Simply Sunshine’s Earth Day Contest is still in full swing (you have until the 30th to enter), but if you don’t like to take chances, here are instructions on sewing a silverware caddy on your own!

I need to warn you that this “pattern” is really more like a set of guidelines. I’ve been sewing less than a year and I’ve never written out a pattern before. This is the most complicated project I’ve ever made without directions, but the project itself is super easy so hopefully it all balances out. If you don’t understand something, ask me!

The great thing about the project is that it uses very little fabric so you will very likely be able to make this out of scraps. I measured wrong the first few times and used up some good squares of fabric and still had enough left over for the final project.

Materials:
2 pieces of coordinating scrap fabric (you need to get at least 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ square out of them plus a bit extra on the outside fabric)
1 piece (same size) fusible interfacing
Thread
Fusible Velcro
Set of silverware (if you don’t want to use stuff you already have, Goodwill sells cheap silverware)

Notes: I sew really close seams so if you like more room to work, add another quarter inch to all fabric measurements. All instructions that say “left” or “right” side mean from your POV with the pretty side facing you.

Step 1
Cut out 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ squares of the lining, outside fabric and interfacing. If the numbers look off in the picture it’s because I cut out bigger pieces to start off with and changed my mind.

Step 2
Cut out one 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ piece and one 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ in the outside fabric. These will be the pockets.

Step 3
Iron the interfacing to the lining fabric.

Step 4
Fold over a scant (about 1/8″?) hem on the top of both pockets. Sew these hems down Fold over the right side of the 5 1/2″ tall pocket, but don’t sew it down yet.

Step 5
Place the 4 1/2″ tall pocket about 3 1/2″ from the left side of the lining and pin down. With the folded edge of the taller pocket overlapping the shorter, place that piece about 1 1/2″ from the left side of the lining.

Step 6
Unfortunately, I think I got too focused on sewing and didn’t take as many pictures so I hope I’m clear.

Sew the pockets *partially* on. You will be sewing down the folded edge of the tall pocket (which will also hold down the left side of the shorter pocket). Sew another seam in the middle of the shorter pocket to split it into two (see the photo of the completed product).

I sewed a parallel seam to each of these for extra support.

And yes, this does mean the outside of both pockets is still open as well as the bottom.

Step 7
With right sides together, sew the lining to the outside square. Leave a gap so you can pull the it right side out.

Step 8
Turn the project right side out (I bet you didn’t see that coming). Iron flat. Topstitch.

Step 9
Fold the left side of the large square in toward the lining so it just overlaps the unsewn edge of the tall pocket. Make sure you are sewing down the pocket as well as the flap.

Repeat with the other side. Fold in the right side of the large square so it overlaps the unsewn edge of the short pocket.

Step 10
Cut out a 7″ strip of each side of the fusible Velcro.

Iron one side onto the right side of the outside according to the directions on the package. I put the softer Velcro on the outside because it doesn’t catch on as much stuff.

Iron the other strip of Velcro onto the inside right edge of the piece.

One piece of Velcro will be on the inside edge, and one on the opposite outside edge.

Finished!

Add your silverware and you’re done!

I plan on making a new and improved version soon. If I had to do it over I would at least make the length of the whole thing an inch or so taller. I’d also like to use snaps instead of Velcro. The Velcro is super easy, but not that pretty. I might also make the taller pocket a little skinnier. We’ll see what happens in Version 2.0.

If you have any questions, comments or complaints about my instruction-giving, leave a comment. I’d love to see your finished pictures so if you make one please let me know.