Ok, girls, this DIY coloring book and crayon holder project has been on my to-do list for 7 years now. Seven. Years. CRAZY! How do I know it’s been on my list for seven years? I clearly remember when my daughter was 8 months old saying, “I need to make a coloring book and crayon holder so we can bring it with us to keep her entertained.” Yeesh, she’s almost eight years old now. But, hey, she’s still at the age to benefit from it along with her younger sister.

Now that I’ve actually taken the time to complete it, I’m wondering why in the world I didn’t do it sooner because it’s pretty much the best thing ever. Well, at least that’s what my girls tell me. And, I’ll have to say, it was super easy and quick. You guys know that’s how I roll.

So, let’s get cracking on it! Lucky for you, I’ve figured out all the measurements so all you’ll need to do is cut and sew, easy peasy.

(2) main Fabric pieces sized at 14.5″X20.5″

(1) interfacing piece sized at 14.5″X20.5″

(2) 2.5″X9″ fabric pieces for handles

(1) 10X10 fabric piece for big pocket

(1) 8.5″X6″ fabric piece for colored pencils

(1) 3.5″X8.5″ fabric piece for crayons

Start by grabbing your two fabric pieces for your handles and fold them in half longways, right sides together.

Sew a straight stitch down the long side using a 1/8″ seam allowance. Then, turn right sides out. Both short ends should be raw edges.

Set your handle pieces aside and grab all three pocket pieces. For the big pocket fabric piece, you’ll want to fold down 1/4″ on the bottom and left side and iron down. For the other two pocket pieces, fold 1/4″ around all 4 sides of your fabric and iron down.

Now, head over to the sewing machine with your pocket pieces. You’ll want to sew down ONE of the long sides of the crayon and colored pencil fabric pieces. The other 3 sides will stay as raw edges. Same goes for the big pocket – pick one of your ironed down edges and sew it shut using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Now, grab one of your main fabric pieces and pin down the pocket pieces. You’ll want to pin the big pocket piece all the way to the edge of your main fabric piece so that those two sides are sewn shut later. Also, make sure the finished edge is pointing up to the top of the main fabric piece. For the crayon and colored pencil pockets,  you’ll want to leave a 2″ gap between those and the big pocket on the right, making sure that the finished edge is at the top. Pin down.

Sew the left side of the big pocket down to the main fabric piece. Sew all three sides of the pencil and crayon pockets making sure to leave the top of the pocket open.

Okay, now you’re going to have to grab a super technically tool for spacing out the pencil and crayon pouches. It’s a post it note. I folded it in half twice.

I used this to line up where I needed to sew for the spots for the pencils and crayons. Literally couldn’t have asked for a better sizing tool. It’s perfect!

You’ll sew a straight stitch using the post-it note until you reach the opposite side of your pocket.

You’re almost done! Hooray! Take the front main piece of your fabric and lay the interfacing piece on top. Sew a straight stitch all the way around, using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Grab those handle pieces and center them up on either side of your inside main piece.

Lay your top main piece on top of the inside piece and pin together, right sides together.

Sew all the way around, using a 1/4″ seam allowance and making sure to leave a 3-4″ gap so you can turn it right side out. After you turn it right side out, you can iron it and sew a top stitch all the way around all 4 sides to close up the opening. And boom! You’re done.

You have a sweet little crayon and coloring book holder ready to rock and roll to keep your kids entertained.

My little one LOVED it! And yes, that’s confetti on my floor because we know how to party (and not clean up! ha!).

Keeping little hands busy on the go is a necessity sometimes, especially if you’re a busy mom with a hundred errands to run! Here are a few more bright ideas for ways to keep your kids entertained while on the go:

Felt Quiet Book : HowDoesShe Quiet Book – Patterns now AVAILABLE!

DIY Kids Travel Pack

How to Make a Toddler Busy Can

The post DIY Coloring Book and Crayon Holder appeared first on How Does She.