your corners, repeat these steps with the lining as well.
Assemble the bread bag
- With the exterior bag right side out and the lining wrong side out, place the exterior inside the lining so the right sides are together.
- Align raw edges at the top, pin or clip in place, and sew all the way around with a ¼” seam. Be sure to leave a 3-4″ gap in the seam for turning.
- Turn the bag right side out through the opening. Push the lining into the bag and press the top edge neatly.
- Hand stitch or topstitch the opening closed.
- Thread the first cord through both casings and tie the ends together in a knot.
- Thread the second cord through, starting from the opposite side, and tie the ends together in a knot. Pull both cords to cinch the bag closed.
That’s it! Your lined linen bread bag is ready to fill with fresh homemade loaves or a special bakery find. It’s practical, reusable, and adds a handmade touch that feels just right for the season. This little project makes such a thoughtful gift too. Pair it with a warm loaf of bread or a favorite family recipe, and you’ve got something that feels both personal and heartfelt.
I hope you enjoy making this linen bread bag as much as I did. Be sure to tag me when you share your creations on Instagram @thaicharmllc and use the hashtags #thaicharmpatterns and #janomemakes. We love seeing what you make! Happy sewing and happy baking!