Dog Walker's Companion

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By Amanda Toris, www.NJChocolateLab.com
This DIY walker companion is ideal for picking up after your pooch when they have to "go" while on-the-go. The companion attaches to your dog's leash and can be stuffed with plastic bags so you'll always have one at the ready.

Materials:

1/8 yard of sturdy fabric of your choice (cotton canvas works best)
coordinating color thread
1 1" swivel hook
1" wide x 4" long elastic
sewing machine
rotary cutter, and cutting mat
iron and ironing board
8-10 straight pins
sewing scissors
needle

Steps:

1. Using the rotary cutter and cutting mat, cut fabric into two 8" x 5" pieces and one 3" x 2" piece.

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Figure A
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Figure B
2. Set iron to the correct setting for the fabric. Press a 1/4" lengthwise seam along the 3" x 2" piece. Next, press a 3/4" lengthwise seam along the two 8" x 5" pieces, then a 1" seam along the bottom, widthwise (figure A).

3. Using the sewing machine, sew on the wrong side along the open edge of the 3" x 2" piece, leaving a 1/8" seam allowance. Flip the 8" x 5" pieces over, so you are stitching the wrong side. On the bottom of both of the 8" x 5" pieces, sew a straight 1/8" seam.

4. Pin the two 8" x 5" pieces, wrong sides together, along both sides lengthwise (figure B).

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Figure C
5. Thread the 3" x 2" piece through the opening in the 1" swivel hook. Place the swivel hook in between the two pieces of fabric at the top (the end that does not have any seams) and try to keep it as centered as possible (figure C). Place a straight pin on each side to keep it in place.
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Figure D
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Figure E
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Figure F
6. Turn the 3" x 2" piece so the bottom seam is at the top. Starting with the right hand side, sew a 3/4" seam (figure D). Beginning at the previously hemmed line, sew until there is 1/4" of fabric left, removing the straight pins as you approach them. Leaving your needle in the fabric where your last stitch stopped, raise your presser foot and turn your project 90 degrees to the right. Continue sewing a 3/4" seam along the top of your project, removing the pins as you approach them, stopping again at 1/4" before the fabric ends. Leave your needle in the down position, raise the presser foot and turn your project 90 degrees to the right. Sew last side of fabric together using a 3/4" seam, stopping at the original hemmed seam (figure E).

7. Using a sharp pair of sewing scissors, trim all extra thread and excess fabric on all sides except the bottom.

8. Turn project inside out. Once all corners have been squared, thread the 1" elastic through the "tunnel" created at the bottom of the project, continuing until elastic is through both sides. Hand stitch closed with a hearty stitch. Cut off any excess elastic (figure F).