Toy Organizer or Picnic Bag

I’ve had this table runner from Ikea for almost 5 years. I’ve got it when we had a little condo but we moved into the house my Interior vision had changed and this runner was hidden in the garage. If you will look through my previous posts I am into organizing lately and I have decided to make a toy organizer which also could be used as a picnic bag.

You’ll need I table runner. Mine was 18” wide and 45” long.

Red felt to trim the cuts.

1 heavy duty needle and thread.

4 large buttons

2 pieces of rope for the handles

Elastic band is optional (I’ve used it to organize my daughter’s Barbie Dolls)

Hot glue gun

I’ve planned to have a pocket on the outside of my bag and that was the only cut that I had to make. This project is very easy.

Step 1 Cut out your future pocket, considering the items you are going to be putting in plus extra ½” for bottom stitching.

Step 2 Create the bottom of your bag. Find a middle part of your runner/fabric and fold each side as you see on this picture

In my case each fold is 3", which creates 6" base. The wider your base the sturdier your bag is going to be. Trim the top of your bag with red felt.

Stitch the sides of the bottom .

Step 3

Front pocket

Secure the pocket in the location of your choice but leaving some room for the handles. Trim the top of the pocket with red felt. Stitch the bottom of the pocket to the bag. Don't stitch the sides yet.

Step 4 Elastic band for Barbie dolls.

We don't have a lot of Barbie dolls in the house, that's why I've created only 6 openings to hold them all, but you have more you can create extra rows:)

Step 5 Working on handles. I've used a regular rope. Create some loops on each end of the rope

In my case, I've had two pieces 30" each before the loops. My idea also called for some buttons in red, well I didn't have exactly what I've had in mind, so I had to create my red buttons.

I've used Red Spray Paint and here they are

Step 6 Attach handles to the bag and secure the back of the stitches with some red felt and hot glue

Step 7. Stitch the sides of your bag.

and you are done!

Time to organize your child's toys! I hope it helps and as usual - Have fun!