Can you ever have too many zippered pouches?
I say, “No!” As projects go, they are pretty quick to stitch up and they are so practical. Plus, they make great gifts.
I made this one for a friend.
I didn’t plan the sizes of the pieces, but used what was already cut on hand. I had a couple of narrow pieces of Essex linen in black, which became the top pieces of the panel. The middle fabric was a scrap that I had cut at the wrong size for another project. And I added in a bit more of the linen for the base of the pouch.
I wasn’t sure what to use for the lining. I had a hard time thinking of colors that would go with this minty green and almost ended up using a gray solid for the inside. But then this colorful piece of fabric almost jumped out of the scrap bin clamoring to be included in the pouch. I obliged.
 The pouch stands straight up on its own thanks to an interlining of denim in between the lining and the exterior panels. I came into a lot of denim recently – more on that another day – and was curious about how well it would work to add stability to the pouch. Dear reader, I’m happy to say it works beautifully. Denim may just become my go-to for interlinings.
As a final touch, I added a piece of scrap leather to the zipper to serve as a pull. It’s a nice touch, don’t you think?
This pouch will be headed to its new home soon, along with some other handmade goodies that I’ll share with you in an upcoming post.
What’s your favorite quick and easy gift to make?
20 comments
I like your Plan B thinking in projects, and this post was a good example — using denim for a stiff lining rather than going to he store for interfacing, etc. I like denim myself. Nice post!!
Thanks, Cindy! I was really bummed when I realized my mistake, but I’m glad that I found a way to re-purpose it. And yes, denim makes great interlining. It’s nice to put those old jeans to good use!
Wow, thanks for the denim tip! I will certainly try that. It’s great and the leather zipper is such a nice finishing touch!
Yes, try the denim! It works beautifully! Thanks for the kind words, Paige!
Well for sure I am going to try the denim! Outside of zipper pouches in all shapes and sizes I have made and given more pillowcases then I can count!
Yes, try the denim! I hadn’t thought of pillowcases! But what a great idea. Thanks for sharing, Patti!
Sweet! I love the essex linen used this way!
Thanks, Sarah! I love using Essex in my bags. I think it looks great!
Denim! Fabulous idea, definitely going to try it on my next pouch. I love how it came out!
Thanks, Laura! Yes, give it a go. It’s fantastic!
Really like the colors you put together for this–and that unexpected lining will make the recipient smile each time it’s unzipped!
Thanks, Karen! I hope so!
Love this bag!
Thanks, Meredithe! It won’t be easy sending this one away!
Love the bag! And the denim tip. I’ll have to try that
Hi Lynn! How are you? Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes, the denim works really well. Give it a go!
What a great gift! I’m sure I speak for many when I ask, “i wonder how to get on Nicole’s friend list?” 🙂 I’m going to squirrel away that denim tip as well. If I understood your explanation, you just used it as the “batting” without any fusible and simply stitched it to the exterior fabrics?
Thanks, Suzanne! You are very kind.
Yes, that’s right – I use the denim in between the lining and the exterior fabric. I baste the denim to the exterior fabric. It gives it great “body!”
Very Nice! I love that linen, and isn’t it great when the perfect fabric jumps up and says, :pick me, pick me!”? I’ve used denim as interlining for pouches and it works so well; personally, I don’t care for heavy or thick fusible, it changes the hand of the exterior fabric and , in my opinion, makes it look and feel weird. For quick gifts, I like to make pouches, totes or shopping bags, pillowcases or, my favorite, small baskets in a combination of linen and cotton print. You have some very lucky friends!
Thanks, Lynn! Yes, it’s nice when fabric choices are easy.
You know how awesome denim can be as an interlining. It’s the best!
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