When my older kids were little, we had a bag for crayons and coloring books that we could grab at a moment’s notice for some easy entertaining, and now that I have a new set of “little kids,” it was time to make another one! I made a Crayon Tote for my Quilt Market booth, and I wanted to share the tutorial with you! This was originally on my old blog (I think I called it a Crayon Caddy?), so it is nice to have it back and accessible again!

For this tutorial, all seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise noted.

To begin, you’ll need the following fabric pieces (this fabric is my Flutter and Shine fabric with Riley Blake Designs):

(2) 10 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ outer bag fabric

(2) 10 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ lining fabric

(2) 10″ x 12″ fusible fleece

(4) 3″ x 10 1/2″ outer crayon pocket fabric

(4) 3″ x 10 1/2″ crayon pocket lining fabric

(4) 2 1/2″ x 10″ medium weight interfacing

(4) 2″ x 10 1/2″ crayon pocket binding fabric

(2) 4 1/2″ x 24″ tote straps fabric

First, center and iron the interfacings to the back of the outer fabrics; the fleece to the main bag fabric, and the medium weight interfacing to the outer pocket fabric.

Prepare the pocket binding by ironing the strips in half, then open up and fold the edges in to the center line, and press on the fold. This creates a double fold binding.

With the pocket fabrics wrong sides together, sew the pocket binding to the top over both pocket fabrics.

Then, on the back side of the pockets, mark a line 1/4″ from the bottom (I’ve darkened my line here in Photoshop for you to see). On the outer fabrics, mark a line 1 1/2″ from the bottom, and 5″ from the top.

Lay the pocket pieces upside-down on the outer fabric, RST, and line up the previously marked lines. Secure in place with pins or clips, and sew along the marked line.

Flip the pockets back up and press. Mark along the pocket piece, starting at the middle, 1″ in each direction. Sew along marked lines to make individual crayon pockets.

Repeat for all 4 crayon pocket pieces, and trim all the threads. There will be lots of threads!

Sew the outer pieces RST, matching pockets. Sew the lining pieces RST, leaving a 4″ hole along the bottom for turning later. Then, put the lining into the outer fabric portion, RST.

Prepare the straps by following the same steps as the pocket binding. Sew along both sides of each strap 1/8″ from the edge. Tuck the strap pieces between the outer bag and the bag lining, pinning or clipping in place about 2″- 2 1/2″ from each side seam. Sew along the top edge, turn bag right-side-out using the hole in the lining, and sew the lining hole closed. Sew around the top of the bag for reinforcement (no process pic for this because I was too excited about my finished bag!) about 1/8″ from the edge.

When you are done, find yourself some Crayons (we’ve also used the twistable kind which fit perfectly in the pockets as well!) and a great coloring book, and your kiddo is equipped to keep themselves entertained on the go! There is room in the bag for a few coloring books, or other art supplies.