Fabric Utensil Wrap Tutorial for Reusable Cutlery on the Go

Another quick sewing project that’s eco-friendly — make a cute DIY utensil wrap in under an hour!

Even if most of us aren’t rushing around right now, chances are we will be again soon. This simple sewing tutorial shows how to make a fabric scrap utensil wrap that takes less than an hour to complete. It’s a practical, eco-friendly project that helps replace single-use plastic utensils, straws, and similar items with reusable alternatives you can tuck into the wrap and carry in your bag or car.

Supplies Needed for the Utensil Wrap

Most of the materials you need are probably already in your sewing stash, which can make this project essentially free. If you do need to buy supplies, the cost is low — roughly $5 for basic fabric and cord — and you’ll have a durable, reusable item you can use for years.

Materials and tools

• Scrap fabric (two different prints or the same fabric for both sides)
• Thread
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Leather cord, ribbon, or bias tape for tying
• Iron

What kind of fabric should I use?

Use any durable, washable scrap fabric you have on hand — old clothing or leftover yardage both work well. An old t-shirt, a pair of pants, or quilting scraps are all great choices. For the tie, leather cord looks nice but ribbon, bias tape, or any similar cord will do the job.

Quick Sewing Project: DIY Utensil Wrap

Step 1: Cut your fabric

Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric, each 7″ x 24″. These will form the front and back of the wrap.

Step 2: Sew the edges

Place the fabric pieces with right sides together, pin, and stitch around three edges, leaving one short side open. That open side will become the flap that closes the roll.

Step 3: Turn and press

Turn the piece right side out and press the seams flat with an iron. Fold the open edge under about 1/2″ and press so it’s neat and ready for topstitching.

Step 4: Finish seams and add the wrap

Topstitch the folded open edge closed. Next, fold the opposite short side up to form the pocket where your utensils will sit. Pin your cord or ribbon on one side so it will be caught in the seam when you sew the pocket sides. Stitch the pocket sides about 1/4″ from the edge to secure them.

Step 5: Mark and sew utensil slots

Decide how many utensil slots you need. A typical setup fits a fork, knife, spoon, and a metal straw. Mark vertical lines about every inch (or to fit your utensils) and sew straight lines from the pocket edge up to create individual slots.

Other ideas for fabric scraps

If you have more scraps, there are lots of quick, useful projects to try: reusable produce bags, unpaper towels, napkins, or small pouches. These projects are quick to make and extend the life of your fabric leftovers while reducing single-use waste.

Sewing: Casey Harper
Styled final photos: Amelia Lawrence

Looking for reusable items to go inside your new utensil roll? Consider small reusable cutlery sets, metal straws, cloth napkins, bamboo utensils, or a compact travel straw and brush — compact items that fit easily into the pockets and help reduce single-use waste.