Sewing Tutorial: Make a Project Pouch for English Paper Piecing Supplies

Wondering what English paper piecing is all about? In a nutshell, you’ll use evenly shaped paper pieces to make small fabric shapes that are precise and exactly the same each and every time. Use Dritz® paper piecing shapes, hand sewing needles and your favorite fabrics to make these little lovelies.

Put finished fabric shapes to use on garments and accessories, like this little pouch (which you’ll then use to store paper pieces that are in progress!).

C’mon – let’s get started!

1) Follow our English Paper Piecing tutorial for basting the hexagons. Also, see the video tutorial from Jennifer at Ellison Lane to really master this technique (warning: it’s addicting!).

2) Position 4 hexagons on the front outer panel and pin in place. You may want to use a glue stick to hold your hexagons in place. Center the 5^th hexagon on the back of the outer panel. Stitch onto the outer panels using a running stitch and coordinating embroidery floss.

3) Position the sew-on magnetic snap pieces on right side of the lining panels over the fusible fleece squares. Stitch the snap pieces in place.

4) Use a cup to trace a curve at the bottom corners of both the outer and lining panels. Cut along the line you drew.

5) Stitch the ricrac trim along the edge of the outer back panel with a ⅛” SA.

6) Place outer panels right sides together. Pin. Stitch along both sides and across the bottom with a ¼” SA. Leave the top open. Go slowly around the curves. Backstitch at the beginning and end and clip curves. 

7) Place lining panels right sides together. Pin. Start with a ¼” SA at the top and move to a ⅜” SA 2” down from the top. Stitch both sides and across the bottom leaving a 4” opening in the center of the bottom. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Clip curves.

8) Turn outer panel right side out. Gently poke out the curves with a point turner and press. Slide the outer panel inside the lining panel, right sides together. Nest side seams and hold the top edges together with Dritz® Getta Grip sewing clips. 

9) Stitch along the top edge with a ¼” SA, backstitching at the beginning and end.

10) Pull the outer panels through the opening in the lining. Stitch the opening in the lining closed. Press pouch.

11) Roll lining into place at top of pouch. Edgestitch along the top of the pouch with a 3.5mm stitch length. 

Like it? We love it! Use this pretty little pouch to house English paper piecing shapes in progress, as well as the other sewing supplies you need. It’s easy to take with you, wherever you’re going! 

(And, hey, if you really dig this pouch, use it for makeup, hair ties, pens & notepads – any little parts and pieces that you want to keep organized in a drawer or purse!)

Pair it with this darling needle book and you’re one organized diva!