DIY Network

Toy Bag Toy Bag From "Ask DIY Decorating & Crafts" episode DADD-108

Q: I need a bag for my son's toys when we go on play dates or to grandma's house. What's an easy way to make it and decorate it?

A: (DIY crafts expert Debbie Stapley) A toy bag is perfect for transporting all those little cars and dolls and robots that kids love to collect and play with. I'm going to show you how to make a simple drawstring bag that is very easy to sew. Then I'm going to show you how you can decorate it with a photo transfer. It's a really neat and easy process, so let's get started.

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Steps:

1. Cut out two 16" x 21" (or any dimensions so long as it's oblong) pieces of heavy cotton, washable fabric.

2. Before sewing, I think it will be easier to put on our photo transfer. First you'll need to put a photo on your computer with a digital camera, or get your pictures put on a disk when you take them in to be developed. You can also use lettering and clip art that's on your computer.

   • Depending on your type of printer, there are special papers to print a picture onto that will then allow you to transfer it to fabric. These papers can be found at fabric, crafts or computer stores.

   • Remember, pictures or lettering will appear in a mirror image on the fabric.

3. Once you have your picture or lettering the way you want it and printed out, cut excess paper away, leaving about a 1/4" border around the edges of the image. Place it face down on the fabric. With a hot iron, press down on back of image. (Read the individual directions on your photo transfer paper)

   Tip: Key elements to successful transfer are heat, pressure and time.

4. Preheat iron on hottest setting (no steam).

5. Place a cotton pillowcase on a hard, heat-resistance surface (not an ironing board). Make sure to iron out any wrinkles in the fabric.

6. Place material on pillowcase and position image where you want it.
   
7. Make 20-second passes, lengthwise and crosswise, with the iron over the transfer. Be careful not to scorch the fabric. Make sure you cover the entire image, especially along the edges

8. Let the image cool (about 60 seconds), then peel back the paper to reveal the transfer. Check directions: the instructions on some transfer papers want you to peel the transfer when it's still hot. This can go in the laundry, but make sure you read the individual instructions for laundering.

Now that you have your transfer on the bag, it's time to sew the bag.

Steps:

1. Fold over and pin the edge at the top of each piece of fabric, leaving about a 1" to 1-1/2" hem or casing. Sew along the top edge where the cord will pass through

2. Next put wrong sides together and stitch the bag, beginning and ending the stitching just below the casing you have created.

3. Then thread through the casing two cords, each with its knot sticking out of a different side of the bag. (To close the bag, you pull on both knots, one on each side of the bag.)

4. Decorate fabric with fabric paints, stamps and stencils or colorful grommets. Get your kids involved at this step.