Care Wear Patterns: Sewing

Wheelchair or Walker Caddies

When patients are "introduced" to walkers or wheelchairs, they don't know where to carry their essentials. Hospitals appreciate having walker caddies to give to patients so that eye glasses, wallet, tissues, and other essentials can be kept close at hand. Later, patients can design their own versions of these caddies to carry newspapers, magazines, knitting supplies, etc.....

Donate your completed caddies to Frederick Memorial Hospital. You may leave packages (addressed to Sharon Hannaby, Director of Volunteers) at the main information desk at the West Seventh Street entrance to the hospital. Include your name and address in the package so that the Volunteer Office can acknowledge receipt.

Supplies

  • l/2 yard of a sturdy fabric (denim, drapery or lightweight upholstery fabrics)
  • 52" of twill tape (1/2"-1" width) or sturdy grosgrain ribbon, cut into two 26" pieces
  • Optional: Velcro strips or dots to make one pocket more securely closed

Directions

  1. Cut two (on fold).
  2. With right sides together, sew a 1 M" seam around the entire caddie—leaving an opening on one side (see diagram: A to B)
  3. Clip corners to reduce bulk (see diagram).
  4. Turn caddie to right side.
  5. Tuck seam allowances between A & B inside opening.
  6. Fold 26" lengths of twill tape in half (13" length).
  7. Position folded lengths of twill tape at the X markings.
  8. Machine stitch around the outer edge of the caddie—as shown in diagram at right. Optional: Sew two rows of machine stitching Goals: to keep edges flat to close the opening to secure the twill tape ties
  9. Fold up 6" of the caddie—as shown.

 

10. Machine stitch as illustrated through all layers, backstitch when starting and ending.

OPTIONAL: Position a Velcro dot or short length of Velcro in the positions marked in the diagram at right. Machine stitch to secure in place on the pocket and the back of the caddie.

ALTERNATE DESIGN: Again, in an effort to protect valuables, one packet might have a zipper. See the design of a caddie that is available from a retail store.

ALTERNATE DESIGN: The ties might be Velcro fastened instead of tied in a bow or knot. See the illustration at right.

ALTERNATE SIZES: There is no standard size. Make the caddie to fit the wheelchair or walker. The commercially produced caddie shown at right is 12 W wide by 7" tall.

 

Keep personal items safe & handy

Keep wallet, keys, comb/brush and medication close at hand. Slimline design attaches to inside of wheelchair armrest or beneath the unzippered compartment opens easily with nng- ± lipper pull. Two front pockets for smaller items; one is fleece-lined and is ideal for glasses. Durable, weather resistant nylon in packcloth red.

ADP 7100130 Side Kick Hag: $12.95