Lined pouches

[fred_mouse]

Today's sewing project is a small lined pouch, suitable for putting a set of keys and a pocket knife in, so as to protect the trouser pockets of the owner. This is our preferred solution, rather than having to reinforce multiple pockets (argh) or a drawstring bag (risk of the string tangling in the pockets).

I have a pouch that's perfect, but it is used as as sewing kit, and I don't wish to give it up. Instead, I went hunting patterns. I haven't found quite what I'm after, but the two links I like (one text, one video) are

text (with some pics): Damjana Jakos at Apple Green Cottage has a small pouch sewing pattern - with linked paper pattern if you wish. This wasn't quite what I wanted, because some of the lining is done with the outer fabric, and I'm planning on using a heavier lining for functionality and a lighter cover for aesthetics. Also because turning two heavy fabrics at that size will be horrid (the heavy fabric is likely to be an upholstery weight cotton, because that is what I can think of that I have). I also wasn't enthused about the janky sewing on the inside.

video: Connie Brad at The Craft Channel Easy Lined Pouch - First Sewing Project. Stylistically, this is much more what I'm after, but much larger. However, it helps to watch the larger one being made. If this one interests you, it is worth watching the whole thing first, because at least once there is a 'oops, should have ...'. Mind you the one I noticed was 'should have used more pins', which yes, a beginner would certainly need more pins than that! While usually I hate video tutorials, this one is 10 minutes, shows me what I need, and I can work out how to convert to what I'm after.

So, the differences: I'm looking to make something roughly 5cm square, and the front closure will actually be a ribbon (or possibly a thin fabric band) sewn into the side seams that the front flap slots under.

Comments

[fred_mouse]

Success!

• lining was part of an old towel. This works well for the current purpose, because it also stops the keys jangling
• I didn't do the calculation correctly. I did a 'about this big', concluded that the width of the piece of towel minus selvedge was 'about right' for the length, and then just cut a strip of the width plus seams I wanted - I laid the two pieces of fabric on top of each other, and cut together with the rotary cutter.
• for this size pouch, I went with 1/8" seams, but as I'd cut the fabric for twice that, I ended up with a slightly larger pouch
• I cut the flap just slightly narrower at the top; I should have done this on the cutting mat; I cut one side and then used the piece as the template for the other side, and it is decidedly wonky.
• with the thickness of the towel, the top stitching wasn't a great idea, so I whipped stitched it closed. I do enough whip stitch that it is mostly invisible.
• I used a piece of Ofray ribbon, which I happened to have on hand. I think it is 2cm wide. I pinned everything for the four layers, then unpinned to add this carefully with wrong side to right side on what was going to be the front. Then I pinned again
• using quilting cotton and terry towel together was the kind of fun that is solved with lots of pins. They don't want to stay together At All.
• sewing the first seam, I sewed 1/4 on either side. I probably should have sewed less, because it was a bit of a struggle to turn right side out.
• Always check thoroughly for pins before turning right side out - this was how I paid the blood price for the piece.

[nou]

Thank you for posting these links and the follow-up! Re the Apple Green Cottage tutorial, I agree that leaving the zigzagged edge exposed inside the pouch is not ideal. I guess you could bind it, but that would add bulk.

And the video tutorial was surprisingly non-annoying for a video. I like that the tutor showed “sewing inside the circle” at the end.

[fred_mouse]

You're welcome!

I agree on the zigzagged edge. From what I could tell, it was going to add lumpiness. I think if I decided to use that pattern in future, I'd press the seam allowance so that it would end up between the layers, and then turn it inside out and whip stitch together after inverting. The pouch I made was very easy to turn inside out, so I imagine that that one would be as well

[a_natural_beauty]

I hope it comes out the way you plan! :-)
Best of luck ~

[fred_mouse]

I was very happy with the outcome!

[a_natural_beauty]

That's wonderful! :)