julia: these pouches make really cute and simple gifts. they are very handy and can hold all kinds of things. you can make them in lots of different shapes and sizes. here are a few ideas for pouches. you could knit, sew, or crochet them in a square or rectangle shape. for decoration, you could stitch patterns on pouches made of fabric, put bows on them, or sew a patch on one. for closing the pouches, you could sew ribbons to tie around the pouch (there are many different ways to do it), or use a zipper, button, or snap. i hope you are inspired.
jane: we have made many pouches, because we love to use them and give them as gifts. we use them to hold our cameras, change, iPods, and as wallets and pencil cases. we've given them as gifts to friends, family members and teachers. as gifts, we like to fill them with gift cards, favorite lip balm, candy, handmade card, tiny lotion, pens and tiny notebook, or whatever we can think of that the recipient likes.
jane: some instructions:
-knit or crochet pouch-- knit or crochet a rectangle that folds in half to your desired dimensions. stitch up the sides. get a zipper a little longer than your opening and hand stitch it in place with thread. i like to add a lightweight fabric lining by hand. a lining completely covers the zipper on the inside, and gives it a lovely finish.
-fabric pouches-- here's a tutorial for zippered pouches. the tied pouches are just simply made up. the yellow pouch above comes from this pattern.
-knit or crochet pouch-- knit or crochet a rectangle that folds in half to your desired dimensions. stitch up the sides. get a zipper a little longer than your opening and hand stitch it in place with thread. i like to add a lightweight fabric lining by hand. a lining completely covers the zipper on the inside, and gives it a lovely finish.
-fabric pouches-- here's a tutorial for zippered pouches. the tied pouches are just simply made up. the yellow pouch above comes from this pattern.
i've given sewing lessons with a pouch as one project, since they are simple and teach many different skills. the red one below was done as a sewing lesson. a child can sew a pouch, but if you are looking for other options have them:
-carve a special stamp to stamp onto fabric you use to sew a pouch... or onto a purchased pouch
-embroidery stitch onto a pouch
-make a special patch to sew on one you have made or purchased
-carve a special stamp to stamp onto fabric you use to sew a pouch... or onto a purchased pouch
-embroidery stitch onto a pouch
-make a special patch to sew on one you have made or purchased
you can see from our collection that we love pouches. hope you do too!
love,
julia + jane
love,
julia + jane
