This is the time of year we start to think about making gifts, and I’m here to share my favorite pouch to make and give, to friends, family, teachers, even my kids’ friends on occasion! The pouch is the perfect size to add personal items to, and super useful as a purse accessory, first aid kit, pencil pouch, hexie keeper, and so on!

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Let’s get started!

Print the pattern, and collect scraps or a Charm Pack for piecing the Log Cabin block. I always start by paper piecing the block, if you need tips for success in paper piecing I have a video here. Personally I like to use the main bag fabric as the center of the block, to give it a relationship to the bag, but that’s up to you!

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

After piecing the block cut the remaining pieces, listed on the pattern.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Set aside the large rectangles, and piece the front together. First the sides, then the top and bottom.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Affix the fusible fleece to the exterior pieces.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Now with four rectangles, it’s time to install the zipper! I like to use a glue stick, especially if you don’t have lots of zipper experience.Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Apply glue to one side of the front of the zipper tape, and use your fingers to press to the top of the exterior front.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Repeat on the back of the zipper tape, on the same side of the zipper, and use your fingers to press to the top of a lining rectangle. At this point, the zipper is covered, but you have a nice straight edge with the zipper tape, exterior and lining fabrics. Install your zipper foot on your sewing machine, and sew approximately 1/8″ away from the zipper teeth.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

As you stitch, you may need to stop and move the zipper out of the way, sometimes I will take a wide path around the zipper to secure everything, then move the zipper and restitch the area. Carefully press the fabrics away from the zipper, and topstitch. Then repeat the process on the other side of the tape.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Before you continue, OPEN your zipper, at least half way. To turn these flat pieces into a pouch, there’s one big seam to manage! Match your right sides of exterior fabric together with the zipper in the center, pin in place. The zipper tape should fold toward the lining, so that it’s facing up, toward the exterior.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Continue pinning the lining in the same manner, leaving a 3″-4″ opening in the bottom. You can see my small ruler is where I left the opening. I start on one side, and end on the other, stitching around the entire pouch with one seam.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Use a 1/4″- 3/8″ consistent seam allowance around the pouch, skipping over the zipper as needed, but make sure all the fabric around it is secure. (especially if you use a metal zipper) Clip the corners and excess zipper tape. Then turn right side out through the opening in the lining.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

It’s a little touch and go, as you turn it right side out – don’t worry! Get your corners nicely turned out, then iron the opening shut at the bottom of the lining. Top stitch the opening shut, and tuck the lining into the pouch!

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

The finish of each pouch is so fun to see! I’ve made loads of them and still can’t wait to make more. They can be customized for anyone on your gift list, and filled with chapstick and lotion or gift cards and chocolate!

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Here’s a few more for inspiration for you! I’ve made dozens over the years and they are still my favorite pouch to make.

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

Consider switching up your exterior fabrics too!

Pouch Tutorial - My Favorite Pouch to Make & Give! AmysCreativeSide.com

I’d love to see what you make! Tag me on IG – @amyscreativeside

Amy