A Moveable Feast: DIY Eco-Friendly Cutlery Holder

No matter how you slice it, when grabbing a quick bite to eat, convenience is generally what’s flashing through your mind. For daily lunchtime quickies, forgo traditional disposable plastic tableware and add a touch of green to your culinary adventures.

Any occasion for a picnic is special. These eco-friendly cutlery flatware holders substitute traditional disposable plastic and paper accoutrements and serve up a green place setting. They also lend themselves for unique party favors.

There are a few versions of flatware holders floating around the blogosphere. This one will carry almost everything you need in one easy trip. It is made from a washable terrycloth scrap towel or dishtowel. Creating this reusable re-purposed and relatively easy to make flatware holder is a cinch that requires merely some basic sewing know-how and some creative DIY ingenuity.

What you need:
• Hand towel 14” x 26”
• Scrap fabric 7” x 8” I used a vintage fabric scrap.
• Ribbon, yarn or cord 24”
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Eating utensils (I like to use real silverware, but bamboo flatware, as shown in the picture is renewable, reusable and it provides a nice natural look.)
• Scissors
• Ruler or tape measure

What to do:
1. Cut the towel in half lengthwise – 7” x 26”.
2. Remove the border on the towel.
3. Cut two pieces to 7” x 12” each.
4. Stack toweling with right sides together.
5. Fold 7” x 8” print fabric to 7” x 4”.
6. Place the raw edge of print fabric 2” from bottom of towel.
7. Cut off 2” from top of towel.
8. Sew 1/2″ seams on the two sides and the top.
9. Trim seams and corners and turn.
10. Fold up bottom and sew across (if your machine allows, try a zigzag stitch).
11. Divide printed fabric into 4 pockets.
12. Sew 3 seams and then reinforce each seam.
13. Attach center of ribbon to outside top of pockets at one side.
14. Reinforce ribbon.
15. Roll up and take your flatware holder for a culinary spin.

Ronnie Citron-Fink lives in New York with her husband, two children (when they come home to the nest), two dogs and a cat. Ronnie is a teacher and a writer. She has been a contributing writer for Family Fun magazine. She currently writes articles about education and home design. Her writings are in four books including Family Fun Home and Some Delights of the Hudson Valley.

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