DIY: Chopsticks Pouch

Chopsticks come in many attractive styles.

Make a pouch for a pretty pair of chopsticks and give them as a party favor for a bon voyage party or a Chinese New Year dinner. This pouch is especially pretty when made from a sheer fabric that allows the sticks to show through, or from silk that is printed with an Asian pattern. Use ribbon for the drawstring with the sheer fabric or cord with the silk.

Things You'll Need

• Sheer organdy or silk fabric
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• 1/8-inch ribbon or cord
• Small safety pin

Instructions

1. Cut a 12-inch long, 3.5-inch wide rectangle of fabric.

2. Finish all four sides of the fabric with a narrow zigzag stitch along the edge.

3. Fold down 1-inch on one of the short ends of the rectangle to make a casing. Make the fold toward the wrong side of the fabric so that the edge will be on the inside of the bag. Stitch 1/4-inch from the folded down edge with a straight stitch. If you are using sheer organdy or silk, the fabric is the same on both sides so it does not matter which way you fold the casing.

4. Cut a 9-inch length of ribbon or cord. If using ribbon, cut the ends at a 45-degree angle to prevent fraying. Use a small safety pin to run the ribbon or cord through the casing. Leave the ends loose as the ribbons or cords will be tied together later.

5. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the fold of the casing on the outside to make the pouch.

6. Start at the fold and sew along the bottom end of the pouch, the end opposite the casing. When you reach the corner make a square corner by stopping the machine with the needle in the fabric. Raise the pressure foot, turn the fabric, lower the pressure foot and continue sewing. Sew up the open side of the pouch stopping 1/2 inch below the casing. Stitch 1/4 inch from the edge.

7. Turn the pouch right side out and tie the loose ends of the cord together.

Tips & Warnings

• Make personalized pouches by embroidering the fabric before you sew it up.