the car organizer how-to
The car organizer. I love mine! When I posted about them, several of you asked for a tutorial, and these might be a great holiday gift. So sneak into your sister's minivan and take a few measurements. Or make one for your husband's car to hold those Manly-Man Necessities like his tape measure and small tool kit. Hey, wait- I have both of those in my car too...
The things you'll need: medium weight fabric, coordinating thread, a sewing machine, a piece of 3/4" elastic about 30 inches long, and a messy car. Keep in mind, to make them like I did, your headrests need to be removable. If yours aren't, you'll have to get creative with the tops. When I say medium weight, I mean something thicker than say quilters cotton (so it hangs nicely) but thinner than denim (you'll be sewing through multiple layers.) I used a gray twill so it would blend in with the car upholstery, but you could always use something bright to jazz up the back seat or use contrasting fabric or patchwork for the pockets.
Now some of these steps sound confusing, but they're not. It's difficult to explain turning and hemming fabric in words when I can't just stand next to you and show you what I'm talking about. If you get confused, email me. I'll try to help. Also you can click on the photos to examine them closely.
Step 1: Remove the headrest and measure the back of the seat. Be sure to include the amount of fabric for the top edge, the part that gets sandwiched under the headrest. My measurements were: 27" tall x 18" wide.
Step 2: Draw out your organizer and plan your pockets. This drawing shows MY finished measurements. Play with these to fit the items you typically carry around in the car. Since these are for my kids, I was sure to include 10" pocket on the bottom row to accommodate a standard coloring book and skinnier pockets on the top for colored pencils.
Step 3: Cut out your pieces. Add 1 inch to the your measurements of your large "base" fabric to allow for hemming. Add 2" to the height and width of each pocket for hemming. The three pieces I cut were: base- 28" x 19", top pocket- 9 " x 20", bottom pocket- 11" x 20".
Step 4: Work with your base fabric first. Turn all edges 1/4" under and press, turn again, press and hem all the way around.
Step 5: Top pocket- Turn under 1/4 " (twice), press, and stitch the top edge of the top pocket piece. Turn the bottom edge of your top pocket under 1/2 " once and press. (This raw edge will be hidden inside your pocket.) Pin your top pocket into place on your base fabric. Turn the sides 1/2" around to the back (twice) and pin into place. Top stitch along bottom of pocket and along the sides.
Top stitch down the middle of the pocket at predetermined intervals to form the smaller pockets.
Step 6: Bottom pocket- Turn under 1/4" (twice), press, and hem the top edge of the bottom pocket piece. Pin bottom pocket into place on base fabric. Turn the sides AND bottom edges 1/2" (twice) towards the back, pinning as you go. Top stitch down sides and bottom of pocket. Top stitch down the middle of the pocket to form smaller pockets.
You're almost done!
Step 7: Hang your organizer in place and by feeling through the fabric, pin or draw where your large button holes will go. The head rest will slip through these button holes. Sew your button holes. If you've never sewn a button hole, look here for tips.
Apparently, I didn't do such a hot job on my button holes. After washing, they're unraveling. No mind, though. They're hidden by the headrest when it's in the car.
Step 8: Hang your organizer in place and attach the head rest. Pull it down tight, wrap the elastic around the base of the seat and pin in place. Remove the headrest, slip the organizer back off the seat, sew and trim the elastic.
Optional Step 9: Add any desired extras, like this little loop to hold DVD headphones for long car trips.
Woo hoo- NOW you're done! Hang, de-clutter, and hit the road, baby.
Comments
Oh, this is great! I so, so need this in our car. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Eren | October 29, 2007 9:15 AM
You rock, Alicia! Thank you.
Posted by: Amy | October 29, 2007 9:15 AM
Thank you for this! i haven't read through the whole tutorial but it's on my "to try" list which i haven't time for until the Spring. i'm so attracted to the organization! and the herringbone.
Posted by: Ella | October 29, 2007 9:20 AM
Seriously great organizer Alicia! If you have ever peered inside my car, you know I really need to make these!
Posted by: Rachel | October 29, 2007 9:38 AM
I was just thinking this morning that I should ask my mom to make me something like this for Christmas! Thanks!
Posted by: Jane | October 29, 2007 10:19 AM
Alicia ... THANK YOU!! You are so very kind for doing this after so many of us begged and pleaded for a how to. Thank you for taking the time to do this - I, as well as many others, will defiantly make great use of it! I'm sending links to all the kid carrying, mini-van driving, mama's I know right now...
