Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Easy Sewing Pattern: The Anything Caddy

Happy Wednesday you all! I'm back with another super simple sewing project with a little twist! This little caddy is perfect for mail, pens, toiletries, or what I use it for-- sewing supplies! This would make a quick holiday gift for anyone who needs to control clutter, or a little treat for yourself :).


The little twist is bias tape. Bias tape is used quite a bit in home decor sewing to bind edges of thick fabrics and add a little coordinating trim. This caddy is the perfect first project to use bias tape on because it's ok if the back of the caddy isn't perfect. Once you get using bias tape down on this project, it will be easier to move on to trimming cushions, curtains, and even quilts!

I'll cover some of the bias tape basics briefly in this tutorial. I also put together this guide on making, pressing, applying and sewing bias tape: The Ultimate Guide to Sewing Bias Tape to help you if this is your first time sewing with bias tape.

To make this fun little caddy you will need:

1 10x 11 rectangle for the front of the caddy
1 10 x11 rectangle for the back of the caddy
1 10 x 13 rectangle for the the large pocket
1 10 x 10 rectangle for the small pocket
1.5 yards of 1 inch double fold bias tape
2 lengths of ribbon (or bias tape) about 5 inches long


First, iron the pocket pieces in half (hamburger style) and stitch across the fold.
Now, stack the pieces as follows: The backing piece face down, the front piece face up, the large pocket, and then the smaller pocket.
Now for the binding--  sandwich the edges of the caddy between the fold of the bias tape.
Miter the corners as you go around the edges.I find it easiest to pin and sew one side at a time. If you are having trouble, check the guide for info on mitered corners for the sandwich method.
To add the loops to the caddy, pin the loops of ribbon or trim (or extra bias tape). Stitch the loops down trying to stitch right over the previous stitching line. Make sure to backstitch to secure those loops.
Now all that's left to do is to enjoy your new caddy and organized space. If you want to make this in a different size, just remember that all the pieces need to be the same width, and the pocket pieces need to be cut double the height of the finished pocket.

I loved the fabric so much I ended up making a matching pincushion. (Yes, there's a tutorial for that too!)

And if you want to see more of my sewing space-- come back tomorrow! I have a tiny little tour planned for you all!