Saturday, April 26, 2008

"Cozy Toter" Casserole Dish Carrier

9/6/14: Hi there! If you enjoyed this pattern that I made several years ago, be sure to check out and share my growing Etsy business, Dapper Southeast, for more patterns and tutorials. Thanks so much and happy sewing!


“Cozy Toter” Casserole Dish Carrier
This casserole dish carrier is something that we use often in our home. We have lunch after church each Sunday, so the machine quilted ‘cozy toter’ really comes in handy for transporting our food and keeping it warm until time to eat. But who says that something as common and useful as a casserole carrier can’t be made from fun and cute fabric?? Hey, maybe this will be the next big “have-to-have accessory” for the discerning casserole toting fashionista! :o)
Materials Needed:
1 yard of really cute fabric
½ yard lining fabric (white is best)
½ yard cotton batting
1 (3 yd) pkg. of wide, single-fold bias tape 7/8”...color to coordinate with your ‘cute’ fabric!
1/2 yard of stiff interfacing
Shoestring (1/4" wide and at least 28" long)
1. To begin, cut a 17 1/2" diameter circle out of tissue paper. Fold pattern in half, and lay on the fold of your main fabric, and pin. Cut, unfold and press. Repeat with more main fabric to make another circle for bottom layer of cozy toter. Follow the same procedure for the lining fabric and batting. You should have six circles in all.
2. To make the handles: Cut out two strips of main fabric 18” long and 3” wide and then cut out two strips of interfacing with the same dimensions. Iron each strip of interfacing to each fabric strip. Baste or quilt around all four edges of each strip. Turn under 1/2 “ on long sides for both. Fold over and press. Sew down and stitch near edge on both long sides. Your handles are ready!
3. At this point, fold each circle of white lining fabric in half and press. Then fold it over again, and press. You now have four sections on the circle with a ‘cross iron line’. Repeat with second circle of lining. Unfold back into a full circle.
4. Now create a ‘sandwich’ with top layer of main fabric, middle layer of batting, and bottom layer of lining fabric. You will do this with the other three circle pieces as well...main fabric on top, batting in middle, and lining fabric on bottom. Pin the three layers of each circle firmly in place for each circle sandwich.
5. Next step: Machine quilting. Remember, you already have your pressed ‘cross’ lines in your white lining fabric to use as a starting measuring guideline, so the next part is easy. Sew along these ‘cross’ lines, remember to backstitch at the end of each row. Using a pencil and yardstick, measure and lightly draw lines to create 1 ½ in. squares on the white lining fabric and machine quilt. Repeat on second circle. See photo below.
If you already have quilted fabric, you’re one step ahead! :o)
6. On one of your circles, cut out a middle circle that is 6 inches in diameter...in essence creating a ‘doughnut’ looking circle. Then cut a straight slit from middle circle all the way down to the end of the ‘main’ circle.

Zigzag both edges of ‘slit’, turn under ½”, press, and stitch at the edge of the sewing machine foot all the way to end.
Center opening on the right side of bias tape to wrong side of opening. Extend bias tape ¼” beyond edge of opening. Stitch them together in the crease of bias tape. Turn under raw edge of bias at the end of the slit. Turn bias tape to the outside and stitch.
7. Place your circles on top of each other (wrong sides together) and pin in place. Again using the edge of the sewing machine foot, baste completely around circle.
8. It’s now time to add the handles. Place ends of handles to outer edge of circle and baste when you have them where desired.
Clip off any excess fabric.
9. We’re almost finished! Stitch bias tape completely around the outside edge of the circle following the same method that we used to add bias to the middle circle.

Hem end of bias, fold over the opposite end, and stitch.
10. Using the "safety pin" method, thread shoestring gently through the bias "tunnel" of the inner circle. Add decorative beads if desired.
Ta-da! This is my first tutorial, so I hope it's easy for you to understand! :OD And thanks to Sis. Kynnette for answering all my questions! You're the best!
*Note: When ready to use, place round or oblong casserole dish inside the carrier. Pull the ends of shoestring together to cinch the inner circle together to close, then tie.

78 comments:

Beth said...

