How to Make a 4 Pocket Tool Pouch
Tool pouches or aprons make any project quicker and easier because tools are right at your fingertips. Make a four-pocket tool pouch to save you from constantly searching for the tools you need. A tool pouch is especially helpful when working on a ladder, to prevent the need to climb up and down for different tools. The tool-pouch apron pattern has many variations depending on your sewing skills, the desired style, and the number of pockets needed.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 yard of heavy-duty fabric
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Straight pins
- 36-inch shoelace
Instructions
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Buy at least a 1/2 yard of heavy-duty fabric such as canvas or denim. This will prevent sharp tools from poking holes through the pockets of the tool pouch.
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2
Calculate the desired dimensions of the finished tool pouch. Write down these measurements and add 1/2 inch to each dimension, for the seam allowance. Along the top of the tool pouch, add 1 inch to accommodate the drawstring pocket. The suggested dimensions for the example tool pouch are approximately 18-inches long and 6- to 8-inches deep.
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Mark the dimensions onto the fabric and cut two identical pieces for the tool pouch. A tool pouch with the suggested dimensions above would need two pieces of fabric, each measuring 19 inches by 6 1/2 inches. You may choose to make the pouches deeper by marking the width of the fabric at 8 1/2 inches, especially if you use long or heavy tools.
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Pin the tool pouch with the front faces of the fabric together. Feed the edge of the fabric to be sewn under the needle of the sewing machine. Line it up with the seam allowance guide. Lower the presser foot and sew along the bottom and both of the shorter sides using a short straight stitch.
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5
Remove the fabric from the sewing machine. Trim the edges that have been sewn together to remove any extra fabric. Cut corners off diagonally under the corner seam. This takes out added bulk at the corner seam of the pouch's pocket. Be careful not to cut the seams or you will have a hole in the corner pocket.
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Turn the pouch right-side out once the three sides have been sewn and extra fabric trimmed. Use a pencil eraser to fully poke out the corners of the pouch pockets on both ends.
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Sew vertical lines up toward the top to make smaller pockets in the pouch, if desired. Stop sewing these vertical pocket lines about two inches from the top of the pouch.
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Fold over approximately 1/2 inch of fabric at the top of the pouch toward the back of the pouch. This is the side that has not yet been sewn. Once folded over, iron the folded fabric flat.
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9
Pin the fold. Sew at least 1/4 inch away from the top of the pouch to make the pocket for the drawstring tie.
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10
Feed the drawstring through the pocket at the top of the pouch. Use a 36-inch shoestring as a drawstring. This can be done easily by attaching one end of the shoestring to a safety pin when trying to feed it through the drawstring pocket. Knot each end of the drawstring to help prevent it from pulling out easily.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Sewing machine image by Kumar RR from Fotolia.com
