DIY Linen Bread Bag

The latest addition to my bread-making arsenal is a reusable linen bread bag. When bread first comes out of the oven, the crust is crisp and the inside is soft, however when it is time to store the bread — a ziplock bag in the refrigerator turns the soft, fluffy loaf into a hard, dry brick.

Enter: The Bread Bag!

DIY Linen Bread Bag

Homemade bread is one of life’s simple joys that I am determined to master. Lately, I’ve been in a “war of the wits” with my sourdough bread recipe, some days the bread gods smile, other days…not so much. But, we soldier on!

The latest addition to my bread-making arsenal is a reusable linen bread bag. When bread first comes out of the oven, the crust is crisp and the inside is soft, however when it is time to store the bread — a ziplock bag in the refrigerator turns the soft, fluffy loaf into a hard, dry brick.

Enter: The Bread Bag!

Using a cloth bag (either 100% cotton or linen), helps to preserve the quality of your bread and also offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. First, let’s talk fabric choices. While any breathable fabric will work (quilting cotton, gauze, linen, etc.), I prefer 100% linen. Linen is made from natural fibers in the flax plant, and is more durable than cotton fabrics. It is breathable and wicks moisture, so the bread that isn’t completely cooled, won’t get soggy from the condensation that accrues on the inside of a plastic bag. Being made from linen, it will also last longer and be less prone to mildew. Regardless of which fabric used, I suggest avoiding fabrics with chemical dyes. Some colored linens use natural dyes, but most fabrics (especially quilting cottons) use chemicals to create colors and patterns. Even if the fabric is pre-washed — when condensation occurs, the colors may bleed and release unwanted chemicals and pigments into the contents of the bowl.

Now, what do you need for this project?

Fabric Requirements:

  • 1/2 yard of quality fabric

What you need:

FYI: There is more than one way to do this project! I used a method of that hides the raw edges, because I don’t like threads to catch on the bread crust.

Begin by folding the 1/2 yard in half so it measures 18” x 24”. Trim to a 16” square, leaving the folded edge in tact. Open the fabric, then fold and iron the long edges of fabric over 1/4”. Fold and iron the seam one more time and stitch it down to hide the raw edge.

Repeat the 1/4” fold and iron with the short edges. However, this time, fold the edge over 1” (or as wide as necessary to accommodate your ties). Stitch along the bottom edge of the seam, this will be the casing for your ties. Fold the fabric in half again and pin/clip the edges together. Stitch along the edge, starting at the folded edge and stopping at the casing. Backstitch a few extra stitches here to reinforce the opening.

Cut 2 sections of string, about 5” longer than the width opening of your bag. If using string that can unravel, tie a knot at each end of the strings. Take a safety pin and secure it to the knot to help thread the string through the casing created at the top of the bag. Once you have placed the sting on both sides, you’re done! This is such an easy project and a

Your reusable Bread Bag is finished and ready for your fresh loaf! As a complimentary project, the Reusable Bowl Cover is a great addition to your sustainable, eco-friendly baking accessories. Tag me in your finished projects (@wellspringdesigns_co) so I can see them. As always, if you have questions or comments, feel free to email me at wellspringdesigns@gmail.com, I love chatting quilting with you guys!

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