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How to Make A Washcloth Travel Tote

Updated on August 17, 2015

Washcloth Travel Totes for the Family

I was first introduced to the concept of a traveling tote almost fifteen years ago. Looking through a magazine I ran across an article for a craft. With some alterations I came up with my version of the Washcloth Traveling Tote.

Back then I didn't have a sewing machine and made quite of few of these little gifts by hand. Now I can make one in about 30 - 40 minutes depending on the size.

My little companion has traveled quite a bit and lasted for years. When I fly I usually freshen up before landing. I like the fact that I am using a clean linen of my own, with the things I use on a regular basis. It's washable, reusable and economical all while meeting my hygiene needs when I'm away from home.

You can make this craft for your family and friends by following the step-by-step instructions on this site. When you are finished you may be interested in some of my other articles and social sites.

Photo by Favored1

Copyrighted Material by Favored1. Do not copy. Photo credit byFavored1 or Amazon unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.


Photo by Favored1
Photo by Favored1
Graccioza Pure Colour 14 by 14 Washcloth, Blue
Graccioza Pure Colour 14 by 14 Washcloth, Blue
Choose from 17 colors with a wide hem. Soft with superior absorbency. Made of 100 percent cotton; machine wash and dry.
 

Extra Large Washcloths - This is actually a better size to make this project.

You can make this project using 12x12 inch, 13x13 inch or 14x14 inch washcloths.

I have found the 14 inch ones work best because it makes a longer pouch, but the other sizes also work out especially for a child's pouch.

These work great for every member of the family if they are a different color. If making several it's best to purchase them in a packet of 6 or more, because it is much less expensive.

For more selection see below.

Poll: Bon Voyage

Have you ever heard of a washcloth travel tote?

See results
U.S. Polo Assn. 100-Percent Egyptian Cotton Wash Cloth, 13-Inch by 13-Inch, Nirvana Purple
U.S. Polo Assn. 100-Percent Egyptian Cotton Wash Cloth, 13-Inch by 13-Inch, Nirvana Purple
Luxurious feel that gets softer as it is washed. They don't even need fabric softener, so that helps save even more. Pick from 18 colors.
 
Made Here 100% Organic Cotton Luxury Wash Cloth by 1888 Mills (4pk)
Made Here 100% Organic Cotton Luxury Wash Cloth by 1888 Mills (4pk)
You'll like this 100 % organic cotton bargain bundle. Durable plus oversized which is perfect to make this craft. There are four colors to choose from: Earth brown, stone gray, water blue and the leaf green as seen here.
 

Sewing on the Shoelace

Step 1 - Sewing on the Shoelace - Instructions for a 12 x 12 inch washcloth tote.

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

Fold up washcloth 5 inches from the bottom and pin it in place. Attach the sides together with a small safety pin.

Step 2

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

Fold the washcloth in half with the safety pins on the inside. The outer part of the washcloth should be showing. Fold the shoelace in half so you can see where the center will be.

Sewing Accessories - These are the items you will need for this project.

Step 3

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

Put a straight pin in to mark the seam 5 inches from the bottom of the fold.

This is the place (mark) where you will sew the shoelace in place.

Step 4

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

With a needle, pierce the shoelace at the center length so both sides are even.

Tack the shoelace in the center where you marked it with a few stitches to hold it in place.

It's harder to sew this on after you have made the pouches, so I do it at this point.

Step 5

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

Use straight pins to hold the ribbon in place evenly.

Step 6

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

Use straight pins to hold the shoelace in place on both sides. You won't be sewing this, but it will prevent you from sewing crooked.

In the center where the pen is pointing, stitch this down by hand or machine. The sewing machine works better and holds the shoelace tighter preventing it from coming off after several uses.

Step 7

Photo credit by favored1
Photo credit by favored1

Go over this shoelace 3 x's using reverse and back. Only stitch the width of the lace.

Step 8

Photo by Favored1
Photo by Favored1

Lift the foot on the machine, but make sure the needle is still all the way down holding the material in place.

Turn the washcloth with the shoelace vertical and sew it in place. Sew one inch of the center. Reverse back to the center.

Step 9

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Repeat the last step lifting the foot without raising the needle and sew a one inch length on the opposite side of the center point. What you have already sewn should be facing you. Basically all you are doing is making a one inch hem on both sides of the center point to secure the shoelace.

Step 10

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

See how the hem should look? I used light thread so you could see it, but you should use the color that matches the washcloth so you don't see the hem at all.

Fashionable Shoelaces - Select cotton laces 30-36 inches in length and 1/4 inch wide.

Using a silky lace won't work, because it doesn't hold a tight bow. Solid colors are more suitable and don't run when they are washed. I used a silkier lace to show you how it doesn't take a knot very well. It may look pretty, but for this project it isn't as functional.

GG-77 FLAT ATHLETIC Neon Pink 36 inch Shoelaces 2 Pair Pack
GG-77 FLAT ATHLETIC Neon Pink 36 inch Shoelaces 2 Pair Pack
Twenty-two bold fun colors to pick from for your travel tote. Flat lace is 5/16" wide.
 