Posted by: Kathleen | October 29, 2007 10:28 AM
Wonderful! We're going to give this a try!
Posted by: Stacia | October 29, 2007 11:27 AM
Thanks so much, Alicia! This is just fantastic!
Posted by: Beth | October 29, 2007 11:53 AM
Very nice! Goes on my to-do list. My poor van turns into a dumping ground :(
Posted by: Michelle | October 29, 2007 12:25 PM
First visit to your site - found you by way of Lucky Beans - by way of one of her links.... Pretty darn cool - I am an organizational addict and simply delight in this idea. I'm adding it to my list of sewing projects right now! And have ideas of adding this to my Christmas gift list for a couple of my toddler mommy friends.
Posted by: brina Bat | October 29, 2007 3:47 PM
i am really impressed with your tutorial alicia! i like all your pictures and the way you've added text to them. it's so clear i think i could do it and i'm not a sewer! you should write a book... :)
Posted by: hrsj | October 29, 2007 5:01 PM
Thank you!
Posted by: lina | October 29, 2007 7:02 PM
Well, I certainly have the messy car. Thanks for this.
Posted by: Alicia | October 29, 2007 8:50 PM
way to go alicia! awesome tutorial!
Posted by: heidi | October 29, 2007 9:39 PM
This is so cool, especially the buttonholes for the headrest.
Posted by: erin | October 30, 2007 1:14 AM
Such a great tut.! I wish I had removable headrests! Hmmmmm.
Posted by: Angela | October 30, 2007 8:33 AM
cool, thanks!
Posted by: Courtney | October 30, 2007 8:57 AM
Boy, do I need these. Thank you so much for this tutorial!
Posted by: viv | October 30, 2007 9:15 AM
This is a great idea. Thank you for providing a tutorial. I am going to sneak some measurements from my mom's van and maybe even my sisters.
Posted by: Wendy | October 30, 2007 11:37 AM
oh this is awesome one more thing to add to my list of things to make
Posted by: Marissa | October 30, 2007 12:05 PM
That's great, Alicia. Thanks for sharing it. I need to make some.
Posted by: lera | October 30, 2007 12:23 PM
That's very clever and it's a great tutorial
Posted by: Kristi | October 30, 2007 1:13 PM
Are those two superheros chatting with each other? Sure looks like it ;) Thanks for the tutorial.
Posted by: Felicia | October 30, 2007 1:28 PM
This is awesome! Thank you!
Posted by: Amber | October 30, 2007 4:45 PM
Wow! Thank you so much! I already have the messy car so the rest should be easy!
Posted by: jona | October 30, 2007 8:33 PM
Fabulous! I need these in our car to try to get kid junk off the floor once and for all!
Posted by: dottycookie | October 31, 2007 11:05 AM
This is great! Thank you for sharing:-)
Posted by: Angie | October 31, 2007 7:06 PM
oh wow, this is a great tutorial, alicia!
Posted by: Veronica TM | November 1, 2007 6:31 PM
Thanks so much for making these directions available. I am going to make these for my daughter's car. Also for my son's van. He has 3 boys so I know it will be helpful to them also. Hopefully this will keep the kids back seat area clean...this is great---can't wait to gather up all the supplies and get a couple made....
Posted by: DeAnna Mahle | November 2, 2007 5:33 AM
I really like this!! I may try making it with a towel so that I do not have to hem the sides. Maybe washcloths or hand towels could be used to make the pockets??? hmmm...We'll see. After the holidays!!!!
THANKS!
Posted by: Jane | November 2, 2007 9:47 PM
I've always wanted to do this. Might become a Xmas gift for my nephew and niece, knick knacks included, of course!
Posted by: Dominique | November 7, 2007 8:56 AM
That is fantastic, I'll definitely be making one for our car. Thank you v much for all your effort.
Posted by: Claire Noake | November 12, 2007 7:08 AM
Thank you. Great tutorials.
Posted by: Ira | November 16, 2007 12:46 PM
Thank you so much for this nice tutorial! I'm in desperate need of one of these for my girls. I also like the fact that there is even room for books (my oldest always has to take a book with her everywhere). Thanks again!
*Found via SewMamaSew blog*
Posted by: Angie | November 20, 2007 7:41 AM
way too cool, and sounds so easy! i'm definitely making a set of these for my mini van!
Posted by: Kristen Borland | November 20, 2007 11:46 AM
I love this organizer. I've been searching for a decent pattern for a while. I have one question though. How have the top edge/corners stood up to use. Do they tend to fall down the back of the seat? I've had other organizers that start to look sloppy after a while.