Well how cute is that?!?! I love the fabric and the tutorial is great! My sewing machine is a bit sick, this might inspire me to get it going!

Thanks for sharing,

Beth

Elisabeth said...

Hi, Sis. Beth...thanks for stopping by! I love the the fabric as well. I think I should make a dress out of the same material and match with the casserole carrier! LOL

Zarinaia said...

Thanks for this wonderful tutorial! I can't wait to try this! ...and of course I love your fabric choice!

Eleonora.

Anonymous said...

what a great tutorial! one of my friends had one of these and i have been thinking i need to make one for potlucks. i'm bookmarking it for when i have the time!

Steffi said...

Wow, you make a lot of beautyful things. I have bookmark your blog to view more !
Greetings from Germany

Steffi

Barbara said...

Hi! Just came over from your Grandmothers blog.
That certainly is a great idea and so pretty too. Any you made it!!!
I am impressed.

your photo at the bottom of the page is so like Betty.

Stephanie said...

That is seriously the cutest version I've seen!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Hi, I came for a visit from your Grandmother's blog.

How cute (and practical) is that!! Great tutorial also!

Manuela

Elisabeth said...

Thank you all so much for your comments!:OD

Bailey said...

You're right at the top of the fashion world! LOL How cute!! I'd love to make something like that, but I've got my own Narnia dress project going that's not going...if you know what I mean. :P Thanks for posting that!

Elisabeth said...

LOL Thanks, Bailey! :)

Unknown said...

Wow! I love the idea! and the step-by-step photos were so good! :P someone like me would need them I'm afraid... :P not to handy with the sewing machine just yet... but at least I'm trying! :P Its a great tutorial! ;) ooh... I shall be so fashionable! not to mention popular if it were carrying a casserole! ;) who doesn't love casseroles! LOLOL

Elisabeth said...

LOL Thanks,Lizzy!
I agree...who doesn't love casseroles! :OD

I ♥ cupcakes to distraction said...

Wow Elisabeth, that is so cute and I adore the fabric you have used. Brilliant tutorial, I have added you to my bookmarks, great blog :)

Autumn said...

I love it! That is so clever, and I can't wait to try one. My mom found your blog through your Grandma, and I love it! I'll definitely be back!

Anonymous said...

First time visitor to your blog and I'm impressed with your sewing talent. The "Cozy Toter" is great. Someday, perhaps I would like to make one of these.
Being retired, believe it or not, we have never been so busy. I'll save you tutorial. Thanks, Dawn

Elisabeth said...

Thank you all very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :OD

Reflection Through The Seasons said...

Dear Sweet Elizabeth.....

John and I send you much love and birthday greetings on this your 17th birthday. Have a wonderful ‘special day’ sharing with your twin sister and your wonderful family. Wish we could be with you too.

We send the bestest love from us in Wales.
Big Hugs and kisses from Marion & John xxx

Beth said...

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Day to you, Happy Birthday dear Elisabeth, Happy Birthday to yoooooooouuuuuuuuu and many mooooooorrrreeeee!

I left you and Erin a message on Erin's blog!

Have a wonderful day!

TO BECOME said...

That is very pretty and you did a great job on it.

I actually came by to wish you a very happy birthday. Hope your day is all that you want it to be and the rest of your life is filled with many blessings and much happiness. connie from texas

Betty said...

Sweet Elisabeth,

Thank you for a wonderful fun day today....I enjoyed all of it, the shopping, eating, laughing....

Happy Birthday and I love you...Mam

Elisabeth said...

Thank ya'll so much! We had a wonderful birthday! :0D

Pony and Petey said...

I'm so thankful that your grandmother put links to "the girls" blogs on her blog!

I know I have many pleasant blog-reading days ahead of me = )

Pony

Elisabeth said...

Thank you, Pony, for stopping by and for your sweet comment! :)

Stef said...

I loved your tutorial and just finished up a bag for a friend's birthday. Email me at stef@earls.net if you'd like to see a photo of my interpretation from your EXCELLENT tutorial. Thank you for sharing your creativity - Stef (also in Georgia)

Unknown said...

I love your tutorial! I need one of those. I think I'll work on something like it in January!

