Multi-Purpose Pouch

This is a more advanced product, for those wanting to move on from basic projects aimed at beginners.

The pouch can be used for multiple purposes. It can be a pencil case, makeup bag or a jewellery pouch.

Personally I use mine as a pencil case. It is a fun back to school item that all of my friends have admired. s

For Template:

- A3 Paper

- A4 Paper

- Scissors

- Pencil

For Pencil Case:

- Fabric

- Fabric Scissors

- Zipper

- Elastic

- Sewing Machine (with zipper foot and buttonhole attachment)

- Button

- Quick Unpick

- Needle

- Thread

- Piece A - Back, 25 cm x 32 cm, x 2

- Piece B - Pocket, 25 cm x 15 cm, x 2

- Piece C - Pencil case top and bottom, 25 cm x 8 cm, x 4

- Piece D - Tab, 10 cm x 6 cm, x 2

I always like to Iron my fabric before I begin a project. This helps me to make sure my pieces are nice and straight and it just makes it easier to cut them.

Pin the templates to the first piece of fabric and cut them out.

For the second piece of each template - the outer layer, I used a different coloured fabric. If you choose to do this you will need to cut the second template pieces out of this second piece of fabric.

Place B pieces right sides together. Repeat with C and D.

Pin them along one long edge, as shown above.

Sew along pinned edge.

Open out each piece and fold along seam. (right sides showing)

Iron.

Pin the two E pieces right sides together

Sew along the top and the two longest edges, as seen in the pictures above.

Cut the corners of the top of the tab (as shown in the picture)

Turn the tab inside out and iron it flat.

Cut two small squares of fabric

Stitch to each end of the zip. This makes the zip easier to work with, especially for beginners.

Take piece C and D

Pin to the zipper, as shown above

Using the zipper foot as a guide stitch along the edge of the zip on both sides.

Once the zip is stitched in place, fold the outside edge over 1cm. Iron the fold.

Pin the pencil case pocket (pieces C & D) onto piece A as shown above

Working with the edge at the centre of piece A, join the pencil case pocket to piece A using straight stitch (as seen in picture above).

Cut two pieces of elastic.

Pin them onto piece B.

Stitch elastic to piece B at desired intervals - the gap will depend on the end use.

I divided mine in half and then half again to give 4 sections.

Place the piece B onto piece A (outer), opposite to the pencil case. (as seen in diagram)

Take piece A (lining) and place it on top, making sure that the right sides are together.

Pin around the edges and sew around the whole piece leaving a gap to allow your work to be turned through.

Cut the off corners, to allow for a neater product once turned through.

Using a quick unpick, make a gap at the half way mark of the pocket seam (piece B). Insert the tab between the two layers of piece A, as shown above. Stitch in place.

Turn right side out through the gap.

Neaten corners by gently pushing into place using your fingers.

Stitch a top stitch around your work, 3mm from the edge

Using the buttonhole attachment on your machine, create a buttonhole in the tab. Carefully cut open with a seam ripper.

Using a needle and thread stitch the button into place.

Now your multi-purpose pouch is ready to use. Store your jewellery, make-up or pens and pencils.