Here’s an easy sewing project I dreamed up when trying to figure out how to be able to carry more water in an emergency. 2 liter soda bottles are so easy and inexpensive to get, wash, and fill for emergencies, but they are difficult to carry if you need to leave and take your water with you. The design is based loosely on an 18th century market wallet. This is a beginner level sewing project and you can probably get one of these made in less than 30 minutes. It requires just under a half a yard of fabric, so you may even already have some scraps you can use if you do any other type of sewing or quilting!
What you need:
- 1/2 yard 44-45″ cotton quilting fabric. (If you want to use a heavier fabric, you may be able to use 1/4 yard, skip to step 7 and just hem the raw edges and have your tote a single thickness of fabric instead of doubled.)
- Thread. Make it matching thread if you want it to look pretty, but if it’s just to haul emergency water the thread doesn’t really have to match. ;-)
- A sewing machine will make this easier, but it could also be hand sewn.
Need a sewing machine? Here’s a better-than-beginner model for under $150! Want one that will run without power? Check out the Janome 712T modern treadle machine.
Let’s get started.
1. Lay your fabric out (mine was more than 1/2 yard) and measure along the selvedge edge (the uncut side) 17 inches. Cut across to the opposite selvedge edge so you have a piece that is 17″ x 45″.
2. Fold the piece right side together to make a long skinny piece.
3. Pin and sew together with a 1/2 inch seam allowance along one short edge and the long edge, leaving the second short edge open.
4. Clip the corners you just sewed (I marked the sewing lines in the photo), and turn the tube right side out through the open edge.
5. Press flat.
6. Turn the open edge in approximately 1/2 inch or enough to hide the selvedge printing and press.
7. Fold each end toward the middle at the 9 inch mark and press. These will be your pockets.
8. Top stitch the open end shut.
9. Stitch the pockets up on each side with a 3/8 inch seam allowance–about the width of the presser foot. The photo shows a wider seam, but it’s better to do this seam a little smaller than pictured so the bottles slide in easier. And my hand is only there to show that it’s the pocket, I didn’t actually run the machine with my hand there!
10. Turn the pockets so the seam in on the inside.
11. Insert bottles filled with water and you’re ready to go! Now you can easily carry two in one hand, or thread the tote through the shoulder or handle strap of your go bag (one pocket on each side of the strap) before inserting the bottles or attach the tote to your bag with a carabiner and they’ll hang from the strap so you don’t need to use a hand to carry them at all!
Want more great emergency preparedness related sewing projects? I’ve got a collection going for you here!
Got lots of 2 liter bottles? Check out these other great preparedness uses for them!
Keep preparing! Angela
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What a great idea. To make the handle easier to grip, pick up a piece of foam used for insulating pipes at a big box store/hardware (usually less then $2), cut a short piece to slip over the handle making it more comfortable to carry. The foam is already slit down the full length so just cut what you need for the handle.
This type of foam also works great on tool handles that may need a little more cushion for “mature” grips. Think broom handles, rakes, hoes, shovels, trowels, etc.