Picnic Utensil Carrier

The weather is warming up which means it’s picnic season at my house. Whether it’s a barbecue in the backyard, a picnic at the park, or eating around a campfire, food just seems to taste better when it’s eaten outside. I like picnics to be a little special so I made this picnic utensil carrier to be included in the picnic basket.

The utensil carrier includes the cloth napkin, utensils, straws, and wet wipes for each individual person. I also bought inexpensive plastic plates and glasses to include in the basket.

My family loves Summer picnics and I kind of have a crush on all things picnic-y. When I found these plaid napkins for 25 cents each at a close out sale I knew they would make perfect utensil carriers/napkins.

I’m not a great seamstress but I can sew a straight line. I started by laying out the utensils so I knew how much space I had to work with. Yours will differ depending on the size of the napkin. My napkin measures about 20″x20″. First I folded the napkin up about 6 1/4″ to make the divided compartments, then I stitched the side together along one side.

I measured out each divided area making sure the utensil fit well so it wouldn’t fall out, but not too snug. My measurements are (from left to right) 1 1/4″, 1 3/4″, 1 3/4″, 1 1/4″ and 2 3/4″. You can add more spaces if you have need for them. You can see the stitches if you look closely.

I stitched a 20″ long ribbon into the other side so I would be able to tie the carrier closed. I simple folded the ribbon in half and stitched it between the folded fabric.

Fold the top down over the utensils.

Then roll it up and tie, keeping everything together and clean.

I love impromptu picnics, so I keep everything in the baskets and ready so we can just grab the food and go. Do you want to know the perfect containers for fruits, veggies, and salads for picnics? Mason jars! and I love the way they look too.

Having real utensils, plates, jars, and napkins doesn’t really add much work and I don’t have to worry about having a supply of paper plates. I carry a couple grocery bags in the basket to put the dirty dishes in and once I’m home I just wash everything in the dishwasher. It’s worth it because they look so much prettier, and they’re easier to balance on your lap or an uneven surface while eating.

I have a quick tip for basket liners too. The old liner had some juice spilled on it and I couldn’t get the stain out. I took the old liner out, used it as a template, and simply hot glued a new one in place. This liner has been in the basket for 8 years and still looks great.

So, who’s ready for a picnic?

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