Insulated Portable Cooler Bag
During this summer season of beach trips, mountain getaways, picnics, and ice cream, nothing beats a portable cooler bag for keeping everything nice and fresh. We love taking fresh fruit to the beach or pool to enjoy when we’re hot from the sun—it really hits the spot, doesn’t it? But, of course, fruit at room temperature […]
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a structured insulated cooler bag for packed lunches, picnics, beach days, or chilled groceries. Thermal fabric helps retain cool or warm temperatures, while food-safe plastic lines the interior.
The bag closes with a zipper and has two grab handles. Add the removable long strap when you want to carry it over the shoulder or crossbody.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Layer exterior fabric, thermal insulation, and food-safe plastic.
- Install a zipper without trapping the lining near its teeth.
- Position and reinforce the handles and shoulder-strap rings.
- Join the front, side, and zipper panels with aligned seams.
- Construct the base in the outer and lining layers.
- Turn the bag and close the final opening.
Fabric and structure
The bag uses exterior fabric, thermal insulating fabric, and food-safe plastic. The plastic and insulation can shift, so the class uses clips and careful trimming to keep the layers aligned.
You will also use a zipper, backpack webbing, rings, swivel hooks, and an adjustment slider. A zipper foot and walking foot can help control the layered sections.
Make it your own
Combine two exterior fabrics or use one throughout. Decorative ribbon can be stitched onto the handle webbing before assembly for an extra color or pattern detail.
The long strap is optional and removable. The PDF provides the piece measurements, which can be adjusted if you want to draft a larger or smaller bag.
Finished dimensions
The finished cooler measures approximately 23 cm high × 33 cm long × 14 cm wide.
The video class includes a downloadable PDF with measured pieces and a material list for the insulated cooler bag.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.