When James arrived, I went back to carrying a diaper bag whenever I left the house. I swore it wasn’t going to become a black hole of stuff, but of course it has. It’s jammed with wipes, diapers, toys, blankets, my computer, my cords, snacks, receipts…it’s almost impossible to find anything I need in the instant I need it. I decided it was time to clean things up a bit, and I thought the cords were a good place to start since they were getting tangled in everything. These cord keepers are quick and easy – you don’t need to sew a button or a zipper or anything fancy!
Heavier fabric (mine is a bottomweight)
Matching thread
Ruler/measuring tape
Scissors/rotary cutter
Pins, needle
Fabric pen/pencil
Cut your fabric 5-inches wide by 10-inches long. My cord keeper easily holds two USB cords and a pair of earbuds. If you want your cord keeper to hold more, add a bit more fabric to the width and length. Or make more than one!
Sew a small hem (about 1/4-1/2 inch) on both ends of the fabric.
With the pattern facing up, fold the top of the fabric down about two or so inches. Pin in place.
Fold the bottom up about three or so inches, overlapping the previously folded top piece by about an inch. Sew both sides closed, then turn the bag right-side out.
Annie wanted to demonstrate how easy it is to put your cords into the bag. She says, “Ta da!”
There it is, nice and pretty and keeping your cord from tangling with everything inside your bag.
Any questions, let me know. Have fun!
Payal says:
I’m really loving your DIY series! I have 2 daughters (4 & 2) and almost everything you have posted has been something we could use. Thanks!
Nicole says:
I want to know how the cords get tangled so easily..I swear I lay them down neatly and when I pick them up they are tangled with no explanation!! Great job, love your tutorials!
Jordan says:
So cute! Love the fabric.
Question: WHERE did you get that cute pin cushion? (at least that’s what it looks like it is… the flowery looking item by the fabric?lol) It is adorable.
Heather says:
It IS a pin cushion! But, unfortunately (for you) it’s probably 25 years old and unavailable – it used to belong to my grandmother. I’ve seen some fairly similar pin cushions at Joann’s, though, so definitely keep your eyes peeled there!
Jordan says:
That’s what I thought! So cute. And i love that it was your grandma’s, how sweet!
I’ll have to go on a trip to JoAnn’s, my Mom needs new sewing stuff and will adore one similar. Thanks!!
miriam says:
Can I just buy one from you :).
Nice work.
Auntie_M says:
Me too!!!
Suzanne says:
Hahaha, I was just coming to post the same thing. Etsy store!
Auntie_M says:
This is great!! This would be great for purses and for travel! Love this. We laugh because, between my Kindle, cell, pill case (which I keep in a little case that also holds lip gloss & an Emory board) I now have to carry a little, light weight bag that I can slip over my shoulder to carry all this stuff around! (It’s basically like a mini pillow case with that closes when you pull on the shoulder straps–like a hoodie….You could make these too!)
Just showed your brilliance to my mom and she now requests a nice FIT demo on how to slipcover our ottoman! LOL
Auntie_M says:
Just saw these and had to laugh…yours is great, can come in ANY color, and doesn’t cost the sale price of $35, let alone the original price of $65!!!https://www.onekingslane.com/product/31505/2221262
Heather says:
WHOA. I mean, that’s pretty. It’s very nice material! But still…ridiculous!
Auntie_M says:
While I like theirs, I like yours better…even though I can guarantee it will take me far more than 5 minutes to make! LOL
RzDrms says:
I wore my leggings on backwards all day. I shouldn’t be trusted with needles.
Eddy says:
You gave me my laugh for today!
Thanks…
Paula R. (fka preTzel) says:
If you make these bigger they also make wonderful pillow cases for travel pillows – the rectangular ones.
Robin says:
Thank you for this tutorial! I read this post over a month ago but just now got around to making them. I am very new to sewing and I was able to duplicate this perfectly. I made 3 cord keepers, then took it a step further and made pouches for my daughters’ kindles with some of the leftover material. I added a velcro closure for the kindle cases. It worked beautifully. I was able to do all 6 in under 2 hours including all of the cutting, pinning, changing the threads and adding the velcro.
Heather says:
Holy moly! You’re a total pro!!!