News: Sewing Pouches - Favorite styles and patterns

So I totally blanked on taking pictures of my last project so I could share it, mea culpa. Instead, I figured I'd write a post on all the different ways you can sew a pouch.

One of my favorite pouch patterns is Butterick B5371, which is actually a collection of patterns, some of which are for belt pouches. I like these because they are lined and have a quasi-historical feel to them.

The pattern on the right requires double sided fusible interfacing, but I've never been able to make that look good. So I usually opt for bias binding instead.

This one, however, is my favorite. You can't quite see it, but the lacing is done through grommets, and I absolutely love grommets and eyelets. I have about a thousand of them in my notions box at home, and two separate attachment tools (one looks like a pair of pliers, the other is a simple rod setting that requires the grommet to be hammered in). I've also found that a nice touch is to add a patch or applique to the top flap.

The image below is from Simplicity 5320, which is the pattern I used to make my most recent pouch.

The pattern assumes you'll be using fat quarters or similar lightweight fabric, but I used suedecloth instead. Because my fabric was heavier than what they thought I would be using, I cut out the need for fusible fleece, and it turned out pretty good. I also lined it with some leftover gold silk instead of just doubling up on the fashion fabric for the lining. The most challenging part for me was sewing the bottom - it combined my two weakest skills, sewing in circles and sewing a gusset. One day, I'll figure out a good way to sew a circular seam (any ideas, readers? Please, leave a comment below and I will thank you with every curved seam I sew forever after!)

Since the recipient was male, I also cut out the shoulder strap, since I wanted to avoid a 'purse' look. Instead, I just made the drawstring cord longer so it could be easily tied to a belt.

And of course, there is always the basic drawstring bag. I'll post a tutorial soon on my favorite way to sew a drawstring bag, since they are so versatile and easy to make. I'm also attending a costume event for which I'll need some 1920s attire, and I'll also make sure to post what I put together for that.