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DIY Toothbrush Travel Wrap

April 10, 2018 by Laura 69 Comments

Last Updated on January 31, 2022

Inevitably, the night before a trip as I’m packing up our bags I realize that I have yet again forgotten to procure a better solution for transporting toothbrushes than the trusty ziploc bag. But not this time! In an effort to reduce waste and not have to put a damp toothbrush in a plastic bag (ick) I made a diy toothbrush travel wrap instead! (I didn’t know what else to call it, a toothbrush burrito maybe? lol)

A zero waste solution to traveling with toiletries. Wrap up your toothbrushes in a DIY toiletry holder so you don't have to use icky ziploc bags anymore! A simple sewing DIY project to make traveling easier. Washable toothbrush holder DIY.

This post contains affiliate links. Read more.

Since my usual crafting style is just to wing it and hope for the best, this isn’t a comprehensive DIY but more of an intuitive one. More art than science if you know what I mean. But with a little sewing knowledge you shouldn’t have any trouble following along.

Or you might be cursing me the whole time. Sorry.

 

Fabrics

A little note on waste reduction. I’m downright uncomfortable with the amount of waste my family produces. Trying to go zero-waste in a cold turkey sort of way can be totally overwhelming and incredibly time consuming. But I find tackling the problem one item at a time is much more manageable.

I’m hoping to eliminate the need for ziploc bags entirely in our home if I can. First I made a few washable snack bags for the boys, I have beeswax wraps for food, and I purchased a cheese bandana and cucumber hat from a friend which is nothing short of brilliant! Now I’m trying to avoid using plastic while traveling.

(I’d love to hear any of your tips for replacing ziploc bags with more sustainable options! Share them in the comments!)

Taking it a step further, I repurposed a baby bath towel for this project instead of buying brand new terry cloth fabric. The boys have outgrown those little towels but the fabric is still in good shape. I might turn the rest of them into washcloths or hand towels.

If you’re looking for more ways to live a more eco-friendly life, check out this post of 31 Easy Ways to Live More Sustainably.

Other DIYs you will love:
Quilted Laptop Bag Tutorial
DIY Patchwork Baby Blanket
Zero Waste DIY Produce Bags

 

I also used a cute cotton print from Stacked Fabric Company as the outer fabric. It’s fat quarter sized (18″x21″) which is all you need for this project. I just discovered Stacked and I’m in love! They’re Canadian and their fabrics are delightful! I’ve been using them to make a couple of baby quilts for friends who are expecting. I’ll share those in another post sometime. 🙂

Cute cotton print and repurposed terry cloth fabric

DIY Travel Wrap

First I trimmed the fat quarter so it was totally squared up.

Then I placed a mark at the quarter and halfway points along the shorter sides of the fabric. I marked 3/4″ in along the halfway point and the top and connected them with a straight line. Then traced a line from the halfway point to the edge of the fabric at the quarterway point.

Holy moly I don’t think that made any sense! Hopefully the photo helps….

Marking the Pattern for a DIY Travel Wrap

Trim away the fabric along these lines and cut out the terry cloth in the same way.

Sew the two fabrics together, right sides together, along all the edges with about 3/8″ – 1/2″ seam allowance. Leave a 3″ gap on either the top or bottom edge so you can turn the fabrics right sides out.

Trim the corners, turn the wrap then topstitch the top and bottom sides only.

Sewing a DIY toothbrush travel holder

Fold up the wider bottom edge to meet (approximately) the halfway point and topstitch down each side to create a pouch.

At this point I probably should have measured and lined things up properly, but I didn’t. The toothbrushes won’t know the difference.

Create a pouch by sewing down each side of the travel wrap

Here’s where things get a little finnicky.

Now you want to create the slots for your toiletries by stitching down the pouch at intervals. We’ve created excess fabric by tapering the edges of the wrap. That way you’ll be able to slide in your toothbrush easily without warping the shape of the wrap.

 

So first stitch down the very center line.

As you move along to the next lines, make sure you distribute the excess fabric evenly so each slot has a little give to it. Make sense?

Create slots for your toiletries with stitching

See the happy toothbrush!

Happy toothbrush in a diy travel wrap

Using the toothbrush, or another tall toiletry, fold down the top of the wrap to cover it. Mark where the fold should be to comfortably cover your items.

This will create a nice barrier between your various toiletries so nothing is touching! Plus the terry cloth will absorb any moisture.

Fold down the top over the toothbrush and topstitch

Topstitch this fold about 1/4″ in.

Add some ribbon to one side of the wrap and you’re done!

Pretty DIY Toothbrush Travel Wrap

Simple DIY to create a travel toothbrush holder wrap. No more need for icky ziploc bags!

Travel in style with a DIY toiletry wrap!

