Make Your Own Drawstring Tool or Jewellery Pouch: A Quilter’s Guide
Share
Ever wished you had a custom, stylish pouch to keep your quilting tools organized or to safely store your jewellery? With this easy drawstring pouch tutorial, you can create a beautiful, functional bag that’s perfect for stashing small items, and it doubles as a great gift!
Materials Needed
- Templates: Print and join the pages for a large circle (main body) and a smaller circle (for pockets).
- Outer and Inner Fabric: One 15" piece for the outer layer and one for the inner lining.
- Pocket Fabric: Two 10" pieces, one for the lining and one for the visible side.
- Drawstrings: Two 40-inch pieces of 6mm (¼ inch) wide ribbon or string. Two beads or buttons to secure the string and keep it from slipping out.
- Tools: Marking pen, optional chalk paper, and tracing wheel.
- Sewing Supplies: Safety pin, scissors, pins, needle, and thread.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
- Transfer Template Marks: Place the main circle template on the back of the 15" lining piece, and trace the circle outline. Don’t forget to mark the drawstring openings (the small circles).
- Create Buttonholes or Cut Openings: Mark the width of your drawstring opening. If you like, create buttonholes over these markings, or cut out the circles and hand-stitch around the edges to finish.
Step 2: Stitch the Main Circles
- Place the right sides together of the two 15" pieces (outer and lining).
- Sew along the marked circular line. This forms the main pouch body.
- After stitching, cut a slit in the lining fabric only, and turn the pieces right side out.
- Press the edges for a neat finish.
Step 3: Create the Pockets
- Place the smaller circle template on the 10" lining piece and trace the outer circle.
- Sew the two 10" pocket fabric pieces (lining and visible side) together along this marked line, with right sides together.
- Cut a slit in the lining fabric only, and turn the pocket right side out. Press for a smooth edge.
Step 4: Mark Pocket Sections
- To create sections, press the smaller circle into quarters, or use chalk paper and a tracing wheel to mark.
- Optionally, use a ruler to divide the circle into more sections by marking 45-degree lines.
Step 5: Attach Pocket to Main Body
- Place the smaller pocket circle on the center of the large circle, with the lining side down.
- Pin the pocket in place and sew around its outer edge, creating a base for the pouch.
- Stitch along the marked lines to create individual pocket sections, stitching only up to the smaller circle’s edge.
Step 6: Create Drawstring Channel
- Mark the inner and outer channel circles for the drawstring on the larger circle.
- Use a seam ripper to carefully open the buttonholes or openings, making sure not to cut through to the main fabric.
Step 7: Insert Drawstrings
- Attach a safety pin to one end of the ribbon and guide it through the channel.
- Once both drawstrings are in place, secure the ends with a bead or button if desired.
Now you have a custom-made drawstring pouch that’s perfect for tools, jewellery, or whatever else you want to keep safe!
Want another easy to make gift? Check out the fabric basket!