Suitcase Organizer

The inspiration for this project comes from the GRID-IT. I like the idea but not the cost or size. I repair computers as a hobby and need all sorts of things to diagnose and/or fix the computers I encounter.

Sorry for the lack of pictures of the build. Sometimes I get in a groove and forget to take pictures.

Tools
Scissors
Staple gun
Saw (Jigsaw)

Materials
Suitcase (American Tourister)
1/4 inch board (height and length will vary depending on the suitcase you use.)
Elastic (I got two different colors so I could alternate them.)
Staples
Cloth
Glue (Gorilla Glue)
Cardboard

Measure the dimensions of the suitcase and use those measurements to cut your board. My suitcase had a slight curve and I made the board smaller so it would make contact with as much of the suitcase as possible for when I glued it. I used a jigsaw to cut the board. Be sure to sand down the rough edges. Also be careful using power tools.

I used the staple gun and glue to attach the fabric and elastic. My wife had some scrap fabric she was no longer using. Lay down a line of glue and lay the fabric on it. While the glue is still wet staple the fabric on one side and then stretch it to the other and staple it. Do this for the other two sides. Now you can attach the elastic. I use some pieces of cardboard to keep the staples from going too far into the wood, and coming out the other side.

Now you will glue the board to the suitcase. I used a generous amount of glue for this step. I do not want it to come loose although if it did I do not think it would be too big a deal. Once the glue dries you are ready to organize your equipment.

Comments

[craftclarity]

I love this! There's something really satisfying about the solidity and indestructibility of those old American Tourister and Samsonite valises. Old School meet New School. Thanks for sharing it!

[ehudwill]

I have several of these types of suitcases. They are great.

[vincent7520]

You forgot to put the shaker and glass for the Martini … Shaken not stirred (or was it the other way around ?…). Signed James you know who …

Nice Instructable. Thanx for posting !

[ehudwill]

Lol, thanks for the comment and the joke!

[AlThorpe]

Hi, this looks great. Congratulations.

What width is the elastic? Any sources / costs of the elastic?

I have an old Samsonite crying out for a day in the sun.

Thanks, Al

[ehudwill]

I got the elastic from JoAnn's Fabric store. The widths are 1/4 an inch. I would love to see your finished suitcase.

[ehudwill]

Thanks jessyratfink.

[jessyratfink]

This is amazing! What an awesome low cost way to organize. :)