Homemade Dip Pouches

Create dip mixes in festive hand-made pouches for all occasions.

Anyone can purchase a gift, but creating a homemade gift adds an element of thoughtfulness and shows the receiver how much you truly care. Not only are homemade gifts practical, but they are appropriate for any occasion. Each dip mix pouch provides seasoning for multiple batches of dips and salad dressings. Use different fabric colors and patterns to match the occasion or season. Make the fabric pouches in advance and in a variety of colors and patterns and you'll be ready for those last-minute gift-giving needs.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Fabric squares sized 8" by 8"
• 4 Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Sewing thread
• 4 Tablespoons dried parsley
• 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 Tablespoons dried chives
• 3 Tablespoons chili powder
• 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoons salt
• Small mixing bowl
• 1 Zip-top sandwich bag
• Hand-held hole punch
• 1 Index card
• 12 inches of satin ribbon

Instructions

Assemble the Fabric Pouch

1. Fold back the top ½ inch of each fabric square and pin in place using two pins for each square.

2. Sew the top seam using a sewing machine and sewing thread. Create a ¼ inch seam allowance by placing the seam ¼ inch from the top fold, and sew all the way across the fabric square. Repeat with the second fabric square and remove straight pins.

3. Stack the fabric squares together with the sewn edges at the top and "right" side of the fabric facing inside. Pin in place with straight pins.

4. Sew the sides and bottom of fabric square using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Leave the top folded edge open and turn the pouch right side out.

Prepare and Package the Dip Mix

1. Combine dried parsley, dried minced onion, dried chives, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder and salt in a small mixing bowl.

2. Pour combined spice mixture into the zip-top sandwich bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Set aside.

3. Punch a hole in the upper left corner of the index card. Write the following dip mix recipe instructions on the index card: Combine 3 tablespoons of dip mix with 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of sour cream. Refrigerate two to four hours before serving.

4. Insert filled and sealed zip-top sandwich bag into fabric pouch. Thread index card onto satin ribbon and tie the fabric pouch closed.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions create one dip mix pouch.

• Prepare dip mixes in advance and store them in a cool, dry place.

• Remember to carefully measure, cut and sew the fabric squares to ensure a symmetrical finished piece.

References

• Sewing & Craft Alliance: Simple Seaming Techniques