A great picnic setup is all about comfort and convenience. You’ll need a durable tote to keep your snacks and drinks secure and a spacious blanket to stretch out and relax. Store-bought options often feel flimsy, lack personality, or come with a hefty price tag. But when you sew your own gear, you get to choose fabrics that match your style and create something that lasts for seasons. If you’re ready to create DIY picnic essentials that fit your style and needs, here’s how to get started.
DIY Picnic Essentials That Carry More Than Just Aesthetic
Most store-bought picnic gear totally looks cute but easily falls apart. Skip that. These DIY picnic essentials are simple to make and better than anything you’d find at a pop-up shop.
DIY Picnic Blanket: Soft, Stylish, and Spill-Proof
A handmade picnic blanket makes every outdoor hangout more comfortable. Soft fabric on top, a sturdy bottom, and light padding in between create the perfect spot to lounge. Quilted stitching keeps it all together, so it holds up to plenty of use. Just roll it up, and you’re good to go!
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric (Choose cotton, flannel, or outdoor canvas for the top. For the bottom, a waterproof fabric like oilcloth or ripstop nylon works great.)
- Batting (optional)
- Bias Tape or Binding
- Thread & Sewing Machine
How to Make Your DIY Picnic Blanket:
✂️ Step 1: Cut Your Fabric
Decide on your blanket size. The ideal size is 50” x 70”, but feel free to go bigger. Cut your top and bottom fabric to the same size. If you’re adding batting, cut that too.
✂️ Step 2: Layer and Pin
Lay the bottom fabric right side down, then place the batting (if using) on top. Then, lay the top fabric right side up and pin all the layers together.
✂️ Step 3: Sew Around the Edges
Use a straight stitch and sew around all four sides and leave a small opening. Turn the blanket right side out, then stitch the opening closed.
✂️ Step 4: Add Binding (Optional)
For a polished look, sew bias tape or binding around the edges to help reinforce the seams.
That’s it! Your picnic blanket is ready. Toss it in your bag, and you’re good to go!
DIY Picnic Tote: Carry All Your Snacks in Style 👜
This DIY picnic tote is designed to handle all your outdoor dining essentials. It’s built for strength, so no more worries about broken handles or sagging bottoms. A roomy interior means no squishing your sandwiches, and the washable fabric ensures stress-free cleanup. Choose a bright, cheerful fabric to match your picnic vibe, and you’ve got the perfect outdoor companion.
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric (Canvas, denim, or heavy cotton work best)
- Lining Fabric
- Webbing or Fabric Strips
- Thread, Pins, & Sewing Machine
How to Make It:
✂️ Step 1: Cut Your Fabric
Cut two rectangles for the outer bag and two matching rectangles for the lining. A good size is 18” x 14”, but adjust as needed. Cut two strap pieces (24” long).
✂️ Step 2: Sew the Outer Bag
Place the two outer fabric pieces right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom. Do the same for the lining, but leave a small gap at the bottom for turning later.
✂️ Step 3: Box the Corners
To give your tote a flat bottom, pinch each bottom corner into a triangle and sew across about 2 inches from the point. Trim the excess.
✂️ Step 4: Add the Straps
Pin the straps to the outer bag’s right side, about 4 inches from each side seam and stitch in place.
✂️ Step 5: Assemble the Bag
Turn the outer bag right side out and place it inside the lining (so they’re right sides together). Sew around the top edge. Then, turn everything right side out through the gap in the lining. Stitch the gap closed, and you’re done!
Now you’ve got a durable tote bag that can handle all your picnic goodies.
Sew, Pack, Relax 🧺✨
With your custom tote and soft blanket in hand, you’re officially picnic-ready. No more flimsy bags that rip or blankets that never seem big enough. You’ve created stylish and durable DIY picnic essentials that are ready for any outdoor adventure. Now, all that’s left to do is find a sunny spot and enjoy the moment! Happy picnicking!
FAQs: DIY Picnic Essentials: Blanket & Tote
- What fabric is best for a DIY picnic blanket?
Cotton or flannel for the top, with waterproof fabric like ripstop nylon or oilcloth for the bottom. - Do I need batting for my picnic blanket?
No, but adding a light layer of batting makes it softer and more comfortable. - How do I make my picnic blanket waterproof?
Use waterproof fabric for the bottom or spray it with a fabric sealant. - What’s the best size for a picnic blanket?
A standard size is 50” x 70”, but you can adjust based on your needs. - Can I wash my DIY picnic blanket?
Yes! Use machine-washable fabrics for easy cleaning.
