Adapt or re-size your pouch patterns

After been requested, I have been hosting a sew along on instagram. Something that came up was been able to adapt patterns or re-size. I think, in most cases, this is something you can easily do. I actually mention it and provide tips on how to in some of my patterns. Hopefully this is a little tutorial to help abit too.

One thing I would highly recommend is making at least one pouch or bag with the original measurements and instructions in the pattern. This will give you a better idea of the size and how you’d like to adapt it, but also so you are familiar with the construction and which pieces need to be resized.

Generally speaking you can simply add to the original measurements. So if you want a pouch longer add the amount of inches longer you would like to all of the width measurements. Same applies to the height. This works the other way, so you can just minus however many inches you’d like smaller.

Here is a tutorial for a simple box pouch I wrote in 2017. My pattern writing has come a long way, so don’t judge it too much, however the information is there and the measurements are the only important thing for this tutorial. The pouch measurements are 7”x11”, but I resized to make a knitting bag here. So I added 5” to the width and 13” to the length. You will note I also added handles.

Something like the mini/maxi travel case can also be easily resized and I have done it quite a few times. Let’s say you want to make it 1” wider and 2” taller when closed. You would each to add 1” to the width of all the pocket pieces, 2” to the outer case and lining pieces and 2” to the height of every measurement, including the elastic strap. 

Now on to the carton pouch. This is slightly more difficult as the base and top measurements require a different workings. Still possible though.

So choose the size of your side panels. Then use pattern step 2 to work out the base measurement. The top piece will need to be the width of your sides x half the base measurement. The flap needs to be 1/4” smaller in width than the sides by however tall you’d like. Use the pattern measurements as a guide and use your judgement to resize. I would sew the pouch til you need the flap and hold up a ruler to check size, if your unsure cut it taller as you can trim back later.

The carton could also be made taller by adding to just the height of the sides. You can add handles by basting in place before adding the flaps. Alternatively add a strap. I would add d-rings, loops or webbing to the sides, sewing in place between the top and sides. Keep in mind your quilting though. You could alternatively fold in the raw edges and just sew on to the pouch once it is boxed. 

I hope this was helpful 

Mc