I made a bunch of these easy, quick sew vinyl organizers to hold Boo’s games and puzzles. These could be used for almost anything: makeup, puzzles, coupons etc. I used clear tablecloth vinyl and foldover elastic in a variety of colors to make them fun. You could use bias tape but I prefer the elastic because the loop that closes the pouch needs to be slightly stretchy to really hold the organizer closed.
Step 1: I cut a large rectangle of vinyl and folded it in half:
Step 2: I folded elastic over one of the top edges and stitched all the way along making sure the stitch went through all three layers: elastic, vinyl and elastic.
Step 3: Cut a loop of elastic that would be slightly smaller than the depth of the organizer so that it will loop snugly around when the organizer is filled.
I sewed the second top edge but stopped halfway and used some stay tape to hold the loop in place as I folded the elastic over it and continued sewing across the second half of the edge:
Here’s what the organizer will look like at this point:
Step 4: Lastly I closed up the sides of the organizer by folding elastic along each side and sewing up the edge:
Finished! These can be made in almost any size to accommodate large or small pieces! The best part is that they look so pretty stored on a shelf!
I’m working on organization!
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i aboslutely LOVE this!!! gonna have to make a few for my kiddos!! you are so creative, ashley!!
what were your measurements of your rectangle…just curious…that size looks perfect! thanks!!
About 20″ x 10″ for one….they all varied in size….I didn’t really measure wen cutting 🙂
you are so good…if i don’t measure, everything gets all wonky…i can’t cut in a straight line to save my life! lol! thanks!!
great idea…may have to sacrifice a shower curtain for some organization:)
What a great idea,and you can get heavy duty ones,thanks
Man, I just bought vinyl for another project, but because I only need about a 4 inch square I only got a 1/8th yard – I wish I’d gotten more now! Out of curiosity – do you know what MIL vinyl you used, I’m never sure what to buy at Jo-Anns for projects that just call for “vinyl”.
Okay, these are fantastic!!! I have a pet peeve about make-up bags being too expensive…I just can’t put the money into a bag that only I see!
I don’t sew much but I think I could do these!!! At first I was like, “yea sure, but there’s a zipper so I’m out!!: but when I saw the elastic I was all, “yay!!” (that’s how my 16yo daughter would say it!!!)
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!!
What a great tutorial to have all organized and easy to find and see. Thanks a lot!
Are you using elastic or bias tape. It doesn’t look like elastic especially in these colors. Great idea and these would be great for shower gifts. Thank you.
It’s elastic. The foldover (FOE) elastic that comes in multiple colors 🙂
I super love this! I’m heading out to JoAnn’s tonight to get some vinyl, thanks so much for the great idea! Can’t wait to see the rest of your organization tips, goodness knows I need all the help I can get. 🙂
Fantastic and practical tut!!
This is GREAT! I always save the plastic pouches when I buy sheets and pillowcases and use them for toy storage. But…that is not really an item that is bought often. I’m glad to see how easy it is to whip these up. Thanks!
Do you use a special kind of needle to sew vinyl? I’m pretty new at sewing and I actually have few different vinyl projects I’ve been thinking about, but I’m not sure if special equipment is necessary.
Thanks!
I am a newbie as well (so I’m sure more experienced people will have other answers!) I don’t believe a special needle is needed, just use the right size for the thickness of your project. I bought a special Teflon foot for my machine ($12 at JoAnn’s but generics available for less on Amazon) that helps alot. I have read several tutorials lately where people just put a bit of Scotch tape on the bottom of their regular machine foot instead of using the special foot. I have also heard to sandwich the vinyl in tissue paper and then tear it off after sewing. Every project I have done so far with vinyl I have hated the process but loved the outcome. Just jump right in and try it!!
these are fabulous , I LOVE the clear aspect, the speed , the price and the design aspect with the colored elastic!
I do hope you are writing a book.. with all your brilliant snazzy ideas!
Cheers , Helen
so easy and fun)))
These would be great for individual bathroom bags (toothbrush, etc) for camping! We just got back from a 12 day road trip where I had packed all of the items in one big bag. I thought a bag for each family member would be better–the clear vinyl and flexible size would make these great for packing up each person’s unique items, but still pack them all up in our “bathroom” bag. They will be easy to figure out whos is whose to grab out and send off to the restroom.
Thank you!
That was a great idea. the vinyle bag. I would like to know where I can get the fold over elasitic. I thank you and God bless.
Now I know what to do with all the FOE that my bestie gave me because I sure don’t know how to turn them into headbands. LOL These are great for everything, say goodbye to my ugly travel case. 🙂
Ashley thanks for the tutorial what is the gauge of your Vinyl, I am making a handbag with a12 gauge for durability but my needle does not go through. Can I work with a single stitch or will need and upholstery person helping me. Thanks
I’m learning how to sew. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Everyone i am currently staring at clear vinyl stuff i bought and i wanted to make a rain cover for the pram/stroller and i like to sew everything i can by hand as it usually holds better than my machine 🙁 its crappy i need to upgrade… but could anyone recommend a basic pattern or ideas for the best stitch to use…..