So these are ridiculously easy to sew, and also VERY useful.
I like to use these for things that don't stay plugged in all the time. I used to be an insurance underwriter and there is a paranoid insurance part of me that mumbles things about fire hazards, trip and fall hazards, distance to nearest volcano, etc. These are probably just fine for plugged in cords too, and I'm just being overly risk averse. Use your own judgement.
They are perfect for using up scraps of fabric, interfacing, and batting. Because they are the perfect mix of quick to make, low supplies, and usefulness, so they are excellent for selling/gifting.
But without a visual it can be hard to show its intended use. At the end, I'll give you one idea for packaging these to make sure you get the point across.
After some experimentation I've come to the conclusion this size (4" wide x 5.75" high) is my favorite. It is snug enough that you can pull some cord out and the rest will stay wrapped up. But of course, you can make it any size you like!
Here is how I make them:
Cut Pieces
- (1) exterior fabric 4.5" wide x 6.25" high
- (1) lining fabric 4.5" wide x 6.25" high
- (1) fusible interfacing 4.25" wide x 6" high
- (1) cotton batting 4.25" wide x 6" high
- 3.5" of 0.75" wide sew-on VELCRO (5/8" is ok too, but I personally like 0.75" better for this project)
Interface/Interline
Apply the interfacing to the WRONG side of the exterior fabric piece.
Place the batting on the WRONG side of the lining piece.
Match up the two pieces with the exterior and lining fabrics RIGHT sides together.
Sew
Stitch around the outside using a 1/4" allowance. Leave an opening for turning (about 2.5" or so) along one of the long side edges.
I sew the opening closed first. As you probably already know, I ALWAYS sew the opening closed. If you haven't used one of my patterns, what I mean is: back stitch at the beginning of the opening, lengthen the stitch to about 3.5, sew the length of the opening, back stitch again at the end. Then press the seam open flat where the opening will be, and then remove the long stitches. Now you have a nice crease to follow for hand stitching it closed.
Clip all four corners. I clip each corner twice (see picture above).
Turn it right side out through the opening.
Slip stitch the opening closed. Some people skip this and just make sure the edges of the opening are caught by the topstitching.
Topstitch around the outside at 1/8" - 1/4".
Attach VELCRO
Sew one half of the VELCRO to the exterior side and other half to the lining side.
Packaging
Forgive my amatuerish attempt here, but this is just an idea as a starting point! This cord wrap is one of those things that could use a little visual explanation if you are selling them or giving one as a gift.
You can improve upon this idea and make it look a lot nicer, or just make your own goofy drawing too. It definitely screams of "handmade".
For the insert, cut one piece of chipboard or heavy cardstock 1.75" wide x 6.5". Draw a power cord on it. Now they won't ask "but what's it FOR???".
