Cute Boxy Pouch

I don't know about you gals, but I love having a small pouch or case in my handbag that holds all of my knick-knacks and essentials. Searching for a bobby pin or lip gloss in the depths of my bag can be a very frustrating ordeal. I found this tutorial and decided to make a couple this weekend. I already have something similar that holds my lip gloss, bobby pins, hair bands, a pen or 2, plus some other girl items... But this one is so cute, I couldn't resist making one for myself... and I plan on making a few more for my friends in the coming days.



Here is the tutorial if you want an alternative explanation, or more detailed instructions:
http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/perfect-box-pouch-tutorial/

You'll need:

2 pieces of exterior fabric, 6" x 8"
2 pieces interior fabric. 6" x 8"
2 pieces of non-fusible interfacing
Coordinating thread
12" zipper

Cut your fabric pieces and interfacing. Note: the long side of the pieces will be the top of the bag and run along the zipper, so make sure you like where it cuts through the design on the fabric.



Layer the fabric pieces together in this order:

Interior fabric facing down
Interfacing
Exterior fabric facing up

Repeat for other set of fabric.

Sew the 3 layers together along both of the 8" sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Once sewn it is helpful to trim the excess with pinking shears. It will help the exposed seams (which will be on the inside of the bag) not to fray, and it will look cleaner.



Lay sewn fabric layers exterior side down. Fold over one of the long edges 1/2 inch and press. Repeat for 2nd set of fabric. (see photo- exterior fabric should be face down and then turned over)



Sew the pressed fabric sets to the zipper. Exterior fabric should be facing up. Edge that was tucked under and pressed should be along the zipper.






Once both pieces are sewn to the zipper, fold in half like a taco so the exterior fabric sides are together, interior fabric is facing out. Zipper on one end, loose bottom end of sets are lined up. Stitch a 1/4 inch seam along the raw edges of the loose bottom end. (sorry- no pic for this step- see tutorial link if you're confused).

Then lay the tube flat so the zipper is lined up with the bottom seam. Press the sides.




Move the zipper pull to the middle and sew along the ends taking care when sewing over the zipper. Go over the zipper a 2nd time to ensure it will stay put with all of the pulling it will endure.

Cut off the excess zipper leaving an inch. DO NOT cut the zipper right where the fabric ends. You need the extra or else the zipper ends will be exposed when it is zipped shut.



Now this is the step where you create the "boxy" look of the pouch.

Pinch the corners as shown in the photo. Measure 1 inch from the point so you have a triangle that is 1 inch to the point, and 2 inches along the base. Mark the line 2 inches across. Pin so the corner stays pinched. Sew along the line you marked.




Cut off excess fabric along the sewn line. Use pinking shears if you have them.



Flip the pouch right side out, zip it closed and admire your handy work!



The interior does have raw edges, so make sure you cut the excess with pinking shears as I stated above.



This is another one I made for my friend to include in her baby shower gift. I assume it would be helpful for moms too! Pacifiers? Girly hair bows? Lip gloss? Advil? Flask? Whatever mamma needs! (JK about the flask ;)



The interior was this cute baby-themed fabric:




Sooo easy to make these, you'll want to make them for all of your friends :)