Thursday, June 3, 2010

Laminated Cotton Cupholder Tutorial

Now that I've spent a bit of time with laminated cotton & how to work with it for CraftShare, I've been branching out into some crazy new ideas.  Here's one of them:



It's a cupholder with laminated cotton on the inside and out, so it is ideal for holding summer drinks while you're out & about.  I desperately needed this for our favorite stroller.  I love this thing & it does everything except push itself, but no cupholder.  Apparently the designer did not have any children or they'd have known this is key.  Have you ever met a kid (or a mom) who NEVER needed a drink while out in the summer?  Bizarre!  To top that off, they wanted an extra $12 for some flimsy thing made out of plastic & a thin metal chain you could clip on if you HAD to ruin the chic design with your water bottle.  So I said heck no, I'll make my own, thanks.  Now I'm going to show you how, so you can make your own too - even if you've got one, can you ever really have enough cupholders?

Materials:
- 1/4 yd laminated cotton fabric
- Sewing notions (shears, ruler, pins, thread)
- Bobby pins/clips
- Tissue paper or lip balm
- Two plastic snaps (or velcro)

First, you'll need to cut out the pieces, two 3.8 inch circles (I traced a jar) for the bottom, two 12 inch wide x 7 inch high rectangles for the sides and one 9inch wide x 7 inch high for the handle piece that snaps it onto stuff.


Now fold your side pieces in half widthwise and sew down the side with a .5inch seam allowance:


Then take a circle piece and carefully pin it onto one end of the "tube" of a side piece, right sides facing (Note: I have said earlier about not using pins with laminated cotton, but since this is a tricky curve & you're pinning close to the edge that will become the seam allowance, it's ok):


Sew the pieces together with a .5inch seam allowance and then carefully trim the allowance clip around the raw edge without cutting into the seam you just made to make the curve easier to turn (or just trim with pinking shears).


Do the same for the other rectangle & circle and when done, turn one cup right side out and slip the other inside it.  Fold in the raw edges 5inch inward and then pin together with bobby pins:


Now take your handle piece and fold in half widthwise, right sides facing.  Stitch around one short side and the long side (the other side is your fold), then turn right side out.


On the right side of the fabric, wrap tissue paper around your handle piece (or alternatively run some lip balm over where stitching will be) and topstitch around:


Ok at the seam part of your cup part carefully insert your handle piece in between the cups about 1inch down.  Wrapping tissue around your cup (or again, dab a line of balm), topstitch around the entire rim, making sure you backstitch over the handle part a couple of times for strength.


Now add a male snap at each upper corner of the handle piece & a female snap at each of the bottom corners (or stitch on a strip of strong velcro in each spot), so when your fold it down the snap sides will facing one another.  Ta-da!  Now you've got a cool looking, easy care cup holder to snap onto stroller, camping gear or anything else that strikes your fancy!


Have you tried using laminated cotton?  How did it go?  If you haven't what do you think would be a great way to use it?  Share your thoughts in the comments!


Sharing this with my fave link parties too so check them out here!

66 comments:

  1. I LOVE this idea! I don't have any kids yet, but my husband is a soccer ref. and is ALWAYS misplacing his water bottles. This would be great if adapted to fit around a bag strap! Awesome idea!

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  2. Thanks so much for a great idea! I'm doing it this afternoon. Do you have a bugaboo stroller? I've bought cupholders 2 times at $25 a pop and both have been lost in travel. Can't wait to make yours--and with cute fabric!!

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  3. Very cute and I love that your used bobbie pins in the process!!

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  4. I don't know where you find the time to do all you do! Your blog is so interesting and informative! I also appreciate that you are consistent with your posting. A few blogs that I follow are so frustrating - they rarely post (and they are supposed to be KAL's (knit alongs) so it's a disapointment to log on and not see anything new. I haven't tried the laminated cotton yet, but you sure are inspiring me! That cup holder could be adapted for numerous applications - on a belt, bike handle, folding chair arm (to use while sitting at soccer or t-ball game!)Love it! Thanks for all you do, you make us all want to get creative!

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  5. This is super cute! What a great idea!

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  6. I am loving this! So cute!

    I featured you here:
    http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2010/06/sunday-postlight-soys-30-favorites.html

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  7. Thanks for the great tutorial - I'm definitely making this!

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  8. What a great idea! I am doing this for my stroller.

    www.emilyguerra.com

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  9. That is such a great idea! I love the laminated cotton! Thanks so much for the how-to, I'll be linking.

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  10. This is such a great idea. I need to make these for my daughters. THanks for linking to We're Organized Wednesday.

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  11. Thank you for this tutorial. I was looking for something that could sit on my son's wheelchair and not have to take it off every time we fold it up. I can't tell you how happy I am to see this!! Thank you!!

