Every new school year brings about the need to renew essentials like backpacks and lunch boxes for my little ones. The wear and tear from daily use makes this annual replacement a must. But why go for generic lunch boxes when you can add a personal touch? With my love for embroidery, I began to embellish these lunch bags myself, and now I’m thrilled to show you how!
Tips before You Begin:
- I found some fantastic soft lunch boxes during a back-to-school sale at Walmart for just $2 each!
- Not every lunch box is suitable for this. If using a single-needle machine, choose a lunch box that opens widely enough to fit on your embroidery machine’s hoop.
- Ensure your design is on the front to avoid stitching the two sides together! And if there’s a pocket on the front, unless you’re up for the task of removing and resewing it, you’ll embroider right on top, making the pocket just for show.
- Lastly, be mindful of the lunch box’s insulation. I had no issues with a thin foam padding, but if it’s too thick, it could be a challenge or even damage your machine.
Materials You’ll Need
- Embroidery machine & a suitable hoop
- Stabilizer: Preferably tear-away stabilizer (I love the convenience of pre-cut sheets!)
- Needle: I suggest a 75/11 embroidery needle
- Thread: Opt for 100% polyester embroidery thread
- Essential tools: Scissors, temporary fabric adhesive (like Odif 505), and marking tools
- Lastly, your chosen embroidery monogram design. (There are several free embroidery font resources online)
Choosing the Right Stabilizer
Most lunch bags are crafted from stable fabrics like canvas, so you’ve got a range of stabilizers to choose from. I’m not a fan of leftover stabilizer on the back, so my top choices are the tear-away stabilizer (with a temporary fabric adhesive spray) and the sticky self-adhesive tear-away version. If your design seems to be sinking into the fabric, adding a layer of water-soluble topping can give added support to the stitches and prevent them from disappearing into the fabric.
Step-by-Step: Monogramming Your Lunch Box
- Marking: Start by marking where you’d like the embroidery to sit on the lunch box. For dark fabrics, a chalk wheel works wonders, while a water-soluble marker does the trick for lighter ones.
- Floating the Lunch Box: Instead of hooping, I suggest floating for this project, especially with a single-needle machine. Ensure most of the lunch box is to the machine head’s left, so you avoid any obstructions. Hoop your stabilizer, and then press the lunch box’s front onto it, aligning your marked centers.
- Machine Set-Up: Attach the hoop to your machine, ensuring the design’s orientation matches the lunch box’s. Also, verify that the lunch box doesn’t obstruct the machine on any side.
- Embroidering: Confirm your threads and needle are set, then start your machine. Gently hold the lunch box in place initially, then let the machine take over.
- Final Touches: Remove and tear away the stabilizer. Trim any stray threads and clean any markings. Voila! Your personalized lunch box is ready.
At a Glance:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Lunch Box Embroidery |
| Main Material | Lunch box with ample front space |
| Machine Type | Single-needle preferred |
| Stabilizer Choice | Tear-away (with or without adhesive) |
| Thread Type | 100% polyester embroidery thread |