project // super simple stitching pouch

One of the things that I love most about embroidery is how portable it can be. It's so easy to toss a few supplies into a bag and be ready for crafting on the go. English paper piecing is similar in that regard. And while I typically settle for a Ziplock bag, I've always admired the handmade stitching pouches that I often see online.

What has held me back from making one? Two things: 1) up until recently, even the simplest of machine sewing has had me nervous, and 2) zippers. I've conquered the first issue, but I'm really just not ready to tackle zippers yet. So I devised a super simple stitching pouch that even the most novice sewist can handle!

My pouch will hold a hoop up to 7 inches, but you could easily adjust the size to suit your needs.



Here's what you need:

2 fat quarters of quilting cotton
1/3 yard light-medium weight fusible interfacing (NOT double-sided)
scissors
iron
sewing machine
thread
pins



Here's what you do:

Cut the two fabrics and the interfacing to 9.5 x 19 inches. (I used a rotary cutter!) This is where you can adjust it however you'd like, but basically, it should be twice as long as it is wide. Iron the interfacing onto the back of your outside fabric.



With right sides together, pin the outside and lining fabrics and sew around the outside with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving a 2-inch opening at one of the short ends. Be sure to back stitch on each side of the opening.



Trim the corners and the seam allowance near the corners to reduce bulk.



Turn the pouch right side out and work the seams open, rolling them a bit with your fingers. Where the opening is, check that the seam allowance is even with the rest of the seams and iron all of the edges.



Top stitch the two short ends with a 1/8-inch allowance. This top stitching will close up the opening.



With the right side out, fold one of the ends down about 2 inches. Fold the other end up to meet it, and pin the sides.




Sew the two sides. Back stitch as you start and stop, as well as at the place with the two edges meet. I wanted to use a 1/8-inch allowance, but my sewing machine decided that 1/4-inch was more comfortable. It wasn't worth struggling!



The goal here was super simple, and that's what we have! There's nothing else to do here, except for adding your stitching supplies!




At this size, once your items are tucked in, they really won't just slide out. Unless perhaps you are keeping slick items inside. Hooped fabric and floss stay put, even when you shake it upside down! But if you make this larger or simply want some extra security, you could easily add a button and loop of trim or elastic.



Now that I've made this the super simple way, I'm going to start embellishing these in fun ways. A girl can't have too many projects bags on hand, right?

I owe thanks to Jeni of In Color Order for her card cases from issue two of Love Patchwork & Quilting magazine, which taught me a basic technique, which inspired some of the construction of this pouch! Don't you just love how these things come together?