Wash-and-Dry Paper

Washable paper is a beautiful, versatile, sewable substitute for fabric or leather. Durable and strong, it can hold fresh blooms or veggies or a plethora of household items. And because it’s made from sustainably grown trees, it’s eco-friendly.

MATERIALS

  • Washable paper (NOTE: Wash the paper before using (follow package directions)
  • Leather straps
  • Double-cap brass rivets
  • Fabric paint
  • Nylon thread

TOOLS

  • Sewing machine
  • Rivet setter
  • Round drive punch
  • Rivet anvil
  • Size 80-90 needle

PAPER BAG

The soft crinkles of these washable paper bags, tops rolled for a finishing cuff, can showcase simple yet elegant bouquets. Place flowers or foliage in a jar or vase, then set it in the bag. Dress up bags with ribbon or rope ties, fabric paint or markers.

SIZES

Small 

  • 4" × 4" base
  • 9½" × 16½" sides

Medium

  • 5" × 7" base
  • 13" × 24½" sides

Large

  • 6" × 6" base
  • 13" × 24½" sides

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Align side edges of side piece, securing with sewing clips (not pins). Insert needle ¼" into seam allowance, back-stitch to secure stitches, then sew a ¼" seam allowance to create a tube.
  2. Align edge of base piece with bottom edge of tube, using sewing clips to hold in place. Sew as for side seam, lifting presser foot at corners of base to rotate piece and continue stitching. Back-stitch where stitching meets the beginning stitch.
  3. Turn right side out and roll top edge over twice to form a cuff.


PAPER TOTE

Add a handle to a basic white washable paper bag for instant chic. Dress up the bag with a colorful scarf tied to one handle and use it for a purse, to carry your Bible to church or to tote baby items.

SIZE

8¼" × 9¼" base

18" × 19½" sides (x2)

1" × 36" leather strap (x2)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Align side edges of two pieces, securing with sewing clips (not pins). Insert needle ¼" into seam allowance, back-stitch to secure stitches, then sew a ¼" seam allowance. Sew remaining side edges together to create a tube.
  2. Align edge of base piece with bottom edge of tube, using sewing clips to hold in place. Sew as for side seams, lifting presser foot at corners of base to rotate piece and continue stitching. Back-stitch where stitching meets the beginning stitch.
  3. Turn right side out and roll top edge to form
    a cuff.
  4. Follow instructions on rivet to attach straps.


PAPER TRAY

Stylish and practical, washable paper trays in various sizes organize jewelry and personal items.Set on desktops and entry tables or use to organize silverware and napkins for a buffet. Brush the inside bottom with fabric paint for a pop of color, or label what goes in each tray using a washable fabric marker.

SIZES

Small

  • 5" × 5" base
  • 20½" × 5" sides
  • 20½" × 1" binding

Medium

  • 6¼” × 6¼” base
  • 25½” × 5” sides
  • 25½” × 1” binding

Large

  • 13" × 13" base
  • 52½" × 6.5" sides
  • 52½" × 1" binding

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Align 5" edges of side piece, securing with sewing clips (not pins). Insert needle ¼" into seam allowance, back-stitch to secure stitches, then sew a ¼" seam allowance to create a tube.
  2. Align edge of base piece with bottom edge of tube, using sewing clips to hold in place. Sew as for side seam, lifting presser foot at corners of base to rotate piece and continue stitching. Back-stitch where stitching meets the beginning stitch.
  3. Fold 1" strip in half, forming ½" binding. Fold binding strip over the bottom edge of the tray and stitch close to raw edge, overlapping ends of binding.
  4. Roll down side edges of tray, enclosing side seams and reaching binding top.


CARE

  • Hand wash with soapy water
  • To revitalize, press with an iron on low, using a pressing cloth.
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