Let’s be honest, how many times a day do you reach for the remote? Once? Twice? For those of us who enjoy a bit of screen time, it can feel like we’re constantly searching for the remote. And for those of us with family members who enjoy a lot of screen time, you know exactly what I’m talking about!
Today, we’re going to tackle that problem head-on with a fun and easy project: crafting your own handmade fabric remote control caddy. It’s a simple DIY project that’s perfect for adding a touch of personality to your living room or bedroom, and it makes a thoughtful, practical gift for the TV enthusiast in your life (even if that enthusiast is you!).
Gathering Your Supplies: A Trip to Your Craft Corner
Before we get started, let’s round up everything you’ll need. One of the things I love most about handmade gifts is that they don’t require a trip to a specialty store. In fact, you can usually find everything you need in your craft corner or sewing kit.
For this project, you’ll need:
- Fabric: Choose a fabric that matches your décor. This is your chance to be creative and use a fabric that brings you joy.
- Lining fabric: This will add structure and durability to your caddy.
- Interfacing: I recommend using a medium-weight interfacing to give your caddy some extra sturdiness.
- Sewing Machine: While you can hand-sew this project, a sewing machine will make the process faster and easier.
- Fabric Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for precise cutting.
- Rotary Cutter & Mat: These tools make cutting straight lines a breeze, but they are optional.
- Fabric Pen or Pencil: You’ll need this to mark your fabric for cutting and sewing.
- Ruler or Measuring Tape: For precise measurements, of course!
- Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing your fabric will help you achieve a professional-looking finish.
- Pins or Clips: To hold your fabric in place while sewing.
- Matching Thread
Creating Your Remote Control Caddy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start creating! I’ve broken the process down into easy-to-follow steps:
-
Measure and Cut: Determine the desired size of your caddy based on the number of remotes you want to store. Using your ruler or measuring tape, cut out two rectangles of your main fabric, two rectangles of your lining fabric, and two rectangles of interfacing. “I recommend adding a ½ inch seam allowance to all sides of your fabric rectangles,” says Joan Smith, expert seamstress and owner of Sew Much To Do.
-
Apply Interfacing: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of your main fabric rectangles.
-
Create the Pockets (Optional): If you want to divide your caddy into compartments, now is the time to sew fabric dividers onto one of your main fabric pieces. Measure and cut fabric strips to the desired width and height of your pockets, then sew them onto the main fabric, leaving the top edge open.
-
Sew the Caddy Together: Pin or clip the two main fabric pieces (right sides together), aligning the edges carefully. Sew around the three sides, leaving the top edge open. Repeat with your lining fabric pieces, but leave a small opening along the bottom edge for turning.
-
Box the Corners (Optional): For a more defined shape, you can box the corners of your caddy. To do this, pinch the bottom corners of the caddy so that the side seam and bottom seam are stacked on top of each other. Stitch across the corner. This will create a flat bottom for your caddy.
-
Turn and Press: Turn the outer caddy right side out through the top opening. Then, carefully pull the outer caddy through the opening in the lining. Press the edges of the caddy, making sure the lining is tucked in neatly.
-
Topstitch: Topstitch around the top edge of the caddy to close the opening and give it a polished look. You can add a decorative touch by using a contrasting thread color or a decorative stitch.
Enjoy Your Handy Work!
And there you have it – a beautiful, handmade fabric remote control caddy. Not only will it keep your remotes organized and within easy reach, but it also adds a personalized touch to your living space. It’s a great conversation starter, and it’s a project that you can be proud to show off.
I encourage you to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and embellishments to create a caddy that reflects your unique style. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the possibilities are endless!
Now that you’ve created your own remote control haven, why stop there? Explore the Robert Kline Art website for more inspiring DIY projects and unique handmade gifts. Be sure to share pictures of your creations and leave a comment below – I can’t wait to see what you make!