How to Make Vacuum Sealer Bags from Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 18/03/2025

Vacuum sealing is a fantastic way to preserve food, extending its shelf life and minimizing waste. While pre-made bags are convenient, they can be expensive and often come in limited sizes. This can be particularly frustrating when you have oddly-shaped items or need to seal larger quantities of food. The good news is, you can easily and cost-effectively create your own vacuum sealer bags from rolls of specially designed vacuum sealer bag material. This dramatically reduces the cost per bag and allows for complete customization.

This simple yet effective method lets you create precisely sized bags to fit your needs, whether it's a single portion of leftovers or a large batch of frozen berries. Forget about struggling with ill-fitting pre-packaged bags; this guide will walk you through a straightforward, step-by-step process for making your own vacuum sealer bags from rolls, ensuring you perfectly preserve your food every time. Let's get started!

Safety Guidelines

  • Always use a heat-resistant surface when sealing bags. The heat from the sealer can damage certain surfaces.
  • Ensure the bag is completely sealed before vacuuming. Improper sealing can lead to leaks and spoilage.
  • Never vacuum seal items that are still hot or wet; allow them to cool completely before sealing to prevent bag damage and potential burns.

Methods: Using a Vacuum Sealer with Built-in Roll Film Holder and Cutter (Preservac PXR P2)

Tools Needed

  • Preservac PXR P2

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Roll

    • Pull the roll from the roll film holder onto the seal bar.
    Pull the roll from the roll film holder onto the seal bar.
    Prepare the Roll

  2. Seal One End

    • Pop the lid down, lock it, and hit "seal" to seal one end of the roll.
    Pop the lid down, lock it, and hit "seal" to seal one end of the roll.
    Seal One End

  3. Cut the Bag

    • Pull out the sealed roll to your desired length (e.g., 20x30cm).
    • Use the built-in cutter to cut the bag to the desired size.
    Use the built-in cutter to cut the bag to the desired size.Use the built-in cutter to cut the bag to the desired size.
    Cut the Bag

Tips

  • Don't cut the bag too short; leave enough space at the top for sealing and handling.

Methods: Using a Vacuum Sealer without a Roll Film Holder (HV Status HV 100)

Tools Needed

  • HV Status HV 100
  • Chopping board
  • Roll film cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Seal One End of the Roll

    • Position the roll on the sealing bar below the bottom seal.
    • Click the corners of the lid down and hit the "seal" button to seal one end of the roll.
    Click the corners of the lid down and hit the "seal" button to seal one end of the roll.Click the corners of the lid down and hit the "seal" button to seal one end of the roll.
    Seal One End of the Roll

  2. Prepare and Cut the Bag

    • Un-lock the machine and roll out the sealed end onto a bench.
    • Cut the bag to the desired size using a separate cutter (approx. 35-40cm for a 28cm wide roll).
    Cut the bag to the desired size using a separate cutter (approx. 35-40cm for a 28cm wide roll).
    Prepare and Cut the Bag

Tips

  • Don't cut the bag too short; leave enough space at the top for sealing and handling.

Read more: 2 Genius Hacks to Vacuum Seal Food in Regular Bags!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Seal

Reason: Air leaks occur due to insufficient pressure, uneven bag placement, or a dirty sealing strip.
Solution: Ensure the sealer is properly preheated, the bag is flat and free of wrinkles, and the sealing strip is clean.

2. Bag Size Inconsistency

Reason: Cutting the bags unevenly or not accurately measuring leads to inconsistent bag sizes and potential waste.
Solution: Use a ruler or cutting guide to ensure precise and consistent cuts.

3. Using Incompatible Materials

Reason: Some materials may melt or not seal properly in a vacuum sealer, causing damage to the machine or failure to create an airtight seal.
Solution: Always check the vacuum sealer's instructions for compatible materials before using any bag roll.

FAQs

What type of roll material is best for making vacuum sealer bags?
For best results, use rolls specifically designed for vacuum sealing. These are usually made of a strong, heat-resistant, and food-safe material like nylon or polyethylene. Avoid using materials like regular plastic bags, as they might not hold up to the vacuum and heat.
How do I get a good seal on my homemade vacuum sealer bags?
Ensure the bag edges are completely clean and dry before sealing. Use a strong and even pressure when using your vacuum sealer. If you are using an impulse sealer, ensure sufficient heat and sealing time are applied to create a secure, airtight seal. A slightly overlapping seal may also help prevent leaks.