I used to avoid having to sew. It was just something I knew I wasn’t good at and I never really felt like working on it so I could be better. I used to just ask my mom to sew things for me and that didn’t even happen very often. But now that I have children and my own home to run, I find myself having to deal with ripped clothes, loose buttons and all sorts of fabric items coming apart at the seams in a more regular basis. I didn’t want to have to pay for someone to do it for me, so yes, I voluntarily sewed every time I had to.
But the last few months, as I repaired and sewed clothes and other belongings I have left undone for some time, I have come to find sewing very pleasant. The more I did it, the more I liked it! I’m not saying I’m good at it already because I’m sure I’m not, but the repetitive process of it is very soothing and being able to fix something or make something with my own hands always gives me a sense of fulfillment.
So lately, not only do I sew when I have to, I have also been working on personal sewing projects just so I can practice and improve.
I just love this recent one I made! It’s a flat pouch for Summer’s drawing materials, which can easily fit in my bag or her knapsack so she can carry a coloring set wherever she goes.
As always, I just used materials I had lying around at home which are the following: Denim scrap, katsa (muslin cloth), felt, thread and needle or a basic sewing kit, scissors and velcro. I wanted to add design to the fabric so I made stencils too. For that I used textile paint, cardboard, sponge, craft knife and a cutting mat.
Here’s how:
1. Determine what type of bag or pouch you want to make. Figure out the dimensions and cut your fabric to the size you desire. Make sure there is allowance for sewing the pieces together. Mine was 9.5 X 7 inches big, with a denim back, printed katsa in front and a flap made of bright colored felt.
2. Make your stencils. I wanted mine to have a fun but simple pattern on it so using my trusty craft knife, I cut out hot air balloon and cloud stencils, each approximately 1.5 X 1.5 inches big.
3. Using basic black textile paint, I used a piece of sponge and created a pattern on the katsa. After you’ve filled it with design, hang it to dry.
4. While the front side of your pouch is drying, get your denim fabric (or back side of pouch) and fold 1/4 inch of the top edge inwards and sew it to avoid the fabric from running. And then sew your flap. To make it secure, I attached two inches of the felt onto the denim fabric by sewing two rows of double running stitches.
5. Once that’s done, it would be good to sew on the soft side of your velcro on the flap already.
6. By this time, your stenciled fabric should already be dry and just like what you did with the denim side, sew 1/4 of the top edge of the katsa inwards. Use a bright colored thread for fun! Then, attach the rough side of your velcro onto the katsa, making sure it aligns well with the flap.
7. Lay both panels on top of each other, wrong sides facing out, and sew the edges together except for the side where the opening will be, of course.
Tip: To help myself sew straight around, I first drew lines along the edge of one panel using a ball point pen.
8. Once that’s done, turn your pouch right side out through the opening. Poke out the corners so they’re nice and sharp. Fold the flap shut.
And there you have it!
What makes this pouch very personal is the stenciled design. But there are many other ways to make it pretty and interesting. You may use patterned fabric or sew assorted beads on it. You may also create your own embroidered design.
I was happy working on this project and I enjoyed having sewn together something useful. I guess you could say I’ve finally overcome my inSEWcurity! 😛
Happy sewing!
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