We love our classic red metal Radio Flyer wagon….but it gets SO hot in the summer and TOO cold in the winter. I made an easy reversible cover for it (the cover is much cuter than the old towels we were using for a while….and I needed to finally use this fabric for something).
You’ll have to measure your own wagon since they come in so many sizes, but I use my own measurements in this example:
Step 1: My wagon measures 36 inches long, 18 inches wide and 5 inches in height. Based on these measurements, I cut two large squares of coordinating fabric with the following dimensions: 51″ x 33″
X = length of wagon + (3 x height of wagon) = 36″ + (3 x 5″) = 51″
Y = width of wagon + 3 x height of wagon) = 18″ + (3 x 5″) = 33″
Step 2: I pinned the two pieces right sides together.
Optional step: If you want to round your corners to match your wagon shape, fold your pinned fabric in half and then in half the other way and cut all four corners slightly rounded so they match. Notch the edges to reduce bulk when it is turned right side out.
Step 3: Then I sewed all the way around the edges using a 1/2 inch seam. I stopped 4 inches from my starting point to leave a hole to turn the cover right side out. (Note: I drew a line all the way around using a disappearing ink pen to give me a line to follow…..I’m an impatient sewer so it lets me go fast!).
Step 4: Turn your cover right side out and iron all of the edges.
Step 5: Set your sewing machine to about a 6 or 7 stitch length and top stitch your cover 1″ from the edge ALL the way around. I draw this line with the disappearing ink pen as well. It just helps me keep all my lines REALLY straight.
Step 6: Measure the circumference of your wagon bed and multiply by 2/3. This is the length of 3mm elastic or elastic cord you will thread through the casing you just created.
For example: My elastic measurement was: 2 (Length + Height) x (2/3) = 2 x 54 x (2/3) = 72″
Step 7: Sew the elastic ends together when you get it pulled all the way through.
Step 8: Then top stitch your opening closed!
And you are done! If you want it a little more padded you can add a layer of cotton batting in between your two layers. The best part is that it is reversible too! When one side gets a little dingy I just reverse it.
It is kind of like a big fabric wagon shower cap!
Radio Flyer….are you listening? I’ve just invented your newest accessory.
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Great idea! It makes me miss my old metal Radio Flyer wagon…my boys have one of the newer plastic ones. 🙁
This is awesome – we totally have the same problem! I'm going to make one this month, I hope.
FABULOUS idea! Fried backsides are the main reason I've avoided the classic Radio Flyer wagon, but now I need avoid no more! Thanks for the tutorial!
I loooooooove those fabrics; esp. the Amy Butler print. I am obsessed with her fabrics!
Another feature! you are making it big time!!!!! http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com/2009/08/lettered-pillows.html
LOVE the fabric you used!
Great idea and tutorial!! Thanks for sharing!
Love it!
How do you keep your ironing board cover so clean???
what a brilliant idea! never thought of that. I'll have to make one.
What a cool solution!! I posted a link to your tutorial at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-little-red-wagon-cover/2009/08/08/
–Anne
That is such a cute idea!
This is the perfect solution to a problem we all can remember from our own childhoods. Thanks for the tip!
Perfect! I sooo need one of these!!
I so need to do this – I even have some Radio Flyer fabric somebody gave me! My son will love it!
Another great tute Ashley! Great idea! I couldn't help adding it to our link luv roundup today! Come by for a peek:
I'll bet a changing table pad would fit wonderfully under or in between that cover for extra padding!
So cool. I have mine from when I was little, my kids use it now. Can't wait to make one.
Great idea! This will be wonderful for those times you have to leave the wagon in the sun at the park or outside of a store or restaurant. I think I would add some padding for small bottoms once the passengers are out of diapers – especially if the sidewalks are bumpy or you’re going over grassy areas in the park.
There is a small mistake in the instructions for determining the length of the elastic.
In Step 6, it says to measure the circumference which should be twice the total of the length plus the width. In your example, though, you refer to “2 (Length + Height)”.
For example: My elastic measurement was: 2 (Length + Height) x (2/3) = 2 x 54 x (2/3) = 72″
Thank you so much for posting this! Im making it right now for my wedding 🙂 My 11 month old daughter is the flower girl and she is going to be pulled down the isle by the ring bearer in a wagon. We are doing a country chic theme so I am covering it in burlap covered by lace 🙂 Thank you!