How to Make a Button Bag for a Toddler

A button bag is easy and inexpensive to make and fun for kids to carry - but its biggest advantage is that it's a compact, quiet toy that comes in handy in waiting rooms and other trying situations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cords Or Ribbon
• Large Buttons
• Fabrics
• Irons
• Large Safety Pins
• Measuring Tapes
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Needles
• Threads
• Scissors
• Sewing Chalk

1. Choose a fabric and a lining (they can be the same or different) and a cord for the drawstring handle.
2. Cut two 8-by-8-inch pieces each of fabric and lining (four pieces total).
3. Cut two pieces of cord, each 20 inches long.
4. Measure 1 1/2 inches down from the top on the fabric sides only and make a mark. Measure another 1/2 inch (2 inches down from the top) and make another mark.
5. Place the fabric sides right sides together and sew the sides and bottom, leaving open the 1/2-inch-long openings you just marked.
6. Place the lining sides right sides together and sew the sides and bottom, leaving a 2-inch opening in the middle of the bottom for turning right side out.
7. Turn the fabric bag right side out and the lining right side in, and slide the fabric bag inside the lining bag (right sides will be together; you'll see both wrong sides).
8. Sew the top seam (fabric to lining, all the way around).
9. Turn the whole thing right side out and sew up the opening in the bottom of the lining.
10. Push the lining bag inside the fabric bag (now you'll see both right sides) and press.
11. Use the 1/2-inch openings in the sides of the fabric bag as guides to sew the fabric and lining together and at the same time make a casing for the cord. To do this, sew two lines of stitching all the way around the bag.
12. Start on one side and thread the cord all the way around and back out; tie the ends together. Repeat, starting on the other side.
13. Fill with a dozen or so buttons.

Tips & Warnings

• To thread the cord, secure a sturdy safety pin to one end of the cord (far enough in so that the end won't fray). Slide the safety pin through the casing, pulling the cord with it.
• Use only buttons that are too big to be swallowed and sturdy enough to be chewed on - vintage coat buttons (no rhinestones, please) are perfect.