First Aid On The Spot

This handy see-through zippered case keeps first-aid supplies readily available for any boo-boos that may occur while traveling. A cute “medical print” is ideal, or change it up and use the case for make-up or sewing supplies in an appropriate fabric.

Skill level: Confident Beginner

Finished Size: 8″ x 12″ (20.32cm x 30.48cm)

Supplies

Coats Dual Duty XP All-purpose - thread to match

1/4 yd (22.86cm) print fabric for outer and inner bag

1/4 yd (22.86cm) lightweight clear vinyl

9″ (23cm) Coats Polyester zipper

1 yd (.91m) double-fold bias tape

Paper-backed fusible web

Additional requirements

Sewing Machine

Zipper foot

Non-stick presser foot

Basic sewing supplies

Spring clips

Cutting

From bag print, cut:

2 rectangles, 8 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (21.59cm x 31.75cm)

2 strips, 1 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (3.81cm x 31.75cm)

From vinyl, cut:

1 rectangle, 8 1/2″ x 10″ (21.59cm x 25.40cm)

From fusible web, cut:

2 rectangles, 8 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (21.59cm x 31.75cm)

Assembling the Case

Seam allowance is 1/4″ (.64cm).

  1. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the two 8 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (21.59cm x 31.75cm) fabric rectangles wrong sides together.
  2. Press under 1/4″ (.64cm) along one short edge of the fused rectangle.
  3. Lay the pressed-under edge over the zipper, keeping the pull 3/8″ (.96cm) away from the long edge. Stitch along the fabric fold, close to the zipper teeth.
  4. Sandwich the short edge of the vinyl rectangle between the two small strips of fabric, placing the fabrics right side together with the vinyl between. Sew the seam, then finger-press the strips away from the vinyl. Topstitch the seam and stitch the upper fabric edges together.
  5. Press under the upper strip edge 1/4″ (.64cm) and abut the zipper teeth as for the opposite side, matching the rectangle long edges. Stitch along the fabric fold, close to the zipper teeth.
  6. With the zipper closed, stitch across the end of the zipper extension twice and trim the excess length.
  7. Open the zipper part way and fold the zippered rectangle right sides together, placing the zipper 2″ (5.08cm) from the upper fold. Pin in place on the fabric portion, but use clips on the vinyl portion to avoid damage. Trim the excess vinyl length to match the fabric portion of the bag.
  8. Stitch the sides and bottom seam, using the non-stick foot for even feeding on the vinyl portion.
  9. Bind the seam allowances with the double fold bias tape, mitering* the corners and using a zigzag stitch for stitching.

Finishing the Case

  1. Turn the case right side out and gently poke out the corners.
  2. Fill with some basic medical supplies, like band-aids, gauze, antiseptic gel, aspirin, alcohol wipes, etc. and zip the top for safe keeping.

 

*A miter is a diagonal fold on the corner.