Tips for sewing with foam

Foam (like Bosal In-R-Form, Pellon Flex Foam, Soft and Stable by Annie)  is one of my favorite types of interfacing that I use for bags and pouches.  But foam is bulky and if it remains in the seam allowances, you will end up with bulky seam allowances. For many patterns this is not a problem (I use it this way a lot in my bags) but it really depends on the construction of the bag/pouch.

Here is one of the pouches I have made recently- bulky seam allowances that show in the final pouch- an ugly look! I had to make something to remedy the problem…

…
so here is the look with foam kept out of the seam allowances.

Here is instructions on how to do that.

For this simple pouch (the pink one), I used these pieces:
interfacing: 9” x 16”
fabric for the outer pouch and lining: 10” x 17”

I rounded two corners of the interfacing and fused it to the fabric.
If your foam is not fusible, you should stitch it to fabric (sew a grid).

Then layer the interfaced piece with lining, right sides together.  Use pins/clips to keep the pieces together.

Sew precisely right along the edge of the interfacing, leaving a gap.

Leave intact the seam allowances of the gap, trim the rest to 1/8”.

Press open the seam allowances of the gap (this will help you close the gap in the next step).

Turn the piece right side out, push out the corners, press all the edges well. Topstitch close to the edge to close the gap.

The beautiful rounded edges of the piece.

Fold the piece as shown below, with the lining side inside. Now you have a pouch with flap. Use clips to keep the vertical edges together. Stitch close to these edges.

Topstitch close to the edge of the flap.

Insert snaps in the desired location.
I also topstitched just a little above the opening of the pouch. Because of the thick foam, the lining separates in an unpleasant way from the interfaced piece, when you close the pouch. This stitching should not be visible on the front of the pouch.

I had to make two pouches, because it is too easy and fun!
I hope you will try this simple pouch!

But how about a double pouch??

The same simple technique + just a few more easy steps and you will end up with a double pouch with three compartments!

Finishing the pouches with snaps makes the process so quick and easy.

But how about a pouch with zipper?

You have now 4 compartments, one of them secured with zipper.

Mixing fabrics! So fun!

You can make the pouches in any size you want or need.

The patterns work with lots of fabric and interfacing types…

If want to learn more about the patterns for these pouches, click on the link below.

Snap Pouch Patterns

Happy sewing!