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Take Time to Craft: Wheelchair bags
Sunday, July 20, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
This program is co-sponsored by the Seams Like Fun Quilt
Group.
DuPage Convalescent Center projects
On Sunday, July 20, we will work on the wheelchair bags. If
you wish to donate additional wheelchair bags, lap covers, or
catheter bags, we will include your items in our drop-off of
donations.
1. Lap Covers
A great cover up for people who sit in a wheelchair. These 36”x36” lap covers can be machine sewn
of fabric, knitted or crocheted. If knitted or crocheted make sure the stitches are small or
somewhat tight. Loose stitches get caught on things and do not hold up well in the laundry. All
materials must be machine washable, so no wool please. Fabric lap covers should be two layers,
with no interlining. They can be pieced as in a quilt or should be tied or stitched across, as in
quilting.
2. Catheter Bag Covers
Catheter bag covers are used to conceal catheter bags under the resident’s wheelchair, which
provide the resident with a greater sense of dignity. The Convalescent Center prefers that you use
a washable, lightweight fabric in bright colors or prints. It would be good to double- stitch (or
French) the seams so they don’t fray in the laundry.
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Finished size is 13” horizontally and 13” vertically.
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Cut two rectangles 13 ½” x 14 ½” - sew around three sides with right sides together leaving a 14 1/2" side open.
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Iron under 1/4 inch on the open edge and then iron another ½ inch folded down. This will be
the casing for the 1/4" elastic. Sew along the inner edge leaving an opening for the elastic.
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You need an 11" length of 1/4" elastic - pull that through the opening in the casing overlap the elastic by one inch, sew edges of the elastic together, and then finish the casing
sewing.
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The measurement across the top when finished should be approximately 5 ½”
Please be accurate with the measurements. THIS IS IMPORTANT.
3. Wheelchair Bags
Everyone in a wheelchair needs a wheelchair bag.
They are handy for carrying possessions. These
drawstring bags can be made of drapery or other
heavy, washable fabric such as duck, denim or
canvas. They are finished with a either a double
drawstring or a Velcro strap and are needed in either
of two sizes--18” square or 10” x 14”
Large bag to go across the back of the wheelchair
– Finished size 18” square.
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Cut 4 pieces of cording 15" long.
Cut two pieces 19" x 26" for the main body of the bag.
There are two options for the pocket (finished size 9x14):
o Cut a piece of a coordinating cotton fabric 18.5" x 14.5”.
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Or cut a piece of heavy, washable fabric like duck or canvas 10" x 15".
Cotton:
o Fold the pocket fabric in half, right side together, so that the 14.5” sides meet.
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Stitch the sides of the pocket with 1/4 inch seam, turn right sides out, and press.
Top stitch the top edge of the pocket (the folder edge).
Stitch the pocket onto the front of the bag by placing the raw edge of the pocket
piece centered on the front of the bag. The raw edge should be facing the top of the
bag and positioned about 3 inches from the bottom of the bag.
o Stitch a 1/4 inch seam and then fold the pocket up towards the top of the bag,
o Top stitch the sides and the bottom of the pocket.
Heavier fabric / canvas:
o Turn under sides and bottom side 1/4 inch and turn under the top 1/2 inch and top
stitch all four sides.
o Position on the front of the bag, centered, and 3 inches from the bottom of the bag.
o Top stitch along the sides and bottom of the pocket.
o All a vertical line of stitching down the middle of the pocket.
Body of the bag.
o With both the front and back pieces of fabric, turn under one of the shorter edges by
6" and stitch down. This will be the top of the bag. Leave this side open.
o Sew around the sides and bottom with right sides together using a ¼ seam.
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Turn the bag right sides out and press.
Top twitch along the sides and bottom of the bag.
Attach 2 pieces or cording at each corner. Secure by topstitching along the top of the bag
for 1 1/2 inches.
Small bag to go over the arm of the wheelchair.
Finished size ~ 10” x 14”
Materials needed:
Heavier fabric or canvas. Cut one piece 12" x 24"
Velcro squares
1. Either serge or zig-zag all four edges
2. Turn over the long edges and one short edge 1/2 inch to the wrong side of the fabric and
topstitch.
3. Along the remaining short side, turn over 1 inch to the right side of the fabric.
4. Apply three pieces of Velcro to this folded edge.
5. Fold over again 4 inch and attach the other side of the Velcro squares. This is the back of the
bag.
6. To create the front pocket, bring up the other short end 7". Top stitch along the sides and
bottom of the pocket.