How to Sew a Rectangle Pouch

Pouches are great for giving small gifts.

A small, rectangle pouch is a handy item for carrying coins, jewelry or other trinkets. It is ideal for travel, since it keeps small items from getting lost in a bag filled with other items. Whether you are a skilled seamstress or a beginner at sewing, you can easily make your own rectangular pouch with just a few simple materials.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Needle and thread
• Hook and loop fastener strips
• Ribbon
• Pins
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Measure the fabric according to the desired dimensions of the rectangular pouch. Specifically, measure the fabric so that it is as wide as the desired pouch and twice as long. For instance, if you want the rectangle pouch to be 6 inches by 3 inches, measure fabric that is 6 inches by 6 inches. Add an inch to the height if you plan to secure the pouch with a drawstring.

2. Cut the fabric and fold it in half, creating a horizontal crease. Importantly, fold the fabric so that the front of the fabric (the side to be exposed once the pouch is finished) faces in. Using a needle and thread, stitch the two sides of the fabric. Leave the top (the side opposite the crease) open.

3. Fold the top edge of the pouch down approximately 1/2 inch, if you want to use a drawstring to close and secure the pouch. Skip to Step 4 if you want to use a hook and loop fastener. Pin this hem all the way around the pouch to keep it aligned. Sew the hem. Cut a ribbon that is 3 to 4 inches longer than two times the width of the pouch. Feed the ribbon through the hem of the pouch and tie each end of the ribbon in a knot that is bigger than the hole of the hem.

4. Turn the pouch inside out. Cut two strips of hook and loop fastener (one strip of hook and one strip of loop) that are as long as the width of the pouch, minus1/4 inch. Remove the sticker adhesive on each side of the hook and loop fastener strips and place the strips inside the pouch, along the top edge of the pouch. The pouch is ready to use.

References

• Eco Etsy: How to Make a Gift Bag
• Charlottesville Woman: Zipper Pouches