How to Make a Bag for Over a Walker

Make a bag that attaches to a walker to help carry important items.

When you use a walker, there's no way to hold anything you might want to take along as you walk. Fortunately, though, walkers are built with bars that can easily hold a bag large enough to carry a book, pen and paper, tissues, eyeglasses and more. It's easy to make one with fabric napkins you may already have, or can buy on clearance or at a dollar store. The edges are already finished, so the tedious work has been done for you, and you won't need to line the bag.

Things You'll Need

• 3 fabric napkins, 12-inch square
• Thread
• Needle
• 1-inch wide ribbon, 18 inches long
• Hook and loop fastening tape (i.e., Velcro), 3 inches long
• Decorative button, 1-2 inch diameter

Instructions

1. Turn under the edges 1 inch on one of the napkins. This piece will be an outside pocket. Center the pocket on the right side of a second napkin. Pin the pocket in place, then stitch the pocket down on the two sides and bottom of the pocket, leaving the top open. Stitch close to the finished edges all the way around

2. Lay the third napkin on top of the napkin with the pocket, right sides together, matching up the edges all around. Pin the pieces together on three sides, leaving the top open. Be sure the open top of the bag and the open top of the pocket both face up. Stitch all three sides. Turn the bag right-side out. Use the edge of a pair of scissors to gently push the two bottom corners of the bag out to make square edges.

3. Fold the ribbon in half and cut it in half at the fold. Finish the edges of both pieces by folding the edge under 1/4 inch, then folding it over again 1/4 inch, and stitch along the edge.

4. Pin one edge of a ribbon inside the bag, at the top of the back of the bag, about 2 inches from the side seam of the bag. Stitch the ribbon to the bag using a zigzag or other decorative stitch, or by stitching a rectangle. To stitch a rectangle, stitch over the finished edge of the ribbon, pivot, and take four stitches, pivot again, stitch across the width of the ribbon parallel to the finished edge, pivot, and take four stitches to finish the rectangle. Repeat with the other ribbon, attaching it to the corresponding point on the other end of the bag. These will be the bag's handles.

5. Bring the ribbons over and position them as handles to the bag. Cut the hook and loop fastener tape in three equal pieces. Stitch the rough half of one piece to the inside front of the bag where the ribbon will attach, using a decorative stitch or rectangle. Stitch the soft half of the hook and loop tape to the edge of the ribbon so it matches the rough piece. Repeat with the other ribbon.

6. Attach the third hook and loop fastener to the middle of the bag so it will stay closed. Stitch the rough piece on the same side as the other rough pieces you stitched, and stitch the soft piece on the other side of the bag so the two pieces match up.

7. Stitch the decorative button to the front of the bag so it covers the stitches that hold the fastening tape in place.

Tips & Warnings

• The napkins don't have to match. A bag with different colors for the front, back and pocket -- and even with contrasting stitching -- can be an attractive and cheerful addition to a walker.

References

• Jean's Walker Bags
• Life Solutions Plus: Economy Walker Bag
• Needlepointers: Wheel Chair Totes