Looking for a simple, practical, and eco-friendly sewing project? Upcycle an old terry cloth towel into a handy toiletry bag! It's perfect for traveling or organizing your beauty essentials at home. With its built-in compartments, it makes it easy to store your toothbrush, toothpaste, and other accessories.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to sew a travel case that’s both practical and economical. What's more? Made from terry cloth, it will absorb the last drops of water from your products—goodbye to damp items!
Supplies
- Terry cloth (Swafi ng)
- PVC coated cotton (Rico Design)
- Thread (Gütermann)
- Piping
- Ruler
- Cording (Rayher)
- Sewing needle
- Sewing pins
- Small ruler
- Scissors
- Measuring tape (all by Prym)
Cutting Out
Pieces to cut:
- In the terry cloth: 45 x 37 cm / 18 ¼ x 14 ½ in
- In cotton: 46 x 37 cm / 17 ¾ x 14 ½ in
The 1 cm seam allowances are included in the measurements. You will find the instructions in PDF format available for free to download at the end of this article.
Creation
STEP 1
Pin the top of the terry cloth and the cotton right sides together and stitch 1 cm / 3/8 in allowance. Turn to the right side, press seam allowances toward the cotton, and stitch close to the edge.
STEP 2
Pin the piping along the other side of the fabric, pin the terry cloth against it, and stitch using a narrow sewing machine foot.
STEP 3
Sew both side seams with a 1 cm / 3/8 in allowance, leaving an opening on one lower side of approx. 6 cm / 2 1/2 for turning. Trim the corners carefully, turn to right sides out.
STEP 4
Press well and sew the opening closed by hand. Stitch in the ditch from the right side of the fabric along the upper edge.
STEP 5
Stitch the lower edge along the piping close to the edge.
STEP 6
Wrap the lower edge 12 cm / 4 3/4 in toward the top and close both sides by hand, securing the band folded in half into the left side (approx. 60 cm /23 1/2 in).
STEP 7
Determine your personal sizes to fit your supplies and stitch from the right side of the fabric for each section.
It's finished!
You now know how to make this easy and practical toiletry bag that will accompany you on all your travels. Feel free to make it from your old towels for an eco-friendly sewing project!
And if you'd like to get the instructions for this DIY in PDF format or print it to complete later, feel free to download it for free by clicking on the button below::