IndDarlene said...

I have been looking for a pattern like this for two months and wouldn't you know I find it two days before Xmas. Well, at least I can get a head start on these as presents for Xmas 2009. I found the tutorial to be excellent and easy to follow. Thank you!

Cheryl said...

I wish I could sew like that! Way to go!

Elisabeth said...

Thank y'all very much...I'm glad you found my tutorial useful! :)

K in Puyallup said...

Wanted you to know that your tutorial has hit the West Coast. Our American Sewing Guild (ASG) has a Yahoo group and one of our members added a link to your excellent directions for the casserole carrier. I can bet this piece will be added to one of our Neighborhood Group meetings as a project this year.

Keep up the excellent work and keep on sewin'!

Keri in WA State

Elisabeth said...

Thank you so much for your sweet comment...I'm so glad y'all enjoyed the tutorial and found it helpful! I really appreciate the feedback!:)
~Elisabeth

LunaMoonbeam said...

ooh...i've been wanting to make one of these! thanks!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing such a great tutorial. Can't wait to make them.....

helen-mary said...

How fun to find a pattern for this. I own one just like it, but I purchased it at a quilt show. It works fab and gets lots of use.

Unknown said...

I am looking for a pattern for a carrier for a person's table service, plate, silverware, cup, so we could stop buying paper products for potlucks at the church.

Elisabeth said...

Thank y'all so much for your comments! :)
Pamela, I have never considered a carrier like that before...that is an awesome idea! :)

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for the pattern and tutorial. I had made one similar to that many years ago but lost the pattern and forgot the directions. So glad to get this one!! Can't wait to get started

Jessie
Nova Scotia, Canada

Ariaella said...

I went to a friends house for dinner last night and my casserole rode in the (empty) baby capsule wrapped in a towel!!! This is PERFECT Just what I need.
Thanks for the tutorial it's really easy to follow, even for a real novice sewer like me!!

RobynLouise said...

Great tutorial! I can think of a few people who'd like one of these for a Christmas present :).

Elisabeth said...

Thank y'all so much for your comments...I'm so glad that it was useful! :)

Khris said...

Thanks for a great tutorial. I have linked to you on my freebies blog.
Khris

mommy Orkid Belle said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I have been wanting to see a tutorial of this. Awesome!

Adin B

Delta said...

What a great tutorial! Do you mind if we re-post it on our quilt guild website?

Elisabeth said...

Thanks y'all! I'm glad that y'all enjoyed it! :)
Sure, Delta, that's perfectly fine with me. :) If you don't mind, would you please leave a link back to my blog? Thanks! :)

Georgia Peach said...

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have been looking for one of these and happened on your site tonight - what great luck! I signed on as a follower and you are welcome to stop by my blog anytime. I am also a fellow Georgian.

Georgia Peach said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Cute! Great tutorial and I know several people who could use one of these. Thanks for taking time to post it.

Elisabeth said...

Thanks, Georgia Peach...it's always great to "meet" another Georgian. :D Love your blog...I am now a follower. :)

Gloria, I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback! :)

Hi, Laura, thanks so much! I love your blog as well! Thanks for visiting me and I am now a follower. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi! I've been looking, without success, for a pattern for a carrier for a place setting (plate, cup, eating utensils, napkin) for potlucks. Seems to me this carrier would be perfect for that purpose as well--and would especially be perfect with a matching napkin and placement stowed inside.

Kaydie

set6231 said...

Very functional and versatile! I used this tutorial to make one for my sister as a Christmas present, but it turned out so well I want to give it to her early. I have a variety of casserole dishes and it fits the oval, square,2 different 1.5 qt. round, and pie w/cover. I kept the 6-inch circle that was cut out of the center and use it on top the lids that don't have a knob on the top. It also makes a cute little hot pad. I have moderate sewing skills and found the tutorial to be fairly simple. I am going to have to make more of these! Thank you so much for taking the time and talent to share this with us all.

maria antonia said...

molto bello e utile

EditorK said...

