Ziploc Tote Sew-Along

[KelliR]

***Edit 12/08*** You can see this tutorial with pictures at http://www.sewzannesfabrics.com/sewalongs.html and click on Zipbag Tote on the right hand side of the screen.



Katie wanted one of these for our upcoming trip. since Jack got one for Christmas and uses it for fun little things to keep him occupied in the car,she had to have one, too. So, while I sewed, I thought I'd take some pictures. :-) I know Meg said she uses it for circular knitting needles. I think there are a ton of uses, really, first aid kits, make-up bag, storing tags and iron ons, etc...


Materials needed:
2 peices of coordinating fabric cut to 18 1/2" by 12 1/2"
1 peice of thin batting cut to 18 1/2" by 12 1/2"
3 peices of twill tape- two of them cut to 15" for the handles and one cut to 13"
Velcro cut to 11 1/2"
8 Heavy Duty Freezer Ziplock bags-like Hefty OneZip-Quart size
Glue Stick

1. Lay the fabrics right sides together with the batting on top.

2. Sew around the edges leaving a 4" opening for turning.
3. Turn the piece right side out and topstitch around all edges, folding the edges of the opening in and catching them in the topstitching.
4. Quilt the three layers together as desired. I used my freemotion foot and the stipple stitch.
5. Lay out the velcro against the short ends, catching in the ends of the handle twill tapes and pin.


6. Stitch down the velcro.

7. Find the center of the tote and place four baggies on each side overlapping each one about 1-1 1/2". However it works out. Use the gluestick, just along the bottom to glue these in place. Note: I start layering the bags on opposite ends to even out the bulk.

8. Lay the 13" peice of twill tape down the center covering the bottom edges of the bags, turning under the raw edges. Use the glue stick to hold this in place. You could also pin this, but I find that I have less slipping around with the glue. I also like to taper the ends of the twill tape before I turn it under so that it lays a little nicer.

9. Sew around the edges of the middle twill tape and you're done!


I'm not very gifted in writing instructions, so if there is anything that is unclear or whatever, just let me know!

[countrycuttins]

Great instructions. I can see these being very useful for kiddos when taking trips, or even for quiet times, like at church or when going to appointments and such. I will have to give this a go!!! Thanks very much

[PixiesMama]

Those are great ~ very nice looking!

[craftmuffin]

Thanks for this! I got one of these in a recent swap and it is the BEST circular knitting needle organizer. I've been wondering about how it was made.

[mike]

That looks awesome! I'm going to have to make a couple. Thanks!

[hoppytoad]

Thanks for this! What a great idea.

[rubidoux]

thanks! those directions look great and your finished product is gorgeous. i can't wait to try it...

[BonaDea]

Oh! Yeah. Great idea. I wonder if I can get it together by Friday to make a couple for the kids :chinscratch

[nutmeg]

Thank you!!!

I use mine that I got in the swap for knitting supplies, and my dpn's and circular needles. Very handy!

[Janessa]

those look awesome. I can't wait to try one. Need to get ziplocks first

[Angie]

WOW! I can't wait to try this! What size bags did you use?

[grtlyblesd]

Thank you! We have a couple of these and I'll be packing them full of goodies for our next long car trip. :-)

[KelliR]

Angie, I used quart size bags. I'm going to go edit the OP with that info. :-)

[Pam]

Kelli, thanks so much for the sewalong!

[dehart]

Thanks for this great sew-along; we have one and both the kids love it! Now they can each have their own.

I've converted this into a pdf and submitted it as a download. :-)

[KelliR]

I've converted this into a pdf and submitted it as a download. :-)

Thank you, Jayme! That is beyond my capabilities! :-)

[Jessica]

that is awesome!

I think I will add a pocket on the inside too so dd can put in a book to read or a notebook to write in!

thanks

[scrapadoozer]

Cool idea! Thanks for the sewalong! :sewin

[EarthMaiden]

Those directions were very easy to follow. Thanks. Great idea.

[SarahM]

Great instructions! I can see these being a great gift bag - just tuck in some crayons/notepad/stickers etc! Especially for all of those school parties when you don't want to spend big bucks for a gift for a kid you barely know!!!