How to Make a Reusable Fabric Popcorn Bag
Looking for a fun way to use your fabric scraps and enjoy a healthier snack? This beginner-friendly Fabric Popcorn Bag Tutorial is just the project you need! I’m Carolyn of Carolyn Sue Designs, where I share scrappy and sustainable quilted projects that are easy to incorporate into your daily life.
Today’s project is practical, eco-friendly, and makes a wonderful handmade gift. Best of all? You can whip one up in under an hour using fat quarters, orphan blocks, or scrap fabric pieced together to the right size.
Why Make a Fabric Popcorn Bag?
We all want healthier snacks—and while microwave popcorn seems like a convenient option, those store-bought bags often come loaded with preservatives, and worse, they’re not recyclable.
A reusable popcorn bag offers a better solution:
No preservatives
Zero waste (popcorn bags can’t be recycled)
Saves money in the long run
Uses up your quilting scraps
Let’s sew one together!
Supplies You’ll Need
(2) pieces of 100% cotton fabric, each 12” x 22” (or piece scraps to this size)
100% cotton thread (matching or coordinating)
Sewing machine
Rotary cutter and mat
Quilting ruler
Scissors or snips
⚠️ Important: Your fabric and thread must be 100% cotton. Any synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, rayon) can melt or catch fire in the microwave.
Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Fabric
Choose one fabric for the outside of the bag, and one for the inside. Don’t be afraid to mix it up—this is a great way to use fabric you’re no longer in love with, or to personalize the bag for a cat-lover, sports fan, or holiday theme.
Prep:
Wash and dry your fabric first to pre-shrink it and remove excess dye or chemicals.
Press flat, then cut two pieces to 12″ x 22″.
Step 2: Sew the Bag Exterior
Place both fabric pieces right sides together (RST).
Pin or clip in place.
Stitch around all four sides using a ½” seam allowance, leaving a 2″ opening on one long side for turning.
Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Trim the corners to reduce bulk.
Step 3: Turn and Topstitch
Turn the bag right side out. Use a point-turner or chopstick to poke out corners.
Press well, turning in the raw edges of the 2″ opening.
Topstitch ⅛” from the edge all around the entire rectangle. This closes your opening and gives a clean finish.
Step 4: Fold and Stitch the Bag
Fold one short end down 2½ inches (this creates the flap).
Fold the opposite short end up to meet the top fold, sandwiching the flap in between.
You now have three layers. Pin or clip the sides.
Sew along both sides, backstitching at the top (this is the stress point).
Press the bottom fold sharply to help shape the bag.
Step 5: Box the Corners
Open the bottom corners of the bag and match the side seam to the bottom crease, forming a triangle.
Measure 2 inches from the point and mark a line straight across.
Sew along the line.
Repeat on the other corner.
This helps the bag stand up like a paper popcorn bag!
Step 6: Finish the Bag
Turn the bag right side out.
Flip the flap over the top opening of the bag.
Done! You now have a reusable microwave popcorn bag.
How to Use Your Fabric Popcorn Bag
Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels to your fabric bag.
Fold the top flap over the opening.
Microwave for 2–2½ minutes (or until popping slows).
Carefully remove—it will be HOT!
Add your favorite seasoning and enjoy!
⚠️ Let the bag cool completely before using again to prevent overheating.
Final Thoughts
These fabric popcorn bags are a fun, scrappy way to reduce waste, save money, and snack smarter. Whether you make one for yourself or a dozen as gifts, they’re sure to bring a little handmade joy into everyday moments.
If you make one, tag me @carolynsuedesigns and use the hashtag #FabricPopcornBag so I can see your creation!
Happy stitching,
Carolyn
www.carolyn-sue-designs.com
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