The following is a post from contributing writer Jackie.
Hanging laundry on the line is something I enjoy. Being outdoors seems to make the task of doing laundry more bearable. With 7 people in our family, one of whom is in cloth diapers, there’s definitely plenty of laundry. 🙂
A few years ago I was using a plastic bag to hold my clothespins. My mom must have felt sorry for me because she made me a fabric clothespin bag. I later modified her idea and made a simple clothespin bag out of a placemat.
While I love my clothespin bags I thought it might be fun to take a look around my home and see what items I could use to make another clothespin bag for free. I accomplished this task and ended up with 3 “new” clothespin bags.
If you are in need of something to hold your clothespins, then maybe one of these ideas will suit your taste, budget, and sewing skills. You can make any of these bags in 15 minutes or less.
Supplies Needed
- Hanger
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Hand Towel, Blue Jeans, or Baby Sleeper
Hand Towel Clothespin Bag Instructions
To make this clothespin bag you will need a hand towel and a hanger with a bar at the bottom. I chose a hand towel that was approximately 15 inches by 25 inches.
1. Unfold the towel and lay the hanger on top of it near one short end. Fold that short end of the towel over the bar of the hanger 2 1/2 inches. Pin it to the portion of the towel that is under the hanger.
2. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the folded portion to the rest of the hand towel.
3. Fold the bottom of the hand towel up 9 inches to make a pocket. Pin along the left and right sides of the towel.
4. Again, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the two sides of the hand towel that you pinned in Step 4.
You can stop at this point and your clothespin bag could be finished.
However, if you think the pocket is gaping too much then you can sew a seam down the center of the pocket.
The pocket might be a good idea if you have two different types of clothespins you wanted to keep separate, or like I said, you thought the pocket was gaping too much without the seam. Here’s a look inside.
Blue Jean Clothespin Bag Instructions
To make this bag you need an old pair of blue jeans and a hanger with clips.
1. Cut the blue jeans below the zipper so you have about 13 inches from top to bottom.
2. Turn the blue jeans inside out and sew the bottom closed. I used my serger but you can use a sewing machine.
3. Turn the jeans right side out and attach the hanger with clips to the back of the jeans.
Baby Clothes Clothespin Bag Instructions
To make this clothespin bag you will need a baby sleeper and a child-sized hanger. I chose a 6-9 months sleeper that my daughter had outgrown and that had a set-in stain. A baby polo shirt would work as well and wouldn’t require any cutting.
1. Cut the sleeper above the legs just above a snap.
2. Turn the sleeper wrong side out and sew the bottom closed. I used a serger but you can use a regular sewing machine.
3. Turn the sleeper right side out and slip a hanger inside. Keep the top snap open to make it easier to reach your clothespins.
As you can see you don’t have to spend any money or much time to have a functional clothespin bag.
Do you have a clothesline? What do you use to hold your clothespins? Do any of these ideas appeal to you?
More Tutorials to Check Out:
Maria says
Excellents ideas!!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thank you, Maria!
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
This. Is. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m totally pinning for later reference. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to make one of these and your instructions are just fabulous!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thank you so much, Stacy!
Heather says
I keep my clothes pins in an ice cream bucket and assign one of my children to come with me and hand me the clothes pins one-by-one (or two-by-two). It’s great for teaching my children to help with chores and stay focused on a task, but a rather slow process (depending on the child). I think I will make one of these clothes pin holders for next time I just don’t have the patience to teach “helping” and focus. Thanks for the cute idea.
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
I am sure you will always remember the times of having your children help you with the clothespins. 🙂 However, I think you will find making one of these clothespin bags will be pretty simple. Happy sewing,
Erika @ Slowly Natural says
This is totally awesome! I’ve been using a plastic bag- which, I hate- but just hadn’t put much thought into a replacement! What totally creative ideas! Now I’m going to be on the lookout for something to make my own clothespin bag!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thanks, Erika! These are really easy to make. Happy sewing!
Lindsey says
The timing on this could not be more perfect! I have used a grocery bag for the past two years and have misplaced many a clothespin. I’ve been meaning to do this with a portion of an old tablecloth that I have, but couldn’t quite figure out what to do first. Thanks!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
I think you could easily use any fabric to make the first clothespin bag. Your old tablecloth would work if you use similar measurements to the towel I used. Let me know how it works out. Happy sewing!
Roberta says
I purchased two pink nylon draw string bags. Inspired by your towel clothes pin bag I know just how to proceed. Thank you very much. My brother in law’s remark that they needed a new clothes pin bag started this process.
Phoebe @ Getting Freedom says
Pinned this! I can’t wait to make one! I have plenty of old jeans that would work perfectly!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thanks, Phoebe! The blue jean bag is definitely an easy one. I had 50 clothespins in it in the picture. I think one of the hangers where the clips lock in place would be good for holding more clothespins. The one I used had springy clips.
