Fabric Envelope Pouch Tutorial

I finished my latest tutorial ... a fabric envelope pouch.  I love this pattern.  Its simplicity lends itself to "make it your own". Zakka inspired fabric envelope pouches.

I found this pattern in an edition of Cotton Time magazine.  The only thing altered was the size.  And really that's the beauty of this pattern...the size can be altered to make pouches for eyeglasses, cell phones, gift cards, business cards....and greeting cards!

So here goes ...

Step 1 :

    Cut 2 pieces of fabric - 6" wide x 12" height
    Cut 2 pieces of interfacing - same as fabric size

Step 2 :

    Draw in sewing lines for the top of the pouch on the wrong side of the main fabric
    Mark a straight line 3.5" down from the top
    Find the center and draw a center line
    Draw in the two side lines as shown in the pic
    I didn't want to hassle with the point at that top so I drew a straight sewing line 1/2" from the top

Step 3 :

    Embellish your outer piece (this is optional of course..sometimes all you need is a fabulous piece of fabric).  For my pouch, I stamped an image from Greeting Farms with a fabric ink.  I then embroidered the images and added 'rick rack' and a cotton lace. 

Step 4 :

    Join the bottoms of the outer piece and lining
    Press the seams

Step 5 :

    Fold the joined bottom in between the outer piece and lining to form the pockets.
    Flatten piece and pin around edges

Step 6 :

    DECIDE the closing method for the pouch : tie? velcro? button hole/button? snaps? I decided to use the cord since that's the easiest for me.
    Sew around the envelope pouch with a 1/4" seam. When you get to the top "point", slide in the cord and hold in place as you sew the top edge, back stitch to make a stronger stitch for the cord.
    Leave a gap on one side to turn the pouch right side out
    Don't sew the bottom

Step 7 :

    The FINISHING - Sew the gap close.  Sew on the button for the closure (optional).