Zippy tube pattern

I have released a few patterns recently on Etsy for digital download (shop here) but I thought I would share my latest creation on here for free!! Below are my measurements and template, simply save the jpeg below and print on a4 landscape, no scaling !!

I am not sharing all of the step by step instructions, as I came across a great little free video tutorial for a similar construction method ... Find it HERE!

If you fancy making your own pouch, please use my measurements and the above tutorial, along with these few little extra tips: 

• Quilt the main body panels after inserting the zip
• Add heavy interfacing into the spine and quilt to give it extra structure since it’s tall 
• Baste the spine lining piece before quilting to hold it in place neatly
• Hand-stitch the binding for a neater finish than on the machine
  

The pouch is a nice big size with plenty of room for stationary, sewing tools and supplies or even cosmetics. It's also easy to adjust the height by tweaking the bottom side panel and spine pieces to your requirements. With the one below, I also added a mesh pocket into the top section with fold over elastic on the top edge of the mesh, basted into place and trimmed after quilting the top panel, before attaching to the side panel. 

Find inspiration and share your makes on Instagram using #zippytubepouch and most of all enjoy sewing!!

Mx

Snappy zip pouch

So I have now released my first pattern! It’s called the snappy zip pouch and I thought I’d tell you all about it!

It all started with the gift I made for the #send a little love swap I took part in January/February. I decided to create this double sided pouch. One side has a zip and the other a snap fastening (or in this case 2)

I was very happy when the recipient loved it and I got many compliments. A couple of people asked if I’d be making a pattern because they would like to make one too. I wasn’t sure at first but then thought why not... it wasn’t the easiest to do though. I tend to make little scribbles as I sew when I’m making it up as I go, sometimes I can’t even understand them and definitely not enough to write instructions! 

I decided I’d start again, worked out the measurements and take pictures as I sew. Then came the written instructions, for this I talked my sister into helping. She is loads better at English but only a beginner at sewing, so explaining everything wasn’t the easiest. We thought we had done alright but wasn’t quite happy with our first attempt. I sent it to a couple of people to pattern test for me and give some feedback. Then came the stress of making amendments, a few diagrams and deciding the pictures weren’t quite right. I ended up making another pouch to show everything clearly and I am so glad I did. Then it went off to the pattern testers again, plus an extra as a fresh set of eyes.

During this time I also made a couple more and changed the sizes and made a few alterations. My sister was not pleased when I asked to add more to the pattern, but as a consumer I always love bonus sizes so thought it could only be a good thing. 

I’m so happy with how it turned out and the pdf download is now available in my Etsy store. I feel nervous about the whole selling thing but also I’m so excited to see everyone’s pouches. 

Would I do it again... part of me thinks no. It’s a lot of effort and I found it quite stressful, however... maybe, yes. I have another pouch I’m desperate to make myself but feel it could also be a nice pattern to share. I think we learnt a lot and it might be easier the second time, so we shall see...watch this space!

If you want to make your own #snappyzippouch visit my Etsy here to buy the pattern!

This whole experience was part of my finish-a-long project list for this quarter. You can read more about my projects here. It is almost time for Q3 so if you fancy joining too, visit their blog here.

Mx