    Stacy

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  12. This is a great idea, I could use several of these.

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  13. I was just wondering, can any one tell me when it says "Now take your handle piece and fold in half, right sides facing." does it mean to fold the long way or the short way? or does it not really matter?

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    Replies
    1. Krisha,

      I've just updated it so it's a little clearer. It should be folded lengthwise (so you'll have a folded piece that is 3.5"x9"). Hope this helps!

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    2. Although I've never tried the laminated cotton. I'm sure it would be great for making a potty training seat saver for the car seat for little toddlers in training. I've seen a pattern on sewplicity.com that I may try

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    3. It's great for any project you want to make "wipeable". Would love to see this if you make it!

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  14. I'm assuming the tissue paper helps make it easier to sew on your machine? Great tut.
    ~a

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the tissue keeps the laminated side from sticking to the presser foot. Using lip balm is also another great technique for smooth stitching.

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  15. Hi Cheryl,
    This tutorial popped up with amazing timing. I was considering purchasing some laminated cotton just this morning but was hesitant because I'm very new to sewing and it seemed intimidating.
    However....
    I have Multiple Sclerosis and often get around using a walker/rollator. If you think cup holders for strollers are a ridiculous price, you should see what they charge for the very same item fitted for a walker strap. They START at $40-$50 and that's IF you can even find them. They are only made by one or two companies and they're a standard size, which means if you have a back strap on your walker that is a little thicker or a little wider, you are s.o.l. lol (pardon the abbreviations).
    So I was browsing Pinterest, having simply plugged 'laminated cotton' into the search engine. Your project came up as a re-pin and I nearly went through the roof (that would have been a sight lol). So thank you, thank you, thank you. You have unknowingly helped another huge sector of the population you had no idea needed the very same product you were clever enough to figure out. Wish me luck with the cotton!!! :)

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    1. I'm so thrilled that my tutorial has come in handy for you! I totally understand your frustration with not finding what you need (or a reasonable price for what's out there). Would love to see what you create - please let me know when you do! Sending much luck and success your way:)

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    2. Cheryl

      What style and size needle are you using for the laminate?

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    3. For two layers I usually just use a regular standard needle, if sewing through many layers, I used a heavy duty/denim needle and either sew through tissue paper when topstitching or run a bit of lip balm across the top, to prevent the presser foot from sticking. One of my advertisers, Laminates, who sells laminated cotton fabric, swears by microtex needles with her machine.

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    4. I, too, use a Rollator walker and set about looking for a cup holder. To say they're expensive is an understatement. Your cup holder will work beautifully and I have all the materials in my craft closet already. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your design so I didn't have to "reinvent the wheel" as they say.

      I wonder if this design could be altered to secure a portable oxygen tank to the Rollator? Hm....

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    5. That is awesome to hear Wendy!! I've heard so much feedback like yours on this and I'm thrilled it's been so helpful. I knew I couldn't be the only one out there needing this! And absolutely on other designs - maybe adding an elastic belt to thread it onto to wrap around a tank? I may brainstorm some variations for this little holder now...;)

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  16. I found your tutorial via Pinterest, and I can't wait to do this! I'm planning to buy laminated cotton online, as I can't seem to find it at my local Joann's - do you know how much fabric I would need for a cupholder? ie - in yardage?

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    1. Emily, I'd say about 1/4yd for the sizing I did - 1/2yd if you want to make it larger or make several. Just Laminates in my sponsor section is by far the best source I've found for laminated cotton in both price and print selection. And Deb provides fantastic customer service too! I'll have a few new laminate cotton project tutorials coming up this summer, so do stop by again!

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  17. I just finished making this. It is SO cute, and your instructions are awesome!! I ended up hand basting the circle piece to the "tube" because I was having trouble with the pins. My problem now is that the handle of my stroller is too fat and the cupholder won't fit on!! :( I think maybe I can try to move one of the sets of snaps down to make it wider, but I'm not sure...

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  18. I just love this and could really use it thank you for tutorial.
    The regular car cup holders are sometime not quite big enough for my favorite cup
    I can not wait to make one. here i go wish me luck.

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    Replies
    1. Glad this is helpful! Would love to see yours when you've made them - be sure to link it up to my weekly Craftastic Monday party:)

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    2. Dear Cherl i was about to start my cup holder and stopped i cant seem to find what is 3.8 what formula did you use to get it please help thank you.

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    3. I'm not sure what you are asking, but 3.8in is the diameter of each of the circles. Basically 3 and 7/8 inches if you are confused about the decimal.

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    4. thank you its not your tutorial its me i just got off of chemo and i think i still have a little chemo of the brain my poor husband has helped me with alot of my measurements for some reason i cant measure correctly lately.he has helped me out with my sewing stuff that i would normally not have any trouble with.thank you and have a great night.