Posted by: Kathryn | November 20, 2007 12:34 PM
I love this and can't wait to make one (or more if I succeed)! I'm thinking this would be a good time to learn how to do button holes. . .
Posted by: L | December 20, 2007 8:06 AM
Love it!
Posted by: GrayEyedScorpio | December 23, 2007 12:21 PM
Thanks for the tutorial...a must for my apres-Holiday crafting! As a bonus, I'm hoping this will help protect the seat backs from muddy, wet, little-boy feet. Hmm...maybe a really lurid paisley or bright polka dot will help brighten up our dreary Winter and boring grey Odyssey!
**Found you via Whip-up**
Posted by: LadyMurph | December 26, 2007 1:42 PM
This is really amazing!!! I love to see people make such innovative things....
Posted by: Rajashree | January 8, 2008 2:49 PM
Very nice Website...I really enjoyed your photography. Great designs too! I will check back often.
Posted by: Ann | January 20, 2008 12:31 PM
Just found this great project and love the idea. I believe I'm going to make mine from some painters canvas (light wt); and paint something pretty one each pocket; then spray it with a finish, so I can just wipe it clean. We don't have any small children anymore, but this would be great for keeping my 'time-passing' books, pens, pet items, etc. Fantastic pictures and directions Alicia!
Posted by: Nellie | January 31, 2008 4:43 PM
Great idea! So clever. I recommend that you use grommets in the headrest area. You could ask your local hardware store to help you. Other wise you should bind this area by stitching a patch to the back. Stitch a circle larger than the posts of the headrest, cut out the center of the circle (down to an eight of an inch, then turn the fabric from the backto the front, turn the edge under and topstitch the inside and the outside edges.
Posted by: stitcher | January 31, 2008 8:58 PM
I just made these for our trip to Florida. This is such a great tutorial THANK YOU!!! I ended up lining mine and my head rests don't come out so I cut a hole and added some velcro. I also added a 2nd loop at the top, in the middle and attached a metal clip for holding their snack bags.
Hopefully these will help to keep things a little more organized. It seems like at every stop we make between Michigan and Florida I am re-organizing the car. This should cut the re-organization down quite a bit.
Thanks for the great tutoril!
P.S. I saw this back in November on Sew,Mamma,Sew .. I bookmarked it way back then and just found time to make them last weekend as a late Christmas present to myself.
Posted by: Ally | February 12, 2008 2:05 PM
I made some of these for family members for Christmas! They turned out great, but I sincerely believe my life would have been made simpler if I had seen your tutorial first! You did a great job going through all the steps!
Posted by: soandsewcrafty | February 18, 2008 7:29 AM
I can't thank you enough for these quick and simple directions. I'm getting ready to travel cross country and back with my 2 daughters and these will be perfect for them:) I was trying to decide how to go about making one myself (as purchasing them is so expensive) and I just couldn't seem to get it right, but you sure did! I'll be making a pair of them this afternoon and I look forward to a happy and organized back seat on our 5 week road trip. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Emily | June 6, 2008 8:15 AM
This is a GREAT tutorial! I hope you don't mind, but I linked to this post from my blog, so that I could share it with my readers.
www.thedowntownboutique.blogspot.com
Angie
Posted by: The Downtown Boutique | June 7, 2008 5:03 PM
Very very cool - at first I thought this was mainly for families with kids but that's not so - anyone could use this.
Stumbled for ya! ;)
Posted by: JoLynn Braley from The Fit Shack | June 8, 2008 6:56 PM
I was wanting to make something like this!Why reinvent the wheel eh? thanks so much.
Posted by: leilalu | July 31, 2008 11:00 AM
I own a business and could really use about 50 of these. Anyone want to offer me a price on making some for me!? Email me if interested.
Derek
Barfrog, LLC
Posted by: Derek | July 31, 2008 3:31 PM
I still need to make this. I've seen this post a few times and should just DO it. My van (and husband) sure would thank you. Perhaps that should be my first project.....
Posted by: Robyn | August 3, 2008 6:39 PM
Loving the car organizer. Very clean simple and practical.
Thank you
Posted by: Naomi | November 8, 2008 11:55 AM
this is sooo cool! i am going to make 2 right now! thank you so much!
Posted by: iris mishly | March 18, 2009 11:07 AM
I just found this and it's perfect for my truck. Store bought organizers are so ugly in such a tight space like the back seat. Now I can color coordinate them and they will have a slim fit for good leg room.
