A few years ago, my daughter was given this similar holder to use for holding coloring pencils. It was a joy to take along our nature walks and unroll it when we would stop to draw and color in our nature journals. We soon found there was more than one purpose for this neat little holder. We have since made this multipurpose holder to keep our crochet hooks in one place for ourselves and have made it for our friends. I know some of you have already found the same purpose but thought it would be neat to show others how easy it is to make.

This simple holder will not take much time. Look for a place-mat that is somewhat stiff but still flexible to fold. I found some on sale for a little over $1.00, what a bargain! Choose a place-mat which can easily be thrown in the washing machine for a good cleaning once in a while.

All you need is:

• One place-mat
• Two shoe laces long enough to wrap around to tie closed or an extra long shoe lace cut in two
• One button, for decoration (We’ve even used a sea shell with a hole.)

• Sewing machine with matching thread. (I used transparent thread.)

Step 1: Fold the placement over towards the top, not quite half way. If you choose to use this holder for crochet hooks, keep in mind not only the regular size crochets but also the smaller steel crochet hooks. You will want easy access to all hooks. Folding the bottom up around 4 ½ inches will work.

Step 2: Place both shoe laces inside the fold of the right side of the place-mat close to the upper folded edge. If you are using a long shoe lace cut in half, be sure to place the cut side inside the ride side of the place-mat as you will want the finished side of the shoe lace on the outside.

To secure in place, pin shoe lace on place-mat and sew both thicknesses together. I usually will sew over outside seam already shown on place-mat.

Step 3: Sewing slots of 1 inch apart will give you many pockets. It is not always possible to sew 1 inch slots evenly across the placement. I usually will make the smaller pockets on the outer edges.

Take a few minutes to measure and calculate ahead of time. It will pay off to know that all pockets will be big enough to hold something. You may need to make some pockets bigger than 1 inch wide.

When sewing straight down the folded place-mat, I use my ruler with the blue guide marked at 1 inch and slide it down as needed. It guarantees a much straighter line.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 until all pockets and outer edge is completed. Sewing both outer edges before sewing inside pockets may be an option as well. That worked better for me.

Step 5: If you want, you can sew a button on the outer edge of the place-mat at the same place where of the shoe lace.

Here is the completed holder. These make great gifts and are so easy to make. If you have other ideas as to what this holder could be used for, please comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

—Carmen (Visit Carmen’s family blog at Pebble Crossing.)