How to Finish Sewing a Pouch Closed

Pouches that are sewn shut provide the contents more protection.

Pouches can be used to store everything from jewelry to rocks and easily constructed from two small pieces of fabric. Most pouches are sewn on three sides, with the fourth side of the square or rectangle left open to easily move items in and out. However, you can also sew a pouch closed if desired -- for example, if you want to make a beanbag from a pouch full of dried peas. Instead of wrestling with the gap left when you turn a pouch right side out after sewing its four sides, simply close the pouch by tucking the seam under.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Thread
• Needle or sewing machine
• Fabric glue

Instructions

1. Press the seam shut, tucking the seam allowance inside the pouch so the edge is straight and aligned with the remainder of the seams. Use an iron set to the temperature recommended for your particular fabric to create a neat edge on your pouch.

2. Sew the seam shut by hand, using a tight whip stitch that pulls the two edges together. Choose a thread that blends as seamlessly as possible with the fabric to avoid calling attention to the alternatively stitched section in the fabric. Sew small, tight stitches placed as close to the edge of the fabric as possible for the most discreet results.

3. Alternatively, use a sewing machine to sew the gap shut. Tuck the raw edges inside the pouch and sew a short, straight seam along the edge of the unfinished gap. Use a small, straight topstitch to create a clean, almost unnoticeable edge.

4. Another alternative is to apply a thin strip of fabric glue inside the folded edge to create an invisible seam. Make sure you choose a type of fabric adhesive that is recommended for your type of material.

Tips & Warnings

• Fabric glue is perfect for use when working with heavy fabrics.

• If desired, you can also sew a pouch closed by turning it wrong side out, and sewing most of the opening closed, leaving a 2- to 3-inch gap. Turn it right side out by tucking the fabric through the gap, and sew the gap closed by hand or with a machine, or use fabric glue. This method is not ideal when the pouch's fabric is heavy or stiff, or the pouch is quite large.

• When using a sewing machine, be careful not to catch up extra fabric in your sewing machine when sewing gaps in pouches.

• Fabric glue does not work well for thin fabrics, which may become sticky or stiff when they come into contact with glue.

References

• Better Homes & Gardens: A Clever Bag with a Removable Pouch
• U-Handbag: Purse Frames De-Mystified
• U-Handbag: Sewing Zippers in Bags Tutorial