Looking for a place to keep the kids’ “stuff” and keep the car neat? This pocketed organizer is the answer, with customizable pockets and loop, it’s ideal for corralling books, crayons, water bottles, snacks, tablet, wipes and other things to keep youngsters happy. Whether your car has child or grown-up passengers, this organizer while keep your car neat and tidy. Skill Level: Intermediate Finished Size: 16″ x 20″ (40.64cm x 50.80cm) Supplies Dual Duty XP All-purpose - thread to match 1/2 yd (45.72cm) twill fabric for base 3/4 yd (.91m) print fabric for pockets* 1/4 yd (22.86cm) mesh for lower pocket 2/3 yd (60.96cm) coordinating fabric for bias trim 2/3 yd (60.96cm) fold-over elastic, 5/8″ (1.59cm) 2 parachute buckles, 1″ (2.54cm) 2/3 yd (60.96cm) webbing, 1″ (2.54cm) 1 1/4 yds (1.14m) elastic, 1″ (2.54cm) *May require additional yardage If fussy-cutting pocket motifs Cutting From the twill, cut: 2 rectangles, 16″ x 20″ (40.64cm x 50.80cm) From the pocket fabric, cut: 1 strip, 13″ x 16″ (33.02cm x 40.64cm) for upper pocket 1 strip, 11 1/2″ x 16″ (29.21cm x 40.64cm) for middle pocket 1 strip, 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ (6.35cm x 13.97cm) for loop From the mesh, cut: 1 strip, 22″ x 10″ (55.88cm x 25.40cm) From the bias trim fabric, cut: Enough 2 1/2″ (6.35cm) bias strips to measure 2 1/8 yards (1.94m)* Preparing the Pockets Fold each fabric pocket (do not fold the mesh pocket) in half wrong sides together to form a double rectangle 16″ (40.64cm) wide and press a fold at the upper edge; baste the lower edges together. Press under 1/4″ (.64cm) on the lower pocket edges. Using a narrow zigzag, encase the upper edge of the mesh pocket, stretching the elastic slightly as you sew. Assembling the Organizer Seam allowances are 1/4″ (.64cm). With the twill panels flat on a tabletop, gently round the corners using a glass or circle template. Trim. Chalk-mark a line 9″ (22.86cm) down and parallel to the upper edge of the organizer base front. Align the upper pocket pressed-under edge with the line and topstitch in place. Mark a line down the vertical center and topstitch a divider, reinforcing the stitching at the upper edge. TIP:Customize the pocket opening sizes to the items that will be stowed in them, and adjust the divider width accordingly. Position the middle pocket upper edge 1/4″ (.64cm) below the upper pocket lower edge. Topstitch the pressed-under edge in place. Stitch dividers 5 1/2″ (13.97cm) from the left edge and 4 1/2″ (11.43cm) from the right edge, reinforcing the stitching at the upper edge. TIP:For added stability, double stitch the dividers and stitch two tiny rows horizontally at the upper edge of the divider stitching. Position the lower mesh pocket along the lower base edge, noting that the pocket is wider than the base. Stitch the lower edge in place, easing in the additional pocket width as you sew. Stitch dividers 5″ (12.70cm) from each edge, reinforcing stitching at the upper edge. Matching raw edges, baste along both long edges to hold the pocket layers in place. To make the loop, fold in half and stitch the long edge together, turn right side out. Center the seam and press the edges. Fold the loop in half and baste the raw edges together. Position the loop on the base upper edge, 5″ (12.70cm) from the left side. Place the base front and back wrong sides together and baste the edges together. To make the upper strap, cut a 2 1/2″ (6.35cm) piece of webbing. Thread it through the female portion of the clip and stitch across the width using a double zigzag. Repeat for the remaining webbing length, using the opposite half of the buckle. Position the small portion against the base wrong side, 3″ (7.62cm) from the left edge; baste, matching raw edges. Position the longer portion 3″ (7.62cm) from the right side and pin in place against the base wrong side. Test-fit the organizer to the car seat it will be used with and adjust the upper strap length accordingly. Trim to a comfortable fit, then baste in place as it was pinned. To make the lower strap, cut a 2 1/2″ (6.35cm) piece of elastic. Thread it through the female portion of the clip and stitch across the width using a double zigzag. Repeat for the remaining elastic length, using the opposite half of the buckle. Stitch the smaller portion to the right side of the organizer at the lower pocket upper edge left side. Pin the opposite portion of the elastic to the right side of the organizer at the lower pocket upper edge. Test-fit the organizer to the car seat and adjust the elastic length accordingly. Trim and baste in place as pinned. Sew the bias strips together end to end using a diagonal seam. Press the seams open. Press the bias in half, wrong sides together, and press under 1/4″ (.64cm) at the beginning end. Matching raw edges, sew the binding to the organizer perimeter, easing at the rounded corners and tucking the end into the beginning folded end. Turn the binding to the organizer wrong side and hand-stitch in place. On both ends of the webbing and elastic bands, fold out and topstitch along the binding edge to hold in place. Optional: Use purchased Extra-wide Double Fold Bias tape in a coordinating color.
