Do you have toys at the bottom of your tub? Shoved in the corners? I do, every night. Each morning I bend over to pick up all the little bits before I take my shower or bath… For months I have wanted something to hold all the little toys. Then I realized that I should sew a bath tote!
This was really easy to make. I made a smaller version a few months ago. You can see the post here. This bath bag is a lot larger so I can fit all the toys.
I used cotton canvas for the outside and waterproof PUL fabric for the interior. This was my first time sewing with PUL fabric. I wasn’t sure how my machine would react to the PUL, but it was easier than expected. I made the stitch length a little longer and the fabric sewed like a dream!
Materials Needed:
- Cotton duck / Cotton canvas fabric – Cotton duck is sturdy and helps give the bag structure. Great for the outside/self
- PUL fabric – Waterproof fabric. This fabric is great for baby products and perfct for the lining! I bought a 3 color pack from a brand called Babyville Boutique at JoAnn Fabric
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilting / Cutting ruler
- Sewing materials – pins, thread, sewing machine
- Disappearing ink pen
- Iron and ironing board
Before we get started, here are a few things to consider:
- Pattern size – You will need to cut 2 rectangles 23″ x 13″. Your strap will be 1 3/4″ x 10″
- Lining Pattern – I didn’t make the lining piece smaller, but I really should have. I’m too lazy to do it.. The lining was a bit large for the self. If you cut the same size rectangles, make sure to sew the lining sides seams with a 1/8″ larger SA
- Pins and PUL – Pin in the seam allowance or along the stitch line. The pins will make holes in the back/waterproof side of the fabric
- Iron and PUL – I didn’t realize until after I was finished, but you can iron PUL fabric. However do NOT touch the waterproof side with your iron. Use steam to press the wrinkles out
Alright let’s get sewing:
- Cut your self and lining pieces using your rotary cutter
- While you are cutting your main pattern pieces, also cut your strap
- Fold both rectangles in half. Pin along side seam. When you fold the PUL fabric in half, do not pin! The pins will make holes. If you need to pin, pin in the SA. Place into sewing machine and sew with a 1/4″ SA. Press the seams
- Turn the self right side out. Turn down the top edge 1/4″ and press
- Twist the bottom of the bag. Jiggle it around so that your side seams are laying flat and facing upwards. You should have a point. Using your creative grids ruler – measure 3″ down from the point and draw a line. You also want a 45 degree angle along the side. Be as precise/finicky as you can. Place into your sewing machine and stitch along the line. While you sew this line, also sew your strap. I have an awesome strap tutorial and you can see it here
- Turn the cotton duck right side out and leave the lining right side in. Place the lining into the cotton duck. Match the corners and side seams. Pin in place. This will help hold the bags togther
- Roll the lining top edge down and pin the top edge. Insert strap ends into place and pin. My finished strap was 8″ long. Note that you only have a strap on 1 side
- Place into sewing machine. Topstitch along the top edge
Not sure how you would hang this in your bathroom or shower area? I found these awesome clear suction cups at The Container Store. I used 2 and you can adjust them up/down or anyway needed!
That’s it.. Happy Sewing!
Awesome bag that will substantially hold stuff. I really love the colors you have chosen, attract attention from small eyes, and easy to throw into like a basketball net
Cute! Pinned this.
I am always looking for something to store the kid’s bath toys. This would be perfect! I found your site on Tater Tots and Jello. Thanks for the tutorial!
I love this! What a genius idea. Thanks for linking up at the Ginger Jamboree!