Upcycled Life: Pocket protectors – Old shirt creates pouch for utensils, napkin for meals on the go

Millions of people are participating in Plastic Free July, a movement that encourages people to refuse single-use plastic and commitment to reduce plastic waste.

What better way to participate than to make your own utensil pocket and napkin. Not only is it a great sustainable habit to carry your own utensils, but the practice also comes in handy for summer social distancing picnics. Keep a set in your bag or car so it’s ready when you need it.

An old button-up shirt is the main ingredient for this project. Often the collar or sleeves wear out while there is still a lot of high-quality fabric left in the shirt. Start by removing the pocket with a seam ripper.

Cut a section of fabric from the shirt that is the width of the pocket with the buttonhole placket at the top edge and one buttonhole centered. Cut this section all the way down to the side seam. About 14 inches long by the width of the pocket.

Place the pocket at the bottom of this section and fold down the buttonhole to overlap the top edge of the pocket. Measure to make sure that your utensils will fit under the flap when placed in the pocket. Trim the bottom edge of the fabric to match the shape at the bottom of the pocket.

Finish the raw edges of the fabric section with a zigzag stitch. With right sides together, sew the pocket onto the fabric. Turn right side out and press in the zigzag seam of the flap. Starting at the top edge of the flap, topstitch the edge down, around the pocket and back up the other side.

To create a cloth napkin, cut two large rectangles of fabric from the back of the shirt, about 11-by-18 inches. Use a second contrasting shirt if desired. Sew the two rectangles together leaving a hole to turn right side out. Press the seams and top stitch around the edge.

Fold the utensils inside the napkin and tuck into the pocket. You’re ready for your next meal away from home.

Katie Patterson Larson is the director and founder of Art Salvage, a creative reuse center in Spokane. Art Salvage keeps usable materials out of the waste stream and makes them accessible and affordable to everyone. For more information, visit artsalvagespokane.com.