How to Make a Travel Jewelry Organizer

Necklaces, especially those with thin chains, tangle easily when not in use. Trying to keep them straight when you are on vacation can be difficult. This simple-to-make travel organizer can help you sort your necklaces and other jewelry. It can keep your jewelry pieces from becoming a mixed-up mess. Read on to learn how to make a travel jewelery organizer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reversible place mat
• Thread to match both sides of the placemat
• 1 yard of snap tape
• 12 inches of 3/8-inch grosgrain ribbon to match placemat
• 2 yards of 5/8-inch grosgrain ribbon to match placemat
• Sewing machine
• Zipper foot

1. Prepare the ribbon and snap tape. Cut the narrow ribbon into three equal lengths. Cut the wider ribbon into two equal lengths. Cut the snap tape into three equal lengths, but leave tape at each end rather than snaps.

2. Unsnap the snap tape from each end, but leave it together in the middle. Encase one of the female (socket) ends with the narrow grosgrain ribbon. Stitch it to secure it. Repeat this process with one end from the other two pieces of snap tape. These ribbons become the "pulls" that open the travel organizer from the inside.

3. Open the snap tape. Sew the two pieces, male (pronged) and female together on the end opposite the grosgrain tape. Partially close the snap tape again.

4. Position one piece of snap tape with the female portion on top approximately 1 ½ inches from the short end of the placemat. Position the second piece at the opposite end of the placemat. Lastly, place the third piece of snap tape in the center of the placemat.

5. Sew the male portion of the snap tape in place after opening the snap tape again. Use the zipper foot to sew the very outside edge of the snap tape. Or, you can use a narrow, zigzag stitch. Remember to have the appropriate matching thread in the needle and bobbin of the machine.

6. Center the long grosgrain ribbon about 3 inches down from the narrow edge of the placemat on the outside of the jewelry organizer. Pin in place. Repeat for the bottom narrow edge of the placemat.

7. Stitch the grosgrain ribbon in place on the right side of the placemat with matching thread loaded in the machine. Just stitch about 3 inches on the right side. Leave the left side un-sewn. But remember to sew both sides of both ribbons.

8. Unfasten the snap tape again. Add your necklaces, and close the tape. Roll the placemat lengthwise with the necklaces on the inside. Tie with the grosgrain ribbon. Now you're all set to travel.

Tips & Warnings

• If your placemat has scalloped edges, move the outside pieces in a bit.