How to Make a “Drain Carry Bag” for breast cancer
patients...
Once you see how easy these bags are to make perhaps
you'll find time in your schedule to make one and donate
it. They are super easy... so here goes...
1. Pick out some nice strong fabric (heavier weight is
better as each bag will need to hold 2 x 500ml bottles).
Off cuts of curtain fabric is perfect... or just use whatever
you have in your stash. You will also need a lining fabric,
calico, lawn or similar...I use old sheeting.
2. Cut 2 pieces, 12inch x 17inch, in outer fabric and 2
lining pieces the same size.
3. Cut 1 small rectangle 3in x 5in
4. Cut a long strap 2 1/2 in wide by 56 in long. You may
need to join lengths but I just purchased a cording or
strapping from my LQS.
Here we go...
Cut out fabric.
If you are using plain fabric and want to applique a
cute design on the front to jazz it up... NOW is the
time to add that.
Placing right sides together of outer fabric stitch a 1/4 in
seam along side seams and bottom.
Lay flat because we're now ready to shape the base.
To form the base, pinch together the bottom cornersalign the side seam on top of the bottom seam. Mark
down 1 1/2in from corner point and sew across at right
angles to the other seam... like this...
Do the same on the other corner. The bottom of the bag
should look like this... finger press.
Turn the bag right side out... and set aside.
Make the lining the same way BUT leave an opening
along one side seam to turn bag thru later. LEAVE it
inside out. Set aside.
It must be time for a coffee right about now...
Back again... and we're almost finished. Hard to believe
eh?
Take the 3in x 5in rectangle (tab) and fold in half.
With right sides together sew down the 5in length. Turn
tube right side out and finger press.
Fold in half again. Position it about 1/2 inch in from side
seam and pin to the right side of outer fabric.
Stitch with a scant 1/4 inch seam.
Do the same for the strap... positioning the end 1/2 inch
from opposite seam and on other side of bag.
Stitch with a scant 1/4 inch seam as well.
I'll give you details at the end of this post, on how to make
a fabric strap. I used the purchased cording here.
Make sure to finish off the loose end.
Now place the outer bag into the lining bag. Tuck the tab
and strap between the 2 layers and pin together matching
side seams. Sew around the top.
Turn the bag the right way out, thru the hole in the lining,
then stitch close the lining opening.
Flatten out and top stitch the top of the bag neatly.
I added a "Made By" embroidery... just to personalise it a
little.
But that's up to you!
ALL FINISHED... now sit back and admire your
craftiness!
The strap is simply threaded thru the tab and knotted at
the correct length.
FYI :
To make a fabric strap, fold in 1/2 down the length of the
strip and tuck in the 1/4 inch seam allowance. Pin and
sew... remembering to also tuck in a raw edge on loose
end.
I hope you found this "How To" useful... and perhaps
you'll make a bag to donate?
Thanks for visiting...
Add this at the bottom...
Received this email:
“I wish to thank you for the donated drain carry bag. I
received one of these bags on going home from
hospital after breast surgery at Royal Womens’ at
Brisbane.
I very much appreciated being able to go out in public
and being able to feel un-obvious to what I was
carrying. Just a short note of thanks and to let you
know how much I appreciated it.”
- Judy
Of course I know I have to send the pic files so you can add the pic’s... just
hope they are large enough to use...because I compress them for a web page
before I upload to bogger...