Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sewing Project to make for the elderly or handicapped



The below sewing projects you can make to help and individual or just keep yourself organized.  Unfortunately, I was not able to make the project for the walker before I had to leave; because, my sewing machine was sewing backwards.  I need to get it fixed when I get back.

Cart Caddy Tutorial



This is for an individual who has some experience in sewing.

Materials:  Two complimentary pieces of Fabric or used FAT QUARTERS, Stiff interfacing, Coordinating Double Folded Bias Tape, Velcro, Pins, pen marker, stapler, and Ruler

Directions:
Measure and cut your fabric and Interfacing 18″ x 18″. We will be cutting out a section of your 18″ square to create the Caddy straps. Using a ruler and pen mark off the following measurements and cut through all three layers creating straps that measure 7″ long x 3″ wide.

Use straight pins to secure the three layers together. I prefer using a stapler. It lays flatter and the staples are easy to remove adding the bias Tape. 
You will first need to sew an 18″ strip of Bias tape to the bottom section of the caddy.  Fold the bottom section in half leaving about a 1 1/2″ gap. This is creating your pocket.   Be sure to be aware of the fabrics. You will determine what fabric shows most so choose wisely which way you fold. Secure with pins or staples.
Add the Bias Tape around the edges. Start at a top of a strap in its middle. Pin it on if that will help you keep it straight. Sew it on using a straight stitch. Corners Can be pinned or stapled to help them line up right. The inside corners are tricky. Sew around it completely being sure to fold your tape at the very end so you don’t have a raw edge.
Sew a straight stitch line in your pocket making a second section in your pocket. You can determine how big you want each section. Also you may want to add another stitched line to make a pen pocket.
We will be adding Velcro.



Cut two 1 3/4″ strips of Velcro. Separate the pieces and sew them onto the straps. Sew one on the top of the strap and the other at the bottom of the strap where it meets the pocket section.



Sew a Walker Bag to Carry


Materials:  1/3 yard 44-45" wide pre-quilted or durable, sturdy fabric for the body of the bag, 1 yard 44-45" wide complementary fabric for pockets and lining,    4- 1" D rings, 3 - 1" buttons, and Thread



Directions:
Cutting:
Body of the bag
Cut 2 - 18" by 12"
Lining and Pockets
   Cut 2 - 18" by 16" for outer pockets
    Cut 2 - 18" by 12" for lining the bag
    Cut 2 - 2" by 12" for bottom straps
    Cut 2 - 5" by 10 1/2" for top straps

Directions:
Fold the outer pocket sections in half, wrong sides of the fabric together, to create an 8" by 18" doubled piece of fabric.
Align the raw edges with the bottom raw edges of the body of the bag.
Baste or pin in place.
Sew a line of stitching 1 1/2" in on the bottom edge.


Sew a line of stitching on the pocket from the bottom row of stitching, 1 1/2" in from the side edges.
Sew lines of stitching to create pockets. The pockets in this bag are 5" across on one side. The second side was stitched in the center and then 1 1/2" to the side on center on one side. The choice is yours and if you are making this for an individual you should question what they need to carry so the pockets fit their needs.
Fold the bottom straps in half lengthwise, aligning the edges.
Sew one end and the length of the strap using a 1/4" seam allowance
Turn right sides out.
Press
Measure 3" from the sewn end and place the D rings on that mark.
Fold the strap and enclose the straight side of the D ring.
Sew as close to the D ring as possible.
Repeat for the second strap.
Placing right sides together, place the body of the bag pieces together, aligning the bottom and sides.
Sew the bottom seam, using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Apply a seam finish.
Measure 3" from the bottom seam on both edges of one body piece.
Baste the bottom straps at the 3" mark on the side seam area.
Pin the strap to the body of the bag to prevent it from being caught in the side seams.
Fold right side of the body of the bag together, aligning the sides.
Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance.


Apply a seam finish.
Press
Fold the corners of the bottom of the bag so the side and bottom seam are perfectly on top of each other.
Sew across the newly formed "triangle" from the end pocket stitching to the other end pocket stitching.
Trim and apply a seam finish.

    Optional: If desired sew an interior pocket with a zipper closure such as the one described in the directions for an Everyday Pocketbook
    Placing right sides together, align the sides and bottom of the bag lining pieces.
 Sew the side seams using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Sew the bottom seam using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a 5" to 6" opening in the center of the bottom seam. (This opening will be used to turn the bag right side out)
Square the bottom sewing the same triangles that were sewn in the body of the bag.
Press.
Fold the straps in half lengthwise, with the right sides together.
Sew one end and the length of the strap using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Turn right side out.
Press
Sew a buttonhole 1/2" from the closed end of the strap, using your button as a guide for the length of the buttonhole.
Repeat for the second strap.
Measure 2" from the side seams on one side of the bag.
Place the length of the strap in the bag and align the raw edge with the top of the bag.
Baste the straps in place.
Place the lining in the bag matching the right sides of the bag.
Sew along the top of the bag and lining using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Turn right sides out through the opening in the bottom of the lining.
Slip stitch the opening in the lining closed.
Press well so the top seam is perfectly at the top of the bag.
Top stitch 1/4" from the top edge of the bag.
Sew buttons on the side of the bag opposite the straps.
Sew a buttonhole in the center of the bag.
Sew a button inside the bag opposite the center buttonhole.
Press the sides of the bag by folding them on the end pocket stitching lines to square the bag.  Sew a bar tack on the top of the folds to help the bag maintain the squared sides.



Wheelchair Totes
Materials:  Bag (cut 2) 18" x 18", Velcro 2", Handles (cut 2) 13-1/2" x 3", Pocket (cut 1) 7-1/2" x 18"





Directions:
NOTE: All seam allowances are 1/2"
Sew pocket to one side of bag, if there is enough fabric. Make divisions for pens/eyeglasses. Stitch 4-1/2" for eyeglass section and 1-1/2" to 2" for pens/pencils.
Sew side seams and bottom edge. (Double stitch, if not using heavy thread.)
Serge side seams, top edge and bottom.
Angle corners 1-1/2". (DO NOT CUT OFF).
Fold down top edge 1-1/4" and topstitch.
Sew handles 1/2" onto each side seam. Stitch diagonally for strength.
Sew 2" Velcro into the center (inside edge) of top using diagonal stitching
NOTE: Actual bag needs to measure 28" from the end of one handle to the other end. Handles should be 1" to 1-1/2" wide.



Share your ideas on this or anything here on the blog either here or e-mail me at stipple@verizon.net.  I look forward to hearing from you!




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