DIY Puzzle Bags

Materials:

Extra wide double fold bias tape (1/2” wide)
12 or 16 gauge clear vinyl
Velcro
Coordinating thread

Instructions:

Measure the height and width of your puzzle, making sure to include the thickness of the puzzle. Add about 1-1.5 inches to the width so that you can easily slide your puzzle in and out. You are essentially making a vinyl envelope, so you will need to double the height of the puzzle and add a few more inches for the flap. For example, a standard sized wooden Melissa and Doug puzzle measures approximately 12.5” W x 9” H. I cut my vinyl to 13.5” x 22”.

Make a mark on each long edge, approximately 5” in from one of the short edges. This will be the top of your envelope, and you will end up with a 5” flap.

Set your stitch length to 3.5. On the opposite short end, sew a strip of bias tape. Back stitch at both ends and trim any excess bias tape. (Tip: I highly recommend using Clover Wonder Clips (http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Per-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A) when sewing with vinyl, as they do not leave holes and are easy to reposition).

Next, cut a 3” long strip of velcro. Set your machine to a zig-zag stitch with stitch length of 2.5. Attach the hook side (scratchy side) approximately 2.5” in from the edge you have just encased in bias tape, centering it. I find it helpful to use a small piece of painters tape to mark where I want to place the velcro. Sew around all four edges of the velcro with a zig-zag stitch.

Fold the edge with bias tape/velcro up to the 5” flap marks you made earlier and clip in place. Make sure the velcro is facing out. Fold one end of the bias tape into a triangle then fold down. 

Beginning at one of the bottom corners, sandwich both layers of vinyl inside your bias tape.  Clip in place. Set your machine to a straight stitch with a stitch length of 3.5. Sew along the edge until you reach the first flap corner. Sew right up to the edge then backstitch. 

Remove the envelope from your machine and trim threads. Fold the corner and clip in place. 

Beginning a few stitches before the corner, sew around the corner and continue along the edge. Repeat steps for next flap corner. Continue sewing the bias tape around the edge of the envelope until you reach the end.

Fit your puzzle inside the envelope and close the flap snuggly. Mark where the loop/soft side of the velcro should go. (It’s best to place the soft side of the velcro on the flap so it doesn’t scratch your hand when you slide the puzzle in and out.) This should be approximately 3/4”-1” in from the edge. Make sure it is centered/lined up with the other side of the velcro. Attach to the inside of the flap with a zig-zag stitch, stitch length 2.5.

These bags are also useful for storing slightly thicker items.

My two year old daughter can easily open the bags and enjoys sliding her puzzles in and out. 

No more missing pieces! Now all your puzzles can be stored neatly together on the shelf.

Closet Divider Tutorial

For each closet divider you will need:

Two 4 3/4" x 6" pieces of fabric
One 3 1/2" x 5" piece of firm/extra-firm interfacing
One curtain ring clip (large enough to fit around closet rod)
One 1/2" wide strip of fabric (length depends on size of curtain ring clip)

Other supplies:

Fabric turner
scissors
Embroidery floss
Embroidery needle
Embroidery hoop
Carbon paper
Iron
Fabric glue
Thread
Marking pen

I created 8 closet dividers in the following sizes: Newborn, 0-3 m, 3-6 m, 6-9 m, 9-12 m, 18 m, 24 m, and 2t. The finished size of each divider is 3 1/2" x 5".

You can freehand the sizes onto your fabric with a marking pen before embroidering. I chose to print the sizes on a piece of paper first so I could trace them. Pin the paper template onto the right side of your fabric. I positioned mine about 3/4" in from the sides and top. Slip a piece of carbon paper in between the paper and fabric, and using a retracted mechanical pencil or pen, trace the template onto your fabric. Hand embroider- I used a backstitch.

Once you have embroidered the sizes onto the fabric you're ready to start sewing. Pin your two pieces of fabric right sides together and sew 1/2" in from the edge, leaving the bottom edge open. Clip the corners and trim excess fabric from the edges. Turn right side out and press.

Fold the interfacing slightly and insert into the opening at the bottom of your fabric. Make sure it is neatly tucked inside, then topstitch 1/4" around all four edges.

To make the curtain ring clips, simply wrap your 1/2" wide strip of fabric around the ring, overlapping the fabric slightly each time you go around. Secure with fabric glue at the start and end of the strip.

Attach your curtain ring clip to the top of your divider and it's ready to hang!

I'm going to need more hangers!