Today’s pouch is not as pretty as the one I showed you yesterday, but there is something special about this pouch. It uses a super quick and easy technique.
It works great for lightweight fabrics (like quilt weight fabric paired with lightweight interfacing) or heavier fabric (like denim) without interfacing.
For this sample I used a faux suede and no interfacing.
I inserted the zipper with the technique used in the Little Wonders pouch pattern. Note the two layers: the outside pouch and the lining.
Once the zipper is inserted, you need only two more steps and the pouch is finished.
Fold the piece on the zipper line as shown, with the right side out; keep all the edges aligned (of lining and outside pouch).
Sew at 1/4” or 3/8” from the bottom edges and from the left and right edges.
Trim the seam allowances at 1/8”, making sure you keep the seams intact.
Turn the pouch on the other side, with the lining exposed.
Sew along the bottom and left and right edges as shown below, so that you enclose the seam allowances from the other side into the seam. Depending on the thickness of your fabrics, it could be at 1/4” or 3/8”.
This type of seam is called French seam.
Turn the piece right side out and your pouch is done. Check that there isn’t any seam allowance visible on the right side.
This technique is a little faster than the regular way the pouches are finished but has a little inconvenient: it produces bulky corners at the bottom of the pouch. That’s why it is not so good to use it on heavyweight fabrics.
But is is just wonderful when you need to sew “utilitarian” pouches and you are not so interested in a perfect look!
If you try it, let me know if you like it!
Happy sewing!
Nice. Do you have tips on sewing leather-like fabrics in pouches and bags? Thanks!
How clever. I have used French seams on shirts but had not thought to finish pouches that way. It is so much neater than having ragged inside seams. Thank you for that idea.