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2-in-1 Art Tote from Made By Marzipan: National Sewing Month 2013

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It’s Day Eight of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

National Sewing Month 2013

Hello! Maureen here from Made By Marzipan. Don’t you love it when you discover something new to sew with? When I spotted this chalkboard utility fabric at JoAnn, I couldn’t resist buying some… even though I had no idea what I’d do with it! Luckily I have a few little artists, who inspired me to stitch up a 2-in-1 Art Tote. One side is a chalkboard, and the other is a dry erase board. A pouch in the middle holds the chalk, marker, and an erasing cloth. Ribbon handles make it easy to carry.

2-in-1 Art Tote

2-in-1 Art Tote

Supplies:

Outer fabric (16.5 x 8.5 in)

Iron-on interfacing (16.5 x 8.5 in)

Inner fabric, white (9 x 8.5 in)

Chalkboard fabric (9 x 8.5 in)

Iron-on vinyl (1 yd)

Velcro

Large button & Hair Elastic (optional)

Chalk & dry erase markers

Flannel fabric scrap for erasing

Supply Tips:

I bought the chalkboard fabric at JoAnn, you can find it by the utility fabrics. I purchased the iron-on vinyl from WalMart, it’s kept by the bolts of interfacing.

How To:

1) Begin by cutting a piece of outer fabric and a piece of iron-on interfacing to 16.5 x 8.5 in. Iron the interfacing to the back of the fabric.

2) Cut a piece of inner fabric (white), a piece of chalkboard fabric, and a piece of iron-on vinyl to 9 x 8.5 in.

3) Prime the chalkboard fabric by coloring the entire surface with a piece of chalk. Wipe off the chalk and the fabric is ready to use.

4) Add the iron-on vinyl to the inner (white) fabric piece. Peel the backing off the vinyl and adhere to the front of the fabric. Lay the paper backing on top of the vinyl and iron. Be very careful not to touch the vinyl with the iron.

5) Repeat the steps with the two inner pocket pieces (white). This will make the interior of the pocket easy to clean if necessary. The pocket pieces should each measure 7×6 in.

Creating the Pocket

6) Next we’ll create the pocket. You should have two inner pocket pieces with vinyl. You will also need to cut two 7×6 inch pieces for the outside of the pocket, using the outer fabric.

7) Pin a piece of Velcro to the middle of each vinyl pocket piece, about 1 inch from the top short edge. Sew the Velcro in place.

8) Now layer the pocket pieces together. First put an inner vinyl piece face down. Then comes an outer fabric face up. Next is the remaining outer fabric face down. Finally, add the other inner vinyl piece face up.

9) Pin together and sew with a 1/4 inch seam, leaving the top edge open. Begin sewing about a 1/2 inch from the top edge so it’s easy to turn under later.

10) Trim the corners, then turn right side out. Poke out the corners with a blunt tool.

11) Turn the raw top edges inward and pin. Sew around the top edge with a 1/8 inch seam. You don’t want to sew the pocket shut, so you’ll need to rotate the fabric as you sew.

12) Sandwich the pocket piece between the chalkboard fabric and the vinyl-covered fabric. Sew together along the left side with a 1/2 in. seam. (It’s a good idea to trim this inner seam to about a 1/4 inch so the tote will lay flatter.)

Adding Ribbon Handles

13) Next we’ll add the ribbon handles. You’ll need about 22 inches of ribbon. Fold under the raw edge of the ribbon and begin pinning in the center of the outer fabric piece. It should be two or three inches away from the side, depending on the width of your ribbon.

14) Make a loop that extends past the edge of the tote to create the handle. Add a pin about an inch from the edge of the fabric to remind yourself to stop sewing here… otherwise your handles will get caught within your seams later.

15) Sew the ribbon in place, first down the outer edge of the ribbon, then along the inner edge. Remember to stop sewing an inch away from the edge of the fabric.

Button Closure (Optional)

16) Now it’s time for the button closure. (This is optional, since the pocket has Velcro.) To add the button closure, pin a hair elastic to the center of one short end of the outer piece. The elastic should be pointing inward. If the elastic has a metal clasp, extend it past the edge of the fabric and you can trim it later.

17) Sew in place with a zig-zag stitch and a 1/4 inch seam. Backstitch for durability. Trim off the excess elastic.

