How to Make a Durable Fabric Bread Bag in 5 Short Steps

Meg’s Baking Story

Meg: I’ve always enjoyed baking bread, and I was definitely one of those folks who dove into sourdough baking in 2020. My starter, Linda, and I made some beautiful loaves that spring and summer, and my family was particularly fond of a chocolate chip sourdough bread that was truly glorious.

But at the end of August 2020, I was diagnosed with celiac disease, a complicated digestive and autoimmune disease that, in short, meant I could no longer have anything with wheat or other gluten containing ingredients. So with a heavy heart, I said goodbye to Linda and my conventional bread baking books.

For over a year I settled for store bought gluten-free breads which, if you have to eat gluten free too, you know are pretty mediocre. That is, until November 2021 when I picked up a copy of Aran Goyoaga’s new cookbook, Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple. I tell ya people, this book is revolutionary. The bread recipes are genuine bread — bread that is gluten free and delicious, not just “good for gluten-free” bread. It’s no exaggeration when I say the book has been life changing. Aran also has a sourdough recipe, and I’ve even made a new starter, affectionately named Glinda — a gluten-free Linda!

I now make all of our sandwich breads, baguettes, naan and rolls from scratch, but, of course, I needed a good way to store these yummy bakes. It was also important to me to have a bread storage option that was reusable to cut down on paper and plastic waste,

How long does homemade bread last in a fabric bread bag?

As a reminder, homemade or bakery breads typically do not have preservatives and only last a couple days. In fact, they are best eaten the same day they are baked. Fabric bread bags are not designed to keep bread fresh for several days like store-bought bread.

These DIY bread bags will keep fresh bread in optimal condition for a couple of days after it’s baked. If bread won’t be consumed in two or three days, consider slicing and freezing the extra to enjoy another time.

Why Belgian Linen™ and a roll-top closure are right for this project

After researching various designs and materials, I created this tutorial for a reusable roll-top bread bag featuring Spoonflower’s Belgian Linen™. With a yard of fabric and some nylon webbing and buckles, you can make a custom bread bag perfect for storing homemade loaves or your favorite bakery treats!

Linen bags are an excellent choice for storing freshly baked breads. They hit the sweet spot of keeping enough moisture in so the bread doesn’t dry out and allowing enough air flow to prevent premature mold. A roll top closure is a secure, compact option with no loose drawstrings hanging around.

5 steps to making your own bread bag