travel handmade: toothbrush & toothpaste case DIY tutorial

Hi there!  Today I'm joining in the fun for Sewing Summit's Travel Handmade series.  I'm really excited about getting to travel on my own, it's been a while!  I hate to admit it, but usually for day trips and over-nighters I put my things in a plastic shopping bag.  So sad.  This little toothbrush/toothpaste case will be perfect though.  No more messy, wet or slimy tooth brushing equipment floating around my bag anymore!  It's quick, easy, and cute!

Materials needed:

• bathroom hand towel, new or up-cycled (it would be so cute with a vintage printed towel!) you'll have enough for at least 2 cases or more!
• 1/2" double fold bias tape, store bought or handmade (I made mine by cutting bias strips 2.25" wide), a yard will be more than plenty
• small scrap of fabric for button reinforcement
• button
• small length of ribbon
• walking foot is recommended!

Cut the pieces, you'll need one case back and one pocket front as indicated:
Round the top two corners of the case back.
Make bias tape (unless using store bought).

Apply bias tape to top edge of front pocket. Open up bias tape.  Align raw edge of bias tape to raw edge of the front pocket.  Pin in place.  Sew along the first fold.  Flip bias tape around the back of the pocket covering the raw edge.  Stitch in place close to the inside fold.  Trim edges as necessary.

Lay front pocket on top of back case piece.  Sew a dividing line down the front (through both layers) if you wish to make a divided pocket (great for stashing a flossing stick or your toothbrush.  Place the length of ribbon at the top of the flap, sew in place.

Open up bias tape. Fold short edge of bias tape to the wrong side.  Pin in place.  Sew along the first fold around entire case, overlapping when the bias tape ends meet up.

Fold bias tape over, wrapping the raw edge, mitering the corners.  Stitch close to the inside fold of the bias tape around case.

Take a small scrap of fabric and tuck it behind where you'll be sewing the button.  Hand sew button in place.  And that's it!  To close the case, simply fold over the flap and wind the ribbon around the button.

Travel happy!