If you want a cute little beginner sewing project you might want to try an easy to sew embellished potholder purse caddy. These cute little purse caddies are perfect to hold lipstick, lip balm, mascara, band aids, tampons or other little things that constantly drift to the bottom of your purse.
This is a great way to use scraps and bits of lace or burlap. You could even use some vintage calendar towels or vintage fabrics like I did with the Scrappy Snappy Bag. I love vintage fabrics and have way more than I need or will ever use.
SUPPLIES:
- Potholders
- Scraps and pieces of fabric
- Snack Size Zip Lock bags
- Scissors
- Pins
- Printable Scripture Labels (download info below)
- Printable Fabric (link below)
I prefer the Dollar Tree Snack bags that are 6.50″x 3.25″. They only have one small green stripe to have to deal with.
Several years ago I purchased this package of Canvas Cloth designed for use in a printer. My printer is NOT an ink jet. It is a pigment printer so the print is permanent and won’t smear if it gets wet.
I have included a link below for printable fabric design for an inkjet printer.
NOTE: If you are already a subscriber to this blog, the labels are in the Free Good Stuff Library. You will need your password. It is in your confirmation email.
To Get Started:
- Trim the excess from the edge opening of the bags. Be sure not to cut too close to the sealer strip.
- Put two bags together matching the bottom corners.
- Measure in 1 inch from the bottom and pin.
- Fold the potholder in half with the right side to the inside.
- Place a pin at the fold on both ends.
- These pins will help you to know how large or small to make your embellishments.
Now is the fun part. Go through your stash of fabrics. Use your imagination. Have fun!
If you would rather watch a tutorial, you can go to my YouTube Channel. I have 2 videos for purse caddies there.
My favorite way to do this is to stitch in layers. For example, the leopard was stitched first with several rows of messy stitches. The burlap was stitched with a zigzag stitch.
The Scripture Label was the last add-on but it doesn’t have to be. You could add buttons or a small flower or a bit of lace. Now, you are ready to add the sealable bags.
Match 2 sets of bags at the 1 inch mark (where the pins are) to the fold in the potholder. One set will open to the left and the other set will open to the right. Pin in place.
Using a medium length straight stitch, sew down the center of the bag. Backstitch at the beginning and the end. Go slow so that the plastic bag doesn’t bunch up under the presser foot.
Carefully trim away the excess plastic on both sections (the excess on the top and on the bottom). Note: The presser foot on my sewing machine is only holding the purse caddy in place while I trim. No stitches are made there.
Too Cute!!! Now add a button for closure. And just so that you know, you can embellish a potholder purse caddy on either side or embellish the whole thing!!! Just be creative.
These little embellished caddies would make great shower hostess gifts, make them for a craft booth, or STOCKING STUFFERS!!! YIKES!!!
What do you mean stocking stuffers? Well, the year is more than half over and the way this year has gone it will be here before you know it.
I hope you are blessed with the Scripture Labels. Please, do not sell them or claim them as your own. You may print them to put on the items you make.
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU!
’til next time!
Nathalie
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