Personalized Crayon Tote Bag Tutorial

Do you need something to keep your cute little kiddos quiet during church or even for a few minutes at home? Here's a solution...

  I always bring a bag with a few coloring books, crayons, and a few toys to church. Still, there is always at least one fight during the quietest part of the meeting (grrrr). I saw a little girl with her very own little coloring bag the other day.  She seemed so quiet and entertained. I knew that I must make some for my kids. 

 There are several crayon roll and bag tutorials and patterns out there, but this is my spin. They're a perfect size for toddlers and preschoolers to carry. A child's own name, and very own stuff makes them totally excited.

I had so much fun making these, that I couldn't help but whip some up for some nieces and nephews birthdays.

Another variation is with one pouch of crayons in the front and one in the back....

Supplies:
white fabric
embroidery floss or stencils and fabric paint
1 fabric fat quarter for the outside of bag and handles
1/4 yard fabric for lining
1/16 yard fabric for crayon pouches (or 1/4 yard if you want to do the handles with this color as seen above in "Shae")
fusible web... I like "Steam a Seam" which comes in a package pre-cut perfectly for this project
coordinating thread
coloring book and crayons

To Make the Bag
First, personalize the name. Type and print the name on the computer and then trace on to white fabric. Use the back stitch or split stitch... depending on the look you prefer. In the bags above, Abby, Jane and Ezra were stitched with the back stitch. Max and Shae were stitched with the split stitch.  Or make stencils with card stock and a Cricut or Silhouette. Then paint with fabric paint.

Cut all pieces of fabric...
2- 9 1/2" X 12 1/2" rectangles with outer fabric
2- 9 1/2" X 12 1/2" rectangles with lining fabric
2- 2" X 16" Strips with fabric for handles
2- 5 3/4 "X 8 1/2" rectangles for crayon pouches
2 pieces fusible web either from "Steam a Seam" package or cut 2- 9 1/4 X 12 1/4 rectangles
2 pieces of interfacing 3/8" X 16" for handles
trim the embroidered or painted name to the desired size

Lay fusible web on top of one 9 1/2 X 12 1/2 lining rectangles.

Lay the the rectangle for the outer part of the bag on top of fusible web.

Fuse together with iron. Iron both sides on cotton setting until fused together.

Repeat with the other two rectangles.

Zig zag stitch around the edges of the fused rectangles, and the name. Cut also with pinking shears if you want for extra coverage.

Take the 5 3/4 X 8 1/2 rectangles. Fold in half, right sides together. Put a few pins in if you want, and sew 1/4 " seam around the edges, leaving a small space at the end. Turn right side out. Press!!

Decide which piece you want for the front of the bag. Set all piece in desired place and pin.

See proceeding bags for a guide if needed.

** Very Important: Pin the seam end of the crayon pouch on the bottom. It's much prettier and easier to sew each small crayon section if you do this.

Pin each crayon section about 5/8", or wherever the lines or polka dots are on the fabric that can serve a a guide for a straight line. If there is nothing to use as a guide on the fabric, use chalk or a disappearing ink pen and draw straight lines with a ruler.

Sew everything into place. When sewing each individual crayon section, start top stitching at the bottom (where the seam is) and sew to the top. Make sure to back stitch in both places.

Now place the other rectangle on top, right sides together. Pin. Sew 1/4" seam around the sides and bottom of the bag. Go one more time around if you want it to be really sturdy.

Cut a small square out of each bottom side. Then sew a diagonal line as shown below. Trim with pinking shears.

Turn bag right side out. (Not shown).

Now make the handles.

With one 2" X 16" strip, iron both sides in 1/4".

Then fold in half and iron (it's hard to see that this handle has been folded in half and ironed). Put 3/8" X 16" interfacing inside. Fold in half and iron again for reinforcement.

They should look like the ones below. Top stitch down both sides. Repeat with other handle.

Take the bag, turn down the top 1/2 inch to 1 inch (whatever looks best with your fabric). Press!! Sew around edges.

Pin handles where you want them. Sew back and forth into place.

Sew around the top of the bag again making sure to secure handles into place, and to keep the top folded down.

That's it!!

My little girls LOVE them. Even first thing in the morning when the hair's still a rat's nest..

XO,
Nancy

Linking to:
Whipperberry
Tidy Mom
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Tater Tots and Jello
Six Sisters' Stuff
The Real Housewives of Riverton