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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.

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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.

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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.

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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.

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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.

Super Simple Stitching Pouch
Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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!

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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!

Super Simple Stitching Pouch
Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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.

Super Simple Stitching Pouch

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?

19 comments:

  1. Thanks Mollie for this quick and simple embroidery supply pouch. It looks fairly easy to do even for the novice sewer like me. :)

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  2. Oh this is terrific!I love the idea of having a pouch to carry my hoop (or Q-snap which I've been using more often). I have a couple different cute pencil pouches to keep my project thread in, but I never like just throwing my hoop directly into my bag, I always worry about it getting dirty.
    Looks like I might be forced to go fabric shopping to make one of these!

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  3. This is super cute and looks really easy for a sewing beginner like myself! Happy Monday xxx

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  4. I love it and since I am trying to use up stash, perfect! Great gifts too. Thank you!

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  5. Genius! This is so cute.

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  6. It looks so handy and great for traveling! Thank you, i will have to make this a little weekend project! Beccy x
    www.beccyandbuttonthecat.blogspot.com

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  7. I love this idea, Mollie! So simple and really pretty! I often take stitching with me and carry it back and forth in a little tote bag, and while everything else (needles, scissors, threader) is all tucked away in its own little case, the most important part (my actual stitching) is left flopping around in the tote possibly being subjected to whatever might rub up against it. I think I'll make one of these today! Thank you!!

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  8. Very, very cute, Mollie!

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  9. ThanK You For The Project Idea. I WantTo Make ThIs Today!

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    Replies
    1. I Made It! I Used What I Had On Hand, Added A Pocket And A Button Closure. I Want To Make These As Gifts Now. Thank You.

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  10. Thanks Mollie, making this today so I can make a start on my New Years Resolution to learn how to hand stitch.

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  11. Go Mollie! You will conquer the zipper one day soon. I have been sewing for 40+ years and still get vexed with some zipper applications.

    Love this adorable pouch!

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  12. Brilliant! I will be making some of these soon! Love it! :)

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  13. I love the clean look of that pouch. I might make one of these to take my project on the plane for my next vacation.

    Thanks
    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  14. This is such a wonderfully pretty and practical project! Thanks so much for the great tutorial, I'm not confident with a sewing machine yet but this would be a great place to start :)

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  15. Wow! I think I might just be able to make this. I guess I should confess that I own not one but three sewing machines (and thinking about picking up a fourth), a slew of thread and a huge Rubbermaid tote full of fabric. Which on the surface sounds great until you realize that I have never made anything with a sewing machine. Your simple pouch combines my love of hand sewing with my desire to use a sewing machine!

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  16. So awesome, love this Mollie! :)

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  17. Love this so much Lisa from "A Cuppa Tea with Me" sent me over. I already follow your Blog on Bloglovin' but hadn't seen this - never enough time to read all the Blogs I would like to. So glad I popped by for this one - think I may need to make me one and a couple for my stitching friends and family as gifts for my handmade gifts this year.

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  18. Brilliant! I will be making quite a few of these in various sizes. Will make a great small gift for fellow stitchers. Thanks for the instructions.

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