Ponder the Path

I don’t know about you, but crayon boxes don’t last very long at my house.  Usually within a few days, we are putting crayons into zip lock bags or zippered pencil bags.  The problem with this is that it is difficult to find the color you need without either dumping the entire bag, or digging through it.

I decided to make a Crayon Roll-Up Bag for my girls.  The only thing sweeter than a new box of crayons is a new box of crayons in a bright new roll-up bag.  You should have seen their eyes light up when I told them the bag I made was for them!

These bags are great for keeping crayons secure and in place, while allowing you to see which color you want to use.  They also make super gifts–just fill with crayons, add in a coloring book, and you have a simply delightful handmade gift.

Let’s get started…

Here is what I used, but I did have a bit of the fabric left over.  Use what you have on hand and don’t be afraid to mix and match for a scrappy look.

Items needed:

1/3 yard printed fabric
1/3 yard solid fabric
10 x 14 inch piece of batting
24 inches ribbon

Cut:

1 – 10 x 14 inch printed fabric
2 – 6  1/2 x 14 inch printed fabric
1 – 10 x 14 inch solid fabric
binding –  60 x 2 1/2 inch solid fabric

Note: Seam allowances are 1/4 inch.

Sew:

Take one of the 6 1/2 x 14 inch printed fabric pieces and fold in half lengthwise, right sides facing together.  Sew together along the length of the fabric.  Turn inside out and press flat.  Repeat with the other piece of 6 1/2 x 14 inch printed fabric.

Sandwich together the 10 x 14 inch pieces of fabric with the batting in between.  Both fabric pieces should be right side facing out.

Pin:

Pin the 2 – 3 x 14 in panels (the ones you just sewed together and pressed) to the solid side of the sandwiched fabrics.  Start by measuring from the bottom 1/2 inch.  Pin one panel down, then measure 1 1/2 inches further up.  Pin the next panel down.  You should have 2 inches left at the top of this panel.

Sew:

Sew along the bottom edge of each panel.  (Make sure you are sewing the bottom edge.  I somehow turned mine around and sewed the top edge.  Not good.)

Mark:

With dressmaker’s chalk or a water soluble pen, mark the rectangle in 1 inch intervals from top to bottom.

Sew:

Sew along each line you marked.

Tip: Sew from bottom to top to prevent pucker at the bottom of each panel.

Finish:

Trim the edges slightly.  Add binding around the edges.  If you need help with your binding, please take a look at my quilt binding tutorial.  You will bind the crayon bag the same as a quilt, only smaller.  Last, tack ribbon onto the printed side of the fabric.

If you are a bit creative, you can create these bags for many different purposes.  I made one for my older daughter to keep her knitting needles in.  They would also work for drawing pencils or sewing accessories.

Enjoy your new Crayon Roll-Up Bag!