Hi Elisabeth,

I've added this project to AllFreeSewing.com. Here's the link:
http://www.allfreesewing.com/Dining-and-Kitchen/Cozy-Toter

I think it's a great project our readers will love to make. If you have any questions or you would like to see more of your projects on AlLFreeSewing.com, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks!

Kirsten
Editor
AllFreeSewing.com

Elisabeth said...

Thank y'all so much for your encouraging comments! And thank you, Kirsten for sharing it on your website! :)

missdig said...

I made the "cozy toter" yesterday and gave it to my sister who is always bringing her holiday casserole dish wrapped in towels in a paper ba:) She loved it!
Thanks for the easy pattern!

blg2240 said...

Thank you so very much for the terrific tutorial. You have a wonderful talent and to share it is so great. I have the perfect material for this and it is going to the top of my to do projects.

blg2240 said...

Betty said...

Great tutorial for a great item. Thank you so much for sharing your talent. This goes to the top of my list of projects. Will make a great gift for my family members who cook.

Mimi said...

I made one of these over 20 years ago and am still using it. I had lost the pattern a friend had cut from brown paper, so thank you. Mine was made from pre-quilted fabric as well. Your tutorial is superb!

Anonymous said...

Hi there... I tried to find your email address so that I would not have to post this information here, however, I feel it is important. My panda won't let me on your website. I have tried TWICE and TWICE I have received this message from Panda:

Panda AV Pro 2011 warning:

The file http://www.dixiedoodledesigns.com/ was infected by the Trj/QbotCfg.A virus and has been deleted.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I also figured that you would want to take care of it. This isn't a joke. I am a 50 year old Christian lady who has thoroughly enjoyed your tutorial and I will try it. I hope a beginner can make this. I liked your site so much, I wanted to see your personal website. Hence, getting the message I copied from your site when I tried to access it. I am so sorry to be bearer of bad news. I will check back in a few days to see if I can safely view your website. Peace and Love. May God Bless you Abundantly, Suzie

Elisabeth said...

Thank y'all so much for your feedback! :)
Also, thank you, Ms. Suzie for letting me know! I will check it out and hopefully can get fixed whatever is wrong. Thanks again and God bless! :)

Cara B. said...

I'm curious to know how well this will hold a pie plate -- perfect size? A little big?? I'd be making it for carrying pies...

Thank you!

Elisabeth said...

Thanks for your comment! :) It would be a little big for a pie plate, but would still work by cinching the opening tighter. :)

The Todds of Glynn said...

Hey Girls,
i need a Cozy Tote to give my Daughter-in-law for Christmas
.Does anyone have one made that you would want to sell?

Elisabeth said...

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I do make and sell these casserole dish carriers. If you're interested, please let me know! :)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Thank you so much. I started and finished one today. here is a photo on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150565953887004&set=a.168061332003.151244.805742003&type=1&theater

Elisabeth said...

It looks great!! Thanks for sharing! :)

Unknown said...

Oh yes, I love it! I'm ClaraBelle, from Italy: I' found your wonderful blog through "Allfreesewing"! I'm a follower!

Unknown said...

This is very nice - I found it through allfreesewing.com. I think this would make a great hostess gift.

Carole said...

Thanks for the casserole pattern. I've been looking for years for one like this. I have had and USED a carrier like this for the last several years and just love it. Keep up the good work. Carole

CBasketbear said...

Hi, I love it, what kind of fabric did you use?
Claudia

lidia said...

que lindo me encanto muy practico gracias

Glynn said...

I have been making these for gifts and now someone wants to purchase one. How much would you charge for one of these?

Gina said...

One of my mom's aunts made me one of those for my bridal shower back in 1981!! However, it's oval.

Unknown said...

I'm not sure if you still reply to this thread but could you give me an idea of the size of casserole dish you can put in it? I'm making one for my mum as she always complains that she can never find one to fit hers.

Sandi said...

Hi. Just about done with my casserole dish carrier. being you have already made this. can you suggest at least the placement of the handles? also. for the slits, I put bias tape over them. I like the finished look . just have a problem when where to place the handles. thanks for the pattern.
sandi

Elizabeth Davis Evans said...

This is so cute! And you said it will fit an oblong dish as well. I guess I don't get how it can with it being circular. Can you explain?