I’ve got 3 trips planned in the next 6 weeks, so I’ll be putting my toothbrush burrito to good use! I love that it’s totally washable and I will never have to reach into a wet ziploc back ever again! Plus this size is big enough to contain the whole family’s various toothbrushes and toothpastes!

If you liked this DIY you should also check out this one: Easy Quilted Coffee Cozy Tutorial

Feel free to leave any questions in the comments!

Happy Traveling!

 

Filed Under: Crafts & DIYs, Sewing & Embroidery Tagged With: crafts & diys, DIY sewing project, DIY toothbrush holder, popular posts, simple DIY project, toothbrush travel wrap, zero waste travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    September 25, 2022 at 1:07 pm

    This is such a cute idea! I may have missed something, but can you tell me what that purple trim is in the 2nd photo? I love your ideas! You’re so creative… Thank you!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 26, 2022 at 9:19 am

      Hi Cheryl, You didn’t miss anything! The purple trim was just the edging of the towel I repurposed. It got cut off. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    February 3, 2022 at 12:13 am

    I am a little confused on the intial measurements, when you ‘squared it up’ did you just even the edges or turn it into something like 18×18?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      February 3, 2022 at 9:42 am

      Hi Sarah, I just mean that I evened out the edges so that everything was straight. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kathleen G LaFlure says

    August 12, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    In your directions you squared up the fabric so how can you have a shorter side? It says to fold up the bottom along the shorter side?

    Reply
    • Ashten Johnson says

      September 7, 2019 at 10:55 pm

      I think she straighten the material along the grain.

      Reply
  4. marjorie herbert says

    July 27, 2019 at 9:38 am

    Thank you for this I will try and make this for presents for family and friends xxx

    Reply
  5. Sorcha says

    July 18, 2019 at 2:24 am

    I love Stacked Fabrics too, and bonus – they’re located in my town 🙂

    Reply
  6. Nana K says

    June 13, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    What a fabulous idea! Thank you so much for posting. It is so awesome I have included your link in my 10 Awesome Travel Accessories to Sew post. You can check it out here! https://whatsnanamaking.com/travel-accessories-to-sew/

    Reply
  7. Lori G says

    May 1, 2019 at 4:14 pm

    I made something like this many years ago because of the icky zipper bag situation as well. Now I need to make a few again. Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    April 28, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    Definitely need to make a couple before our trip to Montreal! I think sewing the ribbon piece along the back will make a good way to keep from losing it too (I loose enough hair ties as soon as I take them off to know I’ll do the same with a ribbon lol)

    Reply
  9. Riley Smith says

    April 19, 2019 at 1:37 am

    What type of needle did you use? I’m having trouble finishing due to how thick the fold is.

    Reply
  10. Linda says

    March 10, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    We travel quite a bit and I’m making this before our next trip. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 27, 2019 at 4:26 pm

      I use mine whenever I travel, it’s so handy! 🙂

      Reply
      • Anni says

        June 12, 2019 at 12:34 pm

        I wanted to ask where the materials are, where to buy them from. and what is the name of the fabric. I would be very happy about an answer

        Reply
        • Laura says

          June 21, 2019 at 1:49 pm

          The outer fabric is a quilting cotton, which is available at most fabric stores. The inner fabric is just an old towel I had that was getting worn out. It’s terry cloth, which you can also purchase at fabric stores though.

          Reply
  11. Grandma B says

    February 19, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    I wish I had seen this sooner! I work overnight shift at the hospital emergency room, and we are always looking for ‘different’ items to gift each other at the holidays. The fact that most of us work 12 hr shifts and live in our lockers . . . this is perfect!!! Can’t make to make up a bunch for this year. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  12. Hannah says

    February 3, 2019 at 6:14 am

    I loved this project and have made 2 so far. I just didn’t due the top flap due to lack of material. I used a hand towel. The only problem I ran into was the outsides being to thick, so when I folded the bottom flap up it was very thick and hard to get under to sew. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Tanner says

      February 10, 2019 at 2:21 am

      I am having the exact same issue it is extremely thick on the sides. What do I do?

      Reply
      • Terri Kaufman says

        June 16, 2019 at 4:48 am

        Would loosening the top tension on your machine help?

        Reply
    • Laura says

      February 12, 2019 at 2:53 pm

      Hi Hannah, You could try pressing the heck out of it with your iron to try to flatten it down a bit!

      Reply
  13. Pamela Hoelscher says

    January 29, 2019 at 8:14 pm

    You could use an old towel or wash cloth for the terry cloth, and your fabric stash for the outside fabric.
    This is a great idea for Military or frequent flyers, or campers.
    I’ll be making a few. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      February 17, 2019 at 1:32 am

      It’s a great ‘stash-busting’ project! I’ll be taking it camping this summer for sure!

