DIY.. Party Plate Storage Tote

Hosting a beach party??

Bathing suit, towel and umbrella = check.  Food and bevies = check.  Plates, glasses and cutlery = check.  Decorations = check.  Cute storage holder for your re-usble plates…Nope.

Why not dress up your upcoming party with an adorable plate holder?  It will hold all your re-usable plates and you will look like such a chic and stylish party hostess!

Great for the beach, on your back patio or at a garden party!

I love making storage bins and hope you jump on board the storage bin train with me.. I have multiple variations up my sleeve and can’t wait to share them over the upcoming months!

Materials Needed:

1. Cotton canvas
2. Binding
3. Sewing supplies – scissors, thread, pins
4. Drafting material – ruler, pens, paper
5. Sewing machine
6. Plate for reference

I made a version of this storage bin before, but a few readers commented that it looked hard to make. So I revamped the sewing steps and made it MUCH easier.  You can see the original post here.

How to create your 2 pattern pieces:

1. CIRCLE / BOTTOM – I used a 9″ plate. To get the bottom pattern piece – trace around the outside of your plate. Add some wiggle room [1/8″] and then the seam allowance [1/2″]. Mark a small line as a starting point.
2. RECTANGLE / SIDE – I measured my stack of plates to get the tote height. I decided on 5″ high when finished. I also added a 2″ fold to the top edge. To get the rectangle pattern piece – First draw a long straight line and then a perpendicular line 7″ up. This cross section will be your starting point. Place the mark on your circle at this cross section and carefully walk  your circle along this line. Walk your circle pattern piece along the line until you fully rotate and hit the original mark. You will now have the length of the rectangle pattern piece and it should be around 30″ long and 7″ high. Make sure to add 1/2″ SA to all edges!

8 Easy steps to sew the tote:

1. Cut out 2 of each pattern piece
2. Sew the rectangle ends together. This will make a cylinder.  Remember to press your seams – first press them flat and then open and press again. Repeat to make a second cylinder
3. Mark the center of the circle and also the center of rectangle with your disappearing ink pen. This is very similar to notching your fabric. It will help with placement and pinning the circles to each side piece
4. Pin the bottom to each cylinder matching up the lines you marked. Matching your “notches” will help alot!  Sew with a 1/2″ SA. Press the seams. You should now have 2 completed cylinders
5. Turn 1 cylinder right side out. Leave the other as is. Place the “as is” cylinder into the cylinder that is right side out. Wiggle the bottom piece and bottom seams into place. Press the bottom seams so they lay crisp and flat
6. Sew your binding along the top edge. Chose a fun pop color! Turn the top edge down 2″ and press
7. Cut and sew your straps. I have a GREAT strap making tutorial.. To see the easy steps, check it out here
8. Insert each strap end under the folded edge. Pin in place. Pin and place all 4 strap ends. Place into your sewing machine. Sew with either a 1/4″ or 1/2″ SA and and sew the folded edge down onto your tote

Voila!! You have finished your storage tote.. If you start today, you can make this awesome little tote in time for Canada Day or the 4th of July!

Happy Sewing.