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  19. Just made this today. Don't know why I never thought of this. Thanks so much for the tutorial. I didn't use laminated cotton I used iron on vinyl on some cotton fabric I had. It turned out ok but I am very interested in buying some laminated cotton to try.

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    1. That's great to hear Adrienne! I'd love to see it. You can get some great laminated cotton at Just Laminated (on my sidebar). I'll be doing an upcoming post all about some specialty fabrics including laminated & waterproofed options, so you can get more ideas too:)

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  20. I found you on Pinterest... love this pattern! I made one using leftover upholstery fabric... nice & stiff, worked great. Using it for my 20 yr old car which only has a little ring in the glove compartment door to set cups. I don't use that unless I'm parked, since it's not secure. I'll send you a picture (if I can figure out how) once I get one taken. Thanks much for sharing this. :)

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    1. That is so wonderful to hear! I love that you found a new use for it and would be thrilled to see yours. Just send it to info@sewcando.com:)

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  21. I use an electric scooter(3 wheel) and have not been able to find a cupholder for it. At least one I could afford. The only 1 I found was $40.00!
    Thank you for this. I can now make one (several) to hang from my handle! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!

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    1. I'm so happy my tutorial will help you - readers have found so many great ways to use it. I'd love to see when you make yours!

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  22. Amazing! You should have patented it and sold some for the sewing challenged ::cough me cough::

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  23. Amazing! You should have patented it and sold some for the sewing challenged ::cough me cough::

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  24. I just started making this. I have only sewed the first rectangle. It looks like itiis going to be way to narrow to hold a water bottle. What am i doing wrong?

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  25. It sounds like you may have sewn the wrong sides together. It should be the two 7 inch sides that are sewn together.

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  26. I found this through Pinterest and I'm going to make it for my mother's walker. Excellent! Thank you for your creativity and generosity!

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    1. That's great to hear Martha & I'm thrilled it's been so helpful for so many:)

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  27. Thank you for posting this! I featured your project on a post about amazing baby gift ideas. http://tulipsorchids.blogspot.com/2014/08/20-diy-baby-shower-gift-ideas.html

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  28. I bought a cup holder for my powerchair and then I crashed it less than a week later. Bye-bye cup holder. I'm seeking a pattern for an unbreakable one that will work on the powerchair's thick arms.

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    1. You could adapt this to have a taller handle piece so it would wrap around a thicker arm than a stroller handle.

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  29. I'm new to sewing and don't have laminated cotton. Can I just use regular fabric or does the laminated cotton give it stability somehow? I'd love to make this for my dog stroller for this weekend's Halloween parade :)

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    1. The laminated cotton provides extra strength for the weight of full containers and is waterproof, so very easy to keep clean. You could probably use canvas or something else heavy duty, but it won't be as durable or easy to use as laminated cotton. You can find laminate at a lot of fabric stores - PUL (aka cloth diaper fabric) is also easy to find and has a lot of the same properties (and is available at chain stores like Hobby Lobby & Jo-Ann Stores)

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  30. Great project! Thank you for making this tutorial!
    It's featured on my blog today, click here to check it out.

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    1. Thanks so much for the feature - it's very appreciated!

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  31. I am long past strollers, but I will make one for my walker. LOL

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  32. I have a huge roll of laminating film I bought 25 years ago. I use an iron to laminate items printed on card stock. I think I'll try laminating some fabric with this film using my iron. I need a cup holder for my walker. Thanks for the idea!

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  33. Hi Cheryl Thank you for posting this tutorial. I just bought a walker and am starting to use for the first time. I will make the cup holder so that I can bring it with me. It is a huge adjustment to things such as walkers, wheelchairs and scooters and so helpful to find attachments that we can make. Thank you so much.

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    1. I love hearing comments like your Betty. I'm so thrilled that my tutorial has been useful for so many different walking aids and riding equipment!

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  34. My 12 year old daughter was looking for something to carry her summer Star bucks drinks in on her bike. She saw this tutorial on Pinterest and went wild! I must say, she did a very good job. Thank you for coming up with this!!

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    1. Jennifer, hearing this makes my day! So glad this was helpful & how fantastic that she made one herself too. Would love to see it:)

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  35. Vow! Not only does it looks great, but is very useful too.

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  36. Should we browse your site without going to a picnic :)

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  37. I have found that when working with most laminated fabrics if you are worried about holes most often times you can throw them in the dryer for a short while and this will help to seal up the holes. We do this a lot in the cloth diaper industry

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    1. Yes, that works well. I've shared that in a number of laminated cotton project posts since this one (it's over 10yrs old so one of my first when I was new to sewing with it).

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