Where can you use a washcloth travel tote?

Airplane

Train

Bus

Overnight trip

Road trip

Backpacking

Camping

Campus

Gym

Any place really

Sewing the Sides

Step 1 - Sides

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Flip over the material and fold the bottom up 5 inches again just like you did in the beginning. This part is tricky. Pin the fold in place without touching the shoelace. Pull it up out of the way so it doesn't get sewn. I used a safety pin to hold it together and out of the way.

Step 2 - Sides

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Sew both sides along the seam of the cloth. Get as close as you can without running off the edge. As you reach the ends (top and bottom) go back a forth using the reverse tool a few times to strengthen the ends.

Making the Pockets

Step 1 - Pockets

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Put straight pins at top to hold the fold in place. This keeps the cloth from shifting so you can make even pouches.

From the left side, measure 2 and 1/4 inches (if using a 12 inch washcloth). Mark the top and bottom with laundry marker.

Be sure to keep shoelaces out of the way to avoid sewing them to the washcloth.

Move the straight pins as you progress to the right.

Trim off any threads along the way on both sides of the washcloth.

Step 2 - Pockets

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Sew a seam from the top mark to the bottom mark.

Hold the cloth in place so it doesn't bunch up or twist on you making a crooked line.

Step 3 - Pockets

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Measure 2 and 1/4 inches from the last seam and mark it (top and bottom). Measure 2 and1/4 inches from every seam until you have 4 seams that will make 5 pouches. When you are done you will have 5 pouches 2 and 1/4 inches wide.

If you only want 4 pouches, divide the washcloth evenly and do the same thing marking them as you go. You should have 3 seams. However, smaller pouches help to keep things snug.

Note: Remember to use a measuring tape for accuracy. I'm using a ruler to show the approximate distance from one pocket to the other.

Step 4- Pockets

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Here I have placed toothpicks along where the seams are so you can see the width of the pouches.

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

The pockets begin below the decorative trim. You won't be able to see that from the other side.

However, you do want the distance from the top so that nothing falls out of the pouch.

Adding the Products

Fill Your Travel Tote

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

There are all sorts of things you can put in your pouches. The main thing to remember is to only put what you may need in a hurry or emergency when you do not have access to your normal toiletries. For this ladies travel tote I packed:

travel size toothbrush

travel size toothpaste with Scope mouthwash

travel size razor with cap

flat bottle of Neutrogena facial wash (1 oz)

a few bandaids

long hair pins, band, clip, comb

large zip bag for wet cloth after use

sandwich bag (to put items in after using washcloth)

several sizes of safety pins (this is a must)

Fill the Tote with Travel Sized Products

A few items for a women's travel tote.

Brother Sewing Machine LX 3125 - Carrying Case Sold Separately

This is the machine that I have. It isn't an expensive sewing machine, but it has done a fabulous job on my crafts. If you are looking for a lightweight product that is easy to transport, the Brother LX 3125 sewing machine is a good choice.

It has the ability to do 16 stitch patterns, has automatic stitch length, built in sewing light and auto wind bobbin (which I really like). But don't be fooled by its petite size, you will be able to make some really neat things with this machine.

Brother Compact Sewing Machine Fashion Faces Decorative Skins 3125E
Brother Compact Sewing Machine Fashion Faces Decorative Skins 3125E
Flatbed/Free arm convertible sewing surface. Lightweight and compact with built-in handle for portability, weighs 15 lbs . 35 Stitch functions; 25 year warranty included.
 
Brother 5300 Sewing Machine Case White,Medium
Brother 5300 Sewing Machine Case White,Medium
Molded from durable but lightweight plastic this 2-piece carrying and storage case fits any free-arm sewing machine. Locking metal side hinges; built-in handle; stay-clean surface. Measures 18 by 11-1/2 by 14 inches.
 

Folding the Tote

Folded without products.

Folded without products.
Folded without products.

Step1 - Folding the Tote

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

To fold your washcloth bring in each side and fold it over one another as if you were rolling in from both directions. Make sure items are as far down in the pouch as they can go. This is why you need that few extra inches from the top and why you don't want anything sticking out the top. It should be tidy and neat.

Step 2 - Folding the Tote

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Take one shoelace and wrap it around to the right and another one to the left. You should have enough material to wrap the cloth twice. Pull it snug.

Did you use the right shoelaces?

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Tie together like you would on a shoe making a bow.

Here I used 45" shiny laces to show you what NOT to buy.

The "fancy" laces do not hold the tie and slip out.

Cotton laces work the best and a 30-36 inch lace is sufficient.

Side View

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

All Done ... Take A Look!

Packed and Ready to Go

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Take A Peek

Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.
Photo copyright by Favored1. Do Not Copy.

Final Product

So here it is.

What did it cost?

Total price was about $5.00.

Cost included:

Washcloth

Shoelaces

Facial Wash

Toothpaste/brush

Comb

Other things I had already.

This week's challenge on my: Daily Favor Blog

© 2013 Fay Favored

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