Maureen says
I had purchased a clothespin bag from the store a few years ago and it was starting to rip because the material was so thin. So I took the metal hook/hanger part out and took a pair of my husband’s old jeans. I cut the bottom of a leg off and sewed across the pants leg that did not have the bottom seem. Turned it upside down and then took the old metal holder and poked holes in the denim right under the heavy seam from the bottom of the jeans and wella! I have a clothes pin bag I’m proud to say was free! And it’s not too big and it’s not too small. And it’s strong so it will last me a long time.
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Sounds like you came up with a functional and frugal idea. 🙂
Robin in New Jersey says
Fantastic ideas! And quick and easy too! I have one I make every couple years, but it’s more involved than these. I have several pairs of old jeans that would be perfect when I need a new one.
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thanks, Robin!
Wendy says
This is PERFECT! Exactly what I was looking for. My husband just put a clothes line up in our backyard yesterday and I love it, but I couldn’t figure out how to best keep all the clothes pins together. Thank you so much for the great ideas!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
You’re welcome, Wendy! I am sure you will enjoy your new clothesline. I hope one of these ideas works for holding your clothespins.
Brenda says
Love love love the towel idea. I have so many extra hand towels and had no idea what do with them. Now I know. Thanks for sharing such a great idea!
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thank you, Brenda!
donna says
jackie thankyou soooooooo much i have been looking for so long and couldn””t fine one mine of manning years broke thanks a lot im from the lod school and it came to me to type it in on my comperter and bingo donna
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
That’s great, Donna! Happy Sewing!
Ramona says
My old clothes pin bag is falling apart….it has the metal ring & hook. I couldnt figure out how to dismantle it so I started to look for a replacement and was getting ready to order one from the internet when…….walla……I came across you website. Thank you so much for your simple and effective solution to my problem……now….which one should I make?????? xoxo
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
🙂 I think any of the bags would be great, but the towel clothespin bag is probably my favorite. Happy sewing.
Fiona says
I made one out of an old skirt, a baby coat hanger, some left over pink fabric and a button to stop the pegs falling out but it is starting to be past it’s best. It was all by hand as it was before I had my machine. I shall find some fabric and make a new one for Spring having seen this. Thank you for the inspiration.
🙂
Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing says
Thanks, Fiona! Your skirt clothespin holder sounds cute. Maybe you could mend it with your machine.?
Janice says
Fun, fast and super cute! I included this tutorial on my blog (www.fabricsalad.com) today. Thanks!
plantinthings says
What fantastic ideas! Were putting up a pulley clothesline soon (I miss hanging out my clothing not even to mention the propane the dryer uses….I cringe each time I turn it on). I remember back in the day when my mom had a dress bag….but I so LOVE the blue jeans idea and who doesn’t have a old worn out pair of those laying around the house.
From the time I grabbed the jeans, cut, pinned, sewed and hung on wooden (with metal bar) hanger less than 15 mins. to do, and that includes cleaning up my mess. Can’t wait to use my one of a kind clothespin bag!
Thanks for the frugal and fast ideas. And I’m sure it will out last any piece of junk you can buy at the stores any more.
Jackie says
Thank you so much for sharing! I am so glad you were able to make a clothespin bag so quickly with one of my ideas. I hope you enjoy your new clothesline. 🙂
Debbie Vogt says
I made the clothes pin bag (towel) so easy to do and quick – thank you for sharing
Jackie says
That’s great, Debbie! Thanks!
Monica says
I had a set of 12mo PJs that my daughters had worn out for this project, but I don’t sew. I just knotted the legs and it works like a charm. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Jackie says
That is a great idea, Monica! I hadn’t thought of that since I enjoy sewing, but for those that don’t sew your idea is perfect. Thanks for sharing!
carolyn says
thank you thank you they dont sell in the stores anymore your a genius
Jackie says
Thanks, Carolyn! 🙂
Amanda says
Thanks for the tutorial/ideas! I had just gotten my pins out for the season and the whole entire bottom of my bag had disintegrated! I found your tutorial and quickly whipped up the towel version. (With a farmer hubby, there is an unnatural abundance of raggedy, stained towels haha) The only thing i did differently is to sew just about an inch or so at the middle top of the pouch. I found that i liked having one big pocket but it sagged too much, and this little bit at the top helped. I also considered putting a large cute button there instead. Thanks again for the ideas!
Jackie says
I am so glad you liked my tutorial. I like your idea of extra stitching or even a button. Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing.
Karen says
OMG I JUST LOVE THE HAND TOWEL ONE!!!! I’M GOING TO FIND ME AN OLD HAND TOWEL AND HANGER AND START MAKING THEM THANKS SOOO MUCH
Jackie says
You’re welcome, Karen. I hope you enjoy your new clothespin bag. 🙂