Tutorial: Tool Organizer

Inspired by a clutch I saw on Pinterest that was made by TidyMom, I set out to make an organizer with elastic loops to hold my crafting tools so I can easily take them along to crops.   I thought the plastic bags in the inspiration were a recipe for disaster for me- they would certainly make my sewing machine spazz out and I knew I'd destroy the bags if I ever got them stitched down properly.  Elastic loops sounded much more promising. 

I purchased a printed pot holder with a pocket.  The pocket is optional but gives an extra storage space and a convenient way to hide your stitches. 

I cut a length of thin elastic the same length as the potholder and I sewed it down every 3/4" or so by hand.  I would recommend that you choose the objects you want to store first and change the spacing of your stitches accordingly.  I would also recommend 1/4" or 1/2" elastic instead of the slim elastic I used if you're storing heavy things.  I chose to sew this by hand because I wanted to hide the stitches inside the pocket.  

 

Finally, stitch a button in line with the hanging loop so you can close up your organizer.  Not bad for $1.50, right?  It was a very quick project, less than 30 minutes start to finish! 

The button is on the back!  Small scissors easily fit in the pocket.

Potholder: Big Lots, $1.50
Elastic, Thread, and Button: from stash 

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Cards shipped to OWH in 2012: 928 blank and 215 AnyHero (as of 6/26)
Cards shipped to OWH in 2011: 1695

Check out OWH at www.operationwritehome.org to learn more about its mission and how to get involved.