Vintage Pillowcase Lunchbox Tutorial

At long last!  The Vintage Pillowcase Lunchbox Tutorial is complete.  You'll find a link in the right sidebar to a downloadable pdf.  Like the others, it's kind of a big file and may take a minute or two to download.  I included some tips/suggestions in the tutorial (probably more than anyone needs or wants, actually) but I also wanted to mention a couple of things here:

First of all, you'll want to take a good look at your pillowcase before you cut it.  The tutorial assumes your pillowcase is about 20" x 30".  It's fine if it's not those exact dimensions.  Given the order of the cutting directions, a smaller pillowcase will simply result in a smaller placemat, not a smaller bag.  You'll also want to take a look at the "header".  (I don't know of a better word for it, but I'm talking about the folded part at the opening.)  I've noticed that the size of this piece varies pretty widely among pillowcases.  The main cutting directions are for a header that's at least 3.5" wide.  However, I've also included an alternate set of instructions for a smaller header.  Both will work, you just need to decide which instructions to follow before you start cutting.

Secondly, I wanted to say a couple of things about Iron-On Vinyl.  It's really cool stuff.  It's also kind of tricky to sew -- particularly on the straps.  Before you start working on your project, I would suggest making a practice strap with some scrap fabric so you can determine your machine's proper settings for sewing vinyl.  (I found I had to increase my tension a LOT and use a slightly longer stitch.)  The tutorial refers to switching back and forth between "regular settings" and "vinyl settings" so you'll want to make a note of what those settings are before you start.  I didn't use a Teflon foot but, if you have one, it would probably come in handy here.  I would also suggest using a heavyweight/denim needle. 

When you're doing the actual ironing on of the vinyl, be careful about lint.  It's very, very easy (especially if you have cats) to get all kinds of things stuck between the vinyl and the fabric.  I like to keep tweezers nearby so I can pick them out before I iron.  Don't worry if the tweezers dent the vinyl.  It's actually quite resilient and, unless you've punctured the surface, any marks should press out.  While you're working on the project, be aware of your iron's location at all times.  Even a quick brush with the bare iron can melt a big old hole in your project!  (If this happens though, don't despair!  Trim away the melted plastic with embroidery scissors, cut a patch of iron vinyl to cover the hole, protect with the paper ironing sheet/backing and fuse the patch in place.  You'll be able to see the patch if you look closely, but it's probably not worth abandoning your project.)

If all of these warnings are making you wary of Iron-On Vinyl, there's a very simple solution.  Don't use it.  The project will work just as well without the vinyl.  You'll just need to interface your handles and exterior bag panel.  (I suggest a mid-weight sew-in like Pellon 40, which will still be easy to sew.) 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the tutorial.  I would LOVE to see what anyone makes with this (or either of my other tutorials for that matter) so I've started a Flickr Group for that purpose.  If you're so inclined, please humor me and add your photos to this group!

Comments

[sarah]

Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us, i cant wait to have a go.
Sarah x

[Lisa Boyer]

WOW! Not only is this a beautiful project, I can't believe the wonderful, extensive, fabulous tutorial you so generally shared with us! Thank you!

[adrienne]

This is fantastic! Thanks so much for the tutorial, now I just have to find a pillowcase!

[Amy]

This is so cute! I can't wait to make my 3 girls some! Thanks so much!

[Penny]

Wow!!! Thank-you so much for taking the time to write out the directions for your lunch-box tote and then posting them for everyone!!! You are too kind!

[Lilia Benjamin]

Thank you so much! The tute is fantastic!

[Michelle]

Oh my goodness. There's no way to properly thank you for the time and effort and brilliance you've put into this tutorial. It's so much more than that, really. It's a complete lesson in sewing, reusing, conserving, sharing and giving. You're amazing. Thank you.

[Donna]

Wow! That's the most comprehensive tute I've seen. Thanks Elizabeth.

[joeysnow5@msn.com]

Fabulous tutorial. This is the cutest lunch tote! Have plans to make many . . . thanks to you! Love it, love it, love it!

[Marcia]

Once again, a great tutorial. You are amazing. Love all the details and pics.

[Lisa Clarke]

Oh, I love that! The example you show is very sweet and feminine-looking, but I can also imagine it done in a bright solid color, or in an old Star Wars pillowcase I have...

Yeah, I have boys. I don't get to make much of the "sweet and feminine" variety, LOL!

[Mymsie]

SO cute! I can't wait to make one. Thanks for taking the time to make such a thorough tute.

[Wanda]

What a wonderful tutorial thank you so much for your generosity in sharing it and solving my birthday gift giving for the year. My family overseas will probably be getting them in Kiwiana fabrics :).

Once again THANK YOU and Happy Easter to you and yours.

[Lara]

Beautiful work Elizabeth - what generosity! The time and effort that must have taken - thank you so much.

[Rebekah]

so so adorable! Thank you for posting this tutorial. I'm going to have to start thrifting for old sheets and pillowcases now : )

[kim]

Awesome tutorial, can't wait to try it! I don't need a lunch box, so I probably won't be using the vinyl. I think it's cute enough to wear with a girly sundress or even jeans, though!!!

You're awesome.

[Elizabeth]

Thank you and you're welcome, everyone! I'm so glad you like it. :)

[Mamaphunk]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial!

I am making this tonight!!!

[Tia]

Cute bag! A teflon foot should make sewing on vinyl a lot easier. Or try sewing with some tissue paper or tracing paper on top of the vinyl. Works like a charm!

[amy]

These are fabulous! Great job!

I am a big collector of the vintage sheets myself.