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I made another walker tote today & it was much easier & simpler than the previous one. It's like a saddle bag that you just drape over the front bar & it has 4 velcro strips on the back to hold it on. It was a free pattern from this site:

http://www.bucketsgonewild.com/free-walker-tote.htm

I wanted the print fabric to be the pockets but I didn't pay enough attention to what I was doing & made it just the opposite of what I was shooting for. Also, I didn't use the double fold tape for the pocket edges but made mine pillow case style with a 1/4" topstitch all around. I didn't make my pockets quite as deep as the pattern called for.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nlk,

Here it is just flat on the table. You can see one of the velcro strips on the back.

You did a great job on this! Thank you ever so much for sharing the link to where you found the pattern! I've been looking for this very pattern so I can make one for my mother to use on her walker!!!

Happy Stitching All!
Susan

Great idea! Perhaps you meant saddleag style. My guess is two long rectangles sewn right sides together, leaving a space to turn right side out, topstitched around, then folded up each end and sewn to make pockets? Simple and stylish! Would look extra fancy if made with lengthwise strips or a table runner pattern. I use a walker and really appreciate having a water bottle pocket and a place for books or a newspaper. Thank you very much for the inspiration! I have a Simplicity or Butterick pattern or two, but like this better. Might be a good community sewing project for my sister's TLC church group.

I just went to the website you referenced. I had purchased one of the mug organizer patterns at JoAnns before Christmas but hadn't gotte "Round Tuit". They have very creative designs for mug and bucket organizers, and one link shows using hair elastics for the mug organizers. Thank you!

longjohn, you are right...I did mean saddle bag & I've changed it to read that way. Thanks! Yep, that's exactly how I made mine. You can get the free pattern by putting it in your cart & then going through the checkout & before you know it, it is in your e-mail ready to print. Very easy to get it.

I did line mine with a semi-stiff interfacing just for extra stabiliy.

Nice job.

I wonder if it would be just as quick and easy to make a two layer turned piece long enough to flip the ends up to make the pockets, add the velcro and have a quick bazzaar/craft sale item.

Thanks for sharing this.

Gosh that is so pretty and very functional....Thanks Nicki

Hi Nikki,
It has been a long time...... no excuse. I have been SOOOO busy with Miracle Quilts.
Thanks so much for posting this.

I just got a bunch of striped twill fabric. It will be perfect for these totes.
In November, I delivered 171 quilts to Walter Reed and venues that treat our wounded. I also had some walker bags but these are perfect!!!!
Will think of you when we get busy sewing.

Carole

P.S. Miracle Quilts is now in 9 states!!!!!

Carole, it was so good to hear from you with the wonderful update on Miracle Quilts. It sounds like you've been very, very busy.

This pattern is easy & quick to make & should help those who are using walkers. I'm glad you happened on the board at this time when I posted about these totes.

Take care!

Here's an update on the walker totes.

I gave both of them to my co-worker's sister as she is my guinea pig & is critiquing them both for me as far as pros & cons. The first one I made(you can see it in an earlier post of mine) that has tabs that wrap around the bars of the walker was her favorite one. She said that it fit perfect on the walker. She said the bottom, outside pockets were probably something that she would not use for fear that things might fall out of them but she loved the little blue jean pocket that I added to the one side. She loved the fact that it was an actual "bag" & could put her purse right inside when she went to town instead of having to wear it on her shoulder.

She liked the blue, saddle bag type one but because it would not hold a purse, she said the jeans one will be more practical & useful to her.

I just wanted to let you know her opinions on the both of them. I think if/when I make the bag one again I will either eliminate the outsid pockets & only put pockets on the inside OR make the outside pockets deeper.

My MIL had a bag that had a cover flap on the outside pocket and that made her feel more secure with her belongings. What about a zipper? Doesn't make it too easy to get the stuff out though. Velcro?

Since I use a walker I thought I'd give my in put. I make my walker bags like a tote. I buy plastic place mats from the dollar store, cut to size and cover them for the bottom. I make mine with the straps that button on and all the pockets are inside. You can't really carry a full sized book, kindle or anything heavy like a water bottle if the bag doesn't have a bottom. You can see in the photo that even a TV remote makes the bag sag. Just my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by patty j:
What about a zipper? Doesn't make it too easy to get the stuff out though. Velcro?

They do sell large-teeth plastic zippers - maybe those would be easier for older hands to use? You see them on industrial stuff or outdoor stuff. The gauge number on them is big, like 20 or more**.

It might be hard to grip Velcro hard enough to open it. And it makes that fun sound, like your pants are ripping. And it tends to either wear out or rip the fabric around it, if not properly stabilized.

Magnetic snap?


**Edit - Great big zippers:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62...rsized-30gauge-fully

This message has been edited. Last edited by: StarrySky,