Posted by: Michelle | March 21, 2009 9:27 PM
Thank you for this tutorial, it's fantastic! I can't wait to make one for our car!
Posted by: SkylarKD | March 24, 2009 3:34 PM
Awesome! thank you for posting this I can't wait to make a few (say three?) for my minivan .
Posted by: Juliana | March 25, 2009 2:52 PM
This is fantastic, and so very clever! With two dogs, two humans and a slight inclination towards mess, our car is always looking a touch... well, terrible. This is the perfect solution! I'm seeing a gorgeous purple with little embroidered patterns... thanks so much for the inspiration!
Posted by: Sandra | March 29, 2009 6:32 PM
I love this tutorial! I need to make two tomorrow for our mini holiday on Monday!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | April 4, 2009 1:36 PM
Just wanted to let you know I made a version of this over the weekend! thanks for the great tut! I posted a picture of mine on my blog if you want to check it out :)
Posted by: Hadley | April 6, 2009 9:25 PM
Hi! Thanks so much for this great tutorial, I had a ton of fun making a couple for myself. I gave you a shout out on my blog as well! Thanks again.
Posted by: Hilda | June 9, 2009 5:52 PM
Such a clever idea! Well done!
Posted by: Mike | July 15, 2009 1:49 PM
I love this! Actually, I love this site! Thanks for sharing these tutorials! I'm in desperate need of one of these car organizers.
Posted by: Petunia | August 9, 2009 9:02 AM
thank you so much, you saved me so much money and it will totally help keep my car so much cleaner!
Posted by: Sara | August 19, 2009 5:19 PM
Can I use a quilters cotton? I found a print that I love....will it work or just mess up?
Posted by: Laura | September 22, 2009 4:31 PM
Thank you so much. I looked all over for this design and your step by step was great. I used a heavy plastic so that we could see what was in each pocket and it worked out great! Your design was very simple to follow.
Posted by: Julia | November 15, 2009 2:54 PM
We are getting a different car this week and I am determined to keep it clean! I found your tutorial through a web search and I'm so excited. I've tried these kinds of organizers before but they didn't work for me becuase the bottom could flap free. That caused a traffic problem for us getting in and out of the car and usually ended up in the organizer getting dumped. I love your idea of the elastic strap and the button holes to attach to the shoudler rest. This one looks a lot more sturdy than others I've tried. Thank you! We are near neighbors as I live in Kansas City too. What a small world.
Posted by: Angela | November 22, 2009 6:21 PM
I LOVE this tutorial thank you so much for posting it! I also don't have removable headrests but have decided that I will try to create a reverse "pocket" with a slit big enough for my headrest to fit through then the "pocket" can go over the top of the seat and will be held in place that way. Here's to hoping it works!
Posted by: Tanya | November 30, 2009 7:28 AM
Thank you for a tutorial that looks great! I have two daughters with children and I think that the kids just really need NaNa to make them each one...that way they know whos toys go where!
Posted by: Cindi | January 1, 2010 7:43 PM
thank you' found it on my calender and came by. hope my car will be less the mess it is... :-)
Posted by: sigal | January 11, 2010 2:21 PM
Thanks so much for the great idea and tutorial!!!!! I made one -- just tweaked it a bit for an infant and linked the idea back to you! :) So great!! There are pictures on my blog here ... http://diaryofapreppymom.blogspot.com/2010/01/brilliant-backseat-car-organizer.html
Posted by: Whitney | January 26, 2010 10:35 PM
This is a must have for our cars and I can hardly wait to pick out the fabric and get started. Thank you so much for the fantastic idea and the know how to pull it off!!!
Posted by: Kris | February 2, 2010 2:59 PM
I made this and came out great - I am a beginner and the instructions are so easy to follow - thank you. I will make another one for the driver's side seat. This one that I just made in going to be behind the passenger's side so my son can put his stuff there. Anyone know of instructions for an organizer for the driver - I have things I need to take in the car and the passenger seat is always a mess!!!
Thank you once again.
Posted by: Fernanda | February 5, 2010 8:08 AM
This is WONDERFUL! I've featured you on my blog today, and am planning on making these in the coming weeks for my kids. I, and the incredibly messy back seat of my car thank you. :)
Posted by: Katie | February 26, 2010 3:20 PM
I actually posted a link to this around cmas last year. But now I"m interested in learning to sew and this seems perfect...so I'm going to give it a try. Think I'll have my SIL embroider their names when I'm done. Great gift for Spring...we'll see.
anyway...my question.
If i were to put it on one of the long middle seats of my van, how would i secure the bottom? any suggestions?
