I bought a set of cases in bright red so they were easy to identify on the carousel at airports but now there are cases in every colour and all looking so similar that it is difficult to identify yours until it has gone past.

I tried a ribbon tied to the handle but so did many other passengers and these are not always visible so I thought perhaps a handle cover with initials embroidered on.

Measurements will vary according to the size of the handle but mine would take a finished tag 10 cms. around the handle and about 12 cms. in width.

You will need:

2 pieces of bright fabric (plain or patterned) each 13 cms. X 15 cms. allowing for 1.5 cm. seams

1 or 2 pieces of wadding depending on thickness

1 strip of Velcro about 10 cms. in length.

Mark the centre top and bottom of each piece across the 15 cm. width and mark a line across 1.5 cms. down from the top of one and up from the bottom on the other.

If you are using two thin pieces of wadding, pin these to each of the main parts as backing and either embroider or sew your initials across the centre of both sides using the alphabet on your machine. A strong coloured thread in a contrasting colour will make it stand out.

Separate the Velcro and sew one half to the top of the right side of one piece and the bottom of the other piece. They should be sewn across the 15 cm. width and both parts centralised and fitted under/over the marked seam allowance.

Place both pieces right sides together, put the wadding on top if using a single piece and sew round 3 sides then finish part-way across the fourth side leaving a gap to turn inside out. Trim the wadding back close to the seams and snip across the corners.

Turn through and press then either sew the gap by hand or, using an edge stitch foot, move the needle to the left by two positions and top stitch all round. This will give extra strength and also close the gap.

This can now be wrapped around the handle and should make it easier to distinguish your case at a glance. If you are worried about losing your tag then by all means sew across the width by hand. This will prevent the tag being pulled off by accident and the stitching can be easily snipped and pulled out when the tag needs to be washed.