Materials List
For the names-*cricut machine with SCAL2 and my computer
*chalkboard bold font on the computer
*cutting mats
*white paper
*marker
*steam a seam lite
*scraps of fabric
*pen to trace letters
*centering ruler- I like my 18" from Omnigrid
*iron & ironing board
For the pouches (finished size is about 9"x6") -
*fabric for outside- I cut mine 10"x7"
*same size fabric for the lining
*fabric for the little strap- 3"x7"
*iron on interfacing- I like Pellon 808
*iron & ironing board
*zipper- 9" (10" overall)
*swivel clasp
*washout tape or pins
*stitch witchery
*sewing supplies
The tutorial
How to cut out and apply the name
First I designed the names on my computer using SCAL2. I cut the names on my Cricut machine and scribbled on the front of them so that I would know which side to put down to trace.
I traced all the letters face down onto the back of the steam a seam. Make sure you're tracing on the side that peels off, not the side with the adhesive and that you're tracing with the letters face DOWN so that when you iron them down, they're face up!
Iron the steam a seam down (note, I ironed the fish fabric on the wrong side and had to redo it!)
Cut all the letters out. I like to use cutterbee scissors to get into all the little corners and intricate areas. Peel off the backing paper and lay them out how you want them to be. For me, I put the letters 2" up from the bottom of the outer fabric. They'll stick down and you can reposition them until you iron them down. Then they're stuck so make sure you like where they are before ironing!
These are all the pouches I'm making for my nieces and nephews and my daughter for Christmas. Figured I'd make good use of all the supplies! :)
Stitch around the letters. I use my sewing foot as the guide for distance. Go slow. I tend to do the "up/down" button for most of the letters. Yes, it's time consuming but the finished product is worth it. When you go all the way around the letter and get back to the starting point, cut the threads and pull the front threads to the back. Tie a double knot so keep the threads from pulling.
Pouch Instructions
Cut 2 pieces of the outer fabric (denim in my case, scavenged from old jeans) and 2 pieces of the inner fabric (muslin scraps for all but Ally's pouch).Iron the interfacing to the lining fabric. This gives it some stability and keeps it from feeling flimsy.
I cut mine to the same size as the fabric I'm ironing it to, you can cut it a bit smaller but not too much smaller or it won't get sewn with the fabric.
These are all the pouches laid out with their coordinating zippers and lining fabrics all paired up. They're ready to be sewn.
Make the little clasp holder. Take your strap material and fold it in half "hotdog" way. Iron it down. Open and fold in one side to the center. Iron. Iron the other side to the center also. Fold it in on itself and iron well. Stitch the strap closed. You can do a zig zag (which I like) or just a straight stitch down both sides. Add the clasp and fold the strap in half.
I'm going to use Piper's pouch for the rest of the tutorial. Lay your front fabric out in front of you.
Place the clasp/strap 2" down and 1"-1.5" in from the edge. I like it about 1" but that makes pinning it down a bit difficult.
Place the quilters tape along the side of one edge of the zipper. I like my pouches to have the zipper pull at the same end as the beginning of the name. Pull the backing off and press down along the top edge of the outer fabric.
Apply another strip of tape to the zipper again, peel the backing, press the lining fabric down with right side down. This makes a "sandwich" with right sides together and the zipper in the middle. Pull the zipper open part way so you can get this under your sewing machine foot. There's no need to pin since the tape will hold it down. This tape is GREAT! It doesn't gum up the machine and no pins and it washes out! As you get toward the zipper pull, put the needle down into the fabric, lift the foot and pull the zipper all the way closed. This will allow you to sew the rest of the way and not run into the pull.
Iron both sides AWAY from the zipper.
Attach the other side in the same manner. Make sure that the fabrics are both facing right sides together.
Top stitch to reinforce the seam and keep it from rolling. It's easier if you start with the zipper open and do the same as before with putting the needle down, lifting the foot, and pulling the zipper.
Unzip the pouch about half way. You can go more if you want to. Just make sure it's open! If you forget this step, you will have to unpick seams and unzip and then restitch. No thanks!
Pin all the way around making sure to leave an opening of 3-4 inches so you can turn it right side out. I put 2 pins side by side so I know where to stop. When you fold the zipper, make sure the teeth of the zipper point toward the lining and not the outer fabric. This SHOULD give you a nice finish on the zipper.
Sew around, using a 1/2" or so seam allowance. Be careful when going over the zipper. If you use a longer zipper, you don't have to worry about hitting the metal stop at the end. I bent my needle on this one because I hit the stop.
Fold in and iron the opening you left for turning. I usually iron some stitch witchery in the hole so that it's for sure closed. Stitch close to the edge, closing the hole.
Shove the lining into the outside and sit back to admire your new pouch. :)
Lined and EVERYTHING!
A big HUGE thank you to K & C Supplies! These zippers are great and the clasps are perfect! :)
I used this tutorial to get my zipper nice and tidy and not folded in on itself.