18) Sew a button on the opposite short end of the tote. Make sure you place it far enough down that it won’t interfere with your seams. A button without a shank provides a smoother drawing surface.

Assembling the Tote

19) It’s finally time to assemble our tote! Pin the handles down, towards the center of the tote, so they won’t get caught in the seams. Layer the two pieces right sides together and pin.

20) Sew around the edges with a 1/2 inch seam, remembering to leave a 4-inch hole along the top edge of the vinyl page for turning. Trim the corners and turn right side out.

21) Turn the edges of the hole inward and pin. Topstitch all the way around the tote with a 1/8 inch seam.

22) Top-stitching between the pages will help the book to lay flatter.

Add dry erase markers, chalk, and a piece of flannel for an eraser to the center pocket. Now your little artist can create anywhere!

Be sure to check out Maureen’s blog, where she makes all kinds of crafty creations at Made By Marzipan!

 

Have you ever used chalkboard fabric?

 

 

AllFreeSewing

Editor at AllFreeSewing at AllFreeSewing.com
AllFreeSewing is the ultimate resource for quick and easy sewing patterns, tutorials, and charts. You'll find dress and bag patters, alteration guides, even instructions to help you with that pesky sewing machine. The best part? It's all absolutely free. Come and join our community!

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Comments

  1. Kathy Gates says

    I’ve never used chalkboard fabric before. I need to try it, I have 4 grandkids that would love this cute art tote. 🙂 Thanks for having this giveaway!

  3. Christine says

    I have never used the chalkboard fabric. In fact, until today, I didn’t even know it existed. It’s nice to learn something new everyday. 🙂

  4. Connie Blankley says

    Love this idea, I have been making these for a couple of years. My grandchildren all have one each!

  7. leslieB says

    I am new and learning to sew this looks like something I would like to make for the grandkids for Christmas

  13. Terri C says

    I’ve never used chalkboard fabric but this makes me want to! Have two granddaughters that would love this. Thanks!

  14. Connie S. says

    Chalkboard fabric is fun to sew and use. The kids love it. This is a nice project. Thank you for sharing.

  16. Nancy B from Many LA says

    This is so cute! I haven’t used chalkboard fabric yet, but will in a few years. Expecting my first grandchild later this year!

  17. elizabeth horn says

    Have never used chalkboard fabric, but have used chalkboard paint. The fabric looks interesting.

  21. Debbie Martel says

    I have never used chalkboard fabric before. With 3 grandchildren, I will have to try it. What a cute idea to keep them busy in the car.

  23. Pam says

    I’ve never used chalkboard fabric before, but what a great idea! I’m going to make one of these for my granddaughter.

  26. Angie says

    Wow… this is awesome my grandkids would love it!! I did not know
    About chalkboard fabric until today! Will definitely be checking our fabric store ,thanks for the idea!

  27. Penny Kitzmiller says

    I have not used any of the chalkboard fabric yet. But I sure would like to try it soon. There are so many uses running through my head. Thanks for the jump start!

  32. Debra Turner says

    I’ve never used the chalkboard fabric, but it sounds kind of fun. My grandchildren would love something like this. I’ll check it out at the fabric store! Thanks.

  33. margie wheeler says

    I’ve never heard of chalkboard fabric before either, but now I will have to try and find some. I really like the idea of this.

  39. Susan Cox says

    I have never heard of chalkboard fabric, I think I am headed off to the local craft store to see if I can find some!!! 🙂

  40. Rebecca says

    I have to make it for my grand Daugther she says she going to be n artist when she grows up she 6 yrs old

  41. Terry Fetzek says

    I have seen several projects lately using chalkboard fabric. This is still a new fabrsc to me and I am looking forward to trying it. Thanks.

  42. Cathy Barron says

    I have never used it, but will definitely try it. Thank you for a well written and photographed video tutorial!

  43. Angela Scott says

    I have never used chalkboard fabric before but I would be curious to hear from others about their experiences with it.

  45. says

    Oh yes! I recently purchased a few yards of this great stuff from Joanne.com. I have made a cute table runner from it and plan to make more to sell in my shop. I love it!

  47. Rebecca Van Horn says

    I have not used chalk board fabric, but with an “artistic” three year old, it’s on my to-try list!

  48. Malka says

    I’ve never used chalkboard fabric; however, I do plan to try it out just as soon as my fabric gets here!!!

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