Posted by: Michelle | March 21, 2010 4:30 PM
Would you be interested in selling these? I found one on etsy...but not going to dish out $75 plus shipping. maybe for both! i dont know how to sew. a.ny.thing....not even a needle or machine in the house. so, im out of luck!
Posted by: beth f | March 23, 2010 7:09 PM
Thank you so much! Patterns for these are so expensive and to buy them...forget it! Thanks again! I'm going to use towels and continue the cover down the seats forward to avoid summertime leg sticking. 5 of us are traveling across country and we'll need these organizers to keep from drowning in clutter! Thanks again!
Posted by: Jayme Petrulis | May 15, 2010 2:55 PM
love your car organizer tutorial, and currently working on making one out of gray corduroy fabric. hoping to get it done in time before i go into labor, so my daughter can have a nice neat place to stash all of her things while we journey for an hour to the hospital. i do have a question regarding the steps 3 and 5 on hemming...you say to add 2 inches to the height and width of each pocket, though my brain can't figure out how turning under 1/4" twice, and 1/2" once equals 2 inches. could you clarify this? also, by the photo the side hems appear to be wider than 1/4". is this just because the photo is so close-up, or is it more than 1/4" wide seams/hems?
Posted by: stephanie | May 20, 2010 12:58 AM
thanks so much! my car does not even have a single slot seat pocket and i was considering to buy an organizer but making one is so much more fun!
Posted by: britt | May 27, 2010 11:47 PM
Cute organizer! I think I'll try one with large grommets instead of buttonholes (since I struggle with those, too!). Thanks for the tutorial.
Posted by: Tanya Hein | June 16, 2010 10:20 AM
This is *ah-may-zing!!! Awesome, really. will try to make them for my kids, I think they'd really like them, even for everyday trips, I always have toys rolling around at my feet while I am driving, not cool! thanks for sharing and for posting such clear instructions!
Posted by: Alexandra | July 6, 2010 2:49 PM
I'm so excited to make some of these! thank you so much for sharing- I'm wondering, does the elastic go all the way around the seat?
This is such a great idea :)
Posted by: JoDee | August 13, 2010 10:30 PM
Oh, this could really help me!
Posted by: Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home | August 31, 2010 10:47 PM
Just wanted to add another thank you to the list! I am in the process of making one for each of my boys because I cannot handle the clutter in our van anymore!! Thanks again for a very clear and concise tutorial!
Posted by: Kim | January 26, 2011 2:24 AM
Thank you so much for this great pattern. I'm planning a long road trip with the family in a week and have wondered how I'd keep it all under control. Your pattern and instructions are simple enough, I think I'll have time to whip up one or two before we go. Your awesome!
Posted by: April from HomeHinges.com | June 26, 2011 1:18 AM
This is great! I just got a bunch of upholstery fabric and now I know what to do with it! I'm gonna make a couple for Christmas presents!
Posted by: Mackena | August 24, 2011 9:59 AM
this is so awesome, our kids are grown, but we do have grandchildren and you did such a great job with the tutorial..THANKS FOR MAKING LIFE EASIER FOR ALL OF US>>(my husband has stuff all over our van)...he will love this also..
Posted by: Joyce | August 25, 2011 4:35 AM
This is a great idea. I'm glad it's so versatile and we can adapt it to our own cars. I think I'll make one for our car to carry my crochet while my husband does the driving.
Blessings, Donna
grandma4five
Posted by: Donna | August 29, 2011 12:01 AM
Your tutorail is great! So glad I found it. I made mine and they are the perfect solution to feet on the seats and organization :)
Posted by: Jenny | August 31, 2011 12:25 PM
thanks for posting this tutorial! It was super easy to make-- I just made one for my car. Good job!
Posted by: kathy | October 8, 2011 12:13 PM
Great idea. I made these in 1972 for my station wagon and seven children even for short trips. Sure saved lots of searching for things to do while traveling. And the rule was "car use only" for the books etc in the car. Great to see it here when I am a great-grandma now. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Eleanor | November 11, 2011 7:08 AM
Where did this nice herringbone fabric come from?
Posted by: Sean | January 2, 2012 10:18 PM
I just made 3 of these for my kids, they will come in very handy for our long road trips! Easy to follow tutorial, didn't take long to knock out 3 of these. I used part of an old shower curtain for 2 of them and the button holes for the shower hooks were spaced apart perfectly to fit the head rests in our van! Thanks for the tute!
Posted by: Kaylyn | January 29, 2012 3:22 PM