how to make a luggage handle cover

My husband just left on another business trip. He seems to go on them quite a bit. Even though the kids are sad he is gone, he always brings back tons of goodies for them. It’s like Christmas all over again when he opens up his bags and doles out the pens, notepads, highlighters or whatever they were giving away at the conference. This past year he brought home something for himself. Quite a clever thing too. It's a suitcase handle cover. This little cover is so handy and helps him recognize his suitcase on the carrier. You see, like most people we know, we own black luggage. Have you seen the airport carousel lately? I am beginning to believe they only make black suitcases these days.

Even though I think this is a very useful item, I think it'is lacking in the style department, so I decided to make him a new one using his conference freebie as a template. This is such a simple and quick project. Picking out the fabric was the hardest part. I know I would like a beautiful floral cover, but since I am not using it I tried to go with a more gender neutral fabric. This would make a great Father's Day gift for the dad who travels a lot!

Luggage Handle Cover Tutorial

What you'll need:
*2 pieces of 6" x 6 ½" fabric
*1 piece thin batting 6" x 6 ½"
*5 " of sew-on Velcro
*Iron
*Sewing machine and thread

1. Lay one piece of fabric right side up and the second piece of fabric on top of it right side down.


2. Layer the piece of batting on top.


3. Using a ¼ inch seam, sew all around the three pieces. Leave a 2 inch opening for turning.


4. Trim your corners.




5. Pull the fabric through the 2 inch opening. You may need to use a dowel or dull pencil to push out your corners. Tuck your 2 inch opening in and press with an iron.


6. Sew your opening shut. You can just sew the two inches or you can sew down that whole side. Whatever suits your fancy.


7. On one of the sides that is now 5 ½ inches long, sew down one piece of the Velcro. Once this is done, turn your square over and sew the other piece of Velcro down on the opposite side.







8. Attach it to the handle of your suitcase. Now you're ready to travel in style.