How to make a Wiggly bag

I've recently got more into sewing for charity. This is partly because I have so many decent scraps that need to go to a good home but also because it is nice to use my skills for good. 

I've recently started to make Wiggly bags as they are a perfect stash buster. If you're not familiar with Wiggly bags, they are given to children undergoing treatment for cancer to hold their central line. The line is with them for the duration of their treatment and gives medicines and takes blood. The line is called a 'wiggly' and the bag holds the wiggly to prevent it getting dirty or pulled by hanging around the child's neck. Due to the length of time the children have their lines, the bags become a big part of their daily activities and thus are very precious to them.

 The size of the bag and length of the tape can vary so be sure to check what is required locally. The tutorial below lays out how to make a bag to the specific needs of a local Oxford charity and creates a bag that is approximately 5" square with ties totalling 30" in length.

 What you need:

• 100% Cotton fabric in a bright cheery colour or print 

• Satin ribbon or cotton tape 1/2" wide (for ease tape is used in the tutorial)

How to make a bag:

• Cut out two 5.5" squares from the fabric. Cut two lengths of tape- one 10" long and the other 20"

For each square, press the top edge over by 1/4" and then again by another 1/4"

Take one square and tuck the shorter tape under the folded edge, approximately 1/4" in from the side. Fold the tape back over the folded edge and pin in place. Repeat for the longer piece on the other side

Top stitch the folded edges on both squares. For the one with the tape, back stitch over the tape for additional strength

Place the squares right sides together, matching the finished top seam. Sew around the three raw edges using a 1/4" seam allowance and back stitch at the start and end

Snip the bottom corners 

Turn the bag out. Push out the corners and press the bag

Tie the tapes into a loose bow and fold neatly inside before passing to the recipient