Homemade Travel Utensil Roll
On my plastic free and zero waste journey, I’m always trying to use my crafting skills to design and create reusable, functional handy items for myself and my family from upcycled or repurposed materials I already own. Here I’m sharing a step by step guide to making your own travel utensil roll. I wanted a carrying case for my utensils. I wanted something cute to tote my silverware to and from the office, as well as something to pack with me whenever I travel so as to minimize my waste even while away from home.
There are plenty of people who are handy with a sewing machine (or a needle and thread) and would be interested in making these rather than purchasing them. The cotton poplin is from fabric scraps from previous projects and a repurposed red canvas. Based on the rolled makeup brush case and the toiletry case I made a while back, I conceptualized this project. The biggest difference between this roll and the one I made for my makeup brushes, is the flap. The top of this one folds down to keep all the stuff inside once it’s rolled up. My utensil roll fits in my handbag and goes with me everywhere. I’m thinking of manufacturing these in larger numbers and selling them individually—until then, enjoy this tutorial.
How To Make
DIY Utensil Case
Working Time: 1 hr.
Start To Finish: 1 hr.
Difficulty: Kind of easy
Materials
- Non-stretch fabric, 1 to 1-1/2 yards
- 1/4-inch twill tape, cord, ribbon, or string for tying – 16-18″
- Sewing needle or sewing machine
- Fabric pencil or marker
- Thread
- Pins
- Ruler/tape measure
- Iron
- Utensils for reference
STEP 1 – Prepare Fabric
- To start the utensil wrap, choose two large pieces of fabric; use different patterns if you’d like the outside and inside of your wrap to be different.
- Cut two 9×20-inch pieces and press a half inch hem on one short end of each piece.
Be sure to choose machine-washable fabric, and wash and dry the fabric before beginning this project.
Then pin the fabric together with right sides facing and the pressed edges aligned.
STEP 2 – Sew Panels Together
- After pinning, use a sewing machine to sew the fabric panels together. Start on a long side and sew a half inch seam along three sides.
- Leave the short pressed end of the rectangle open. Use the open end to turn the fabric right side out and press to remove any creases.
- Sew the open end closed and topstitch.
STEP 3 – Sew Individual Pockets
- To create individual pockets for tools or utensils, use a ruler and fabric pencil to measure and mark even increments across the pocketed area. We made ours 1-1/2 inches wide, creating five individual areas.
- After marking each one, stitch the slotted areas in a straight vertical line, leaving the top open.
If you want to store your reusable straw in the wrap, you may want to make a smaller pocket.
Once you’ve finished sewing the individual pockets, the wrap is ready to use. Add utensils, then fold the top over and roll the wrap shut. Use the twill tape to tie it closed.
And that’s it!
To fill up your travel utensil roll, look out for eateries that have wooden takeaway utensils and keep them for your wrap. If you are going to put metal cutlery into the wrap, remember to remove if you are taking the wrap onto a plane in your carry on as TSA won’t allow these onboard. A reusable handkerchief can work as your napkin too. If you want to buy a reusable straw, you can find them made of bamboo, stainless steel, and even sugar cane.
Feel free to leave any questions about this tutorial below. Feeling keen to make your own travel utensil roll? I’d love to see it. Take a snap and post it to your social media and tag me.
Tutorial and photo credits:
Better Homes & Gardens
https://www.bhg.com/crafts/sewing/how-to-make-diy-utensil-wraps/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bhg/
@betterhomesandgardens