      Reply
  14. Kathy says

    January 28, 2019 at 1:02 am

    Hi Laura,
    I love this idea for carrying toothbrush etc. since I am a beginner at sewing, I had a hard time understanding the first part of the process. Would you please be able to put it into steps for beginners?
    Thanks
    Kathy

    Reply
  15. Nicole says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    This is great
    I followed the link to your friends store for the cheese bandanna, the main reason was I thought it said cheese banana LOL no idea why I thought it said that and you know cheese banana who wouldn’t follow the link. Now I know what a cheese banana / bandanna is LOL

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 18, 2019 at 11:29 pm

      Hahaha, Nicole that’s hilarious! 😀

      Reply
  16. Sarah says

    December 14, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    Great idea! This would be super cute quilted and may suggest to add the ribbon sandwiched between the two layers to have it sewn in.

    Happy Sewing!

    Reply
  17. Haley says

    December 14, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    I need to make this ASAP. This is a game changer.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      December 14, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      It really is! I use mine every time I spend a night elsewhere. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Navya Davy says

    December 6, 2018 at 6:51 am

    This is so nice, simple, practical and useful. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      December 14, 2018 at 7:54 pm

      You’re welcome! Glad you like it!

      Reply
  19. Merriam Phillips says

    November 30, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    I love the idea, we travel a lot and this will keep everything together. Hope you used a rotary cutter and ruler and mat for your cutting, sure makes everything go faster!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      December 1, 2018 at 1:07 am

      I’m guilty of never measuring anything and totally winging it. Haha! But when I need to be more precise I do pull out my rotary cutter!

      Reply
  20. Cindy Ferrell says

    October 24, 2018 at 2:39 am

    Would this for an electric tooth brush?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      October 24, 2018 at 11:01 am

      It might, you would probably have to make the slots a little wider. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Roz Hamre says

    October 9, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    Love it, I’m trying to go the whole no plastic thing and have been converted to beeswax wraps, made using off cuts so a bonus. We travel a lot as expats going to make some of these for the family and Christmas gifts.

    Reply
  22. Sherelle says

    October 2, 2018 at 11:32 am

    What are the dimensions of the final project? I love this idea!

    Reply
  23. Stacy Clark says

    September 27, 2018 at 1:36 am

    Love!!! I am making some for stocking stuffers! My Mom and I also have a side business of handmade items. These may sell well too. Is it okay if we make some to sell?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 27, 2018 at 10:56 am

      Hi Stacy, I’m so glad you love the wrap! What is the link to your business? Or do you sell in person instead of online?

      Reply
    • Nikki says

      April 1, 2019 at 12:08 am

      I would love to buy a few of these. Do you have a shop on Etsy?

      Reply
  24. Shea says

    July 23, 2018 at 5:52 pm

    I’ve done something similar when I bring my own washcloth – no sewing, just wrap toothbrush etc inside washcloth, fold over the edges, and roll.

    This project is a clever way to keep things a bit more organized than my way, and fits more too!

    Reply
  25. Flossie McCowald | SuperMomHacks says

    April 27, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    LOVE this idea – so clever! #wanderingwednesday

    Reply
    • Laura says

      May 1, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  26. Mosa Cortez says

    April 26, 2018 at 11:58 pm

    Lindo! Belo trabalho, inspirador….. abraço

    Reply
    • Elzy says

      December 29, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      Muito legal mesmo. Gostei.
      Very nice job. I like it.

      Reply
  27. Lori | Choosing Wisdom says

    April 26, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Love this! Such a great idea – the fabric vs. the plastic in my current travel bag is a game changer. The sticky mess can just be washed up in the laundry!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      May 1, 2018 at 8:01 pm

      Exactly! Makes travelling just a little more pleasant. 🙂

      Reply
  28. Tracy Albiero says

    April 26, 2018 at 12:18 am

    What a simple and cute idea! #wanderingwednesday

    Reply
    • Laura says

      May 1, 2018 at 8:00 pm

      Thanks Tracy!

      Reply
  29. Michele @ Confessions of Parenting says

    April 25, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    I so love these! I totally need to make like 10 of these! #WanderingWednesday

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 25, 2018 at 10:40 pm

      Haha, they would make great gifts!

      Reply
  30. Jennifer Wise says

    April 25, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    I LOVE this!! What a genius idea. Pinning! 🙂 #wanderingwednesday

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 25, 2018 at 10:39 pm

      Oh thanks so much! I used it on a recent trip and it was super handy!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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I’m Laura, a busy work at home mama to two amazing boys. I help moms live their best crafty life, whether that’s with fun DIY projects or running an online shop. My passion is crafting with wool felt, but you’ll find a little bit of everything on the blog since I’m an unstoppable crafter and I love to share! Read More…

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