Perfect Box Pouch Tutorial

July 14, 2009 by badhuman

How insanely fabulous is this pouch? I can’t decide if I love it so much because a) it is made from glittery elephant fabric, b) of it’s small but perfectly proportioned size, c) it holds my on the go quilting supplies or d) all of the above.

If you’d like to make your own see how below.

You will need:

2 pieces of exterior fabric measuring 8 inches by 6 inches. (The longer side will be the top of your pouch, keep this in mind when cutting directional fabric)
2 pieces of interior fabric measuring 8 inches by 6 inches
2 pieces of mid-weight woven non-fusible interfacing (This helps add body to your bag, because without it it wouldn’t be very “boxy”"
1 12 inch zipper
Coordinating thread (this will be visible on the outside of the bag)

Things that will come in handy:

rotary cutter
cutting mat
shears
craft scissors
clear ruler

Step 1:

Choose and cut your fabric- is it just me or is this oftentime the hardest part?

I like to use a right angle ruler (“borrowed” from my husband) to make sure my fabric pieces are nice and square.

Step 2: Layer your pieces. Interior fabric right side DOWN, interfacing, and finally exterior fabric right side UP.

Step 3: Stitch the layers together 1/4 in from the edge. You can use a 1/4 in foot or the edge of your presser foot. These stitches will not be visible and are only done to hold the layers together for the next step. Fold the edges under 1/2 in and press.

Step 4: Places both sets of fabric with the pressed under edges on top of the zipper and sew together.

Step 5: Fold the two sides right sides of the exterior fabric together. The right side of your interior fabric will then be facing up. Stitch a quarter inch seam along the raw edge. I also suggest using shears to finish your seams so they don’t fray with use (I forgot to do this…)

Step 6: Press the fabric tube you have created flat ensuring you have centered the bottom seam on the zipper.

Step 7: Move your zipper pull to the center and stitch a quarter inch seam on both sides. Make sure you go over the zipper 2 or 3 times to secure it.

Step 8: Cut off the excess ends of the zipper leaving about an inch from your seam.

Step 9: Pinch the corners out to form triangles and draw a line one inch from the point and roughly two inches across. A clear ruler is key! Pin in place and sew across the two inch line on all four sides.

Step 10: Use your shears to cut off the excess fabric. This reduces the bulk and finishes your seam in one step.

Step 11: Turn your pouch and admire your handiwork!

You can fill it with on the go sewing essentials like I did.

Or use it as a change purse, first aid kit, on the go toy “chest,” cosmetic case, candy bag, etc

Posted in tutorials | Tagged box pouch tutorial, change purse, easy craft project, easy sewing project, handcrafted pouch, homemade pouch, how to make a pouch, how to shorten a zipper, make your own pouch, on the go first aid kit, on the go sewing kit, sew your own pouch, shorten a zipper, uses for box pouch, zipper pouch tutorial | 114 Comments

114 Responses

on July 14, 2009 at 8:13 am jessie

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I always thought the box bags looked so complicated, but this is totally doable!
on July 14, 2009 at 10:36 am Michelle

What a lovely tute, thank you!
on July 14, 2009 at 10:59 am smallgrapes

AWESOME tutorial. I really do need to make one of these (or many). It would be perfect for so many uses. And yours is just lovely and sweet.
on July 14, 2009 at 2:12 pm Anne

Oh fun. I am in love with those fabrics.

And I like your idea of using a right angle ruler. I might have to invade my husband’s workshop!
on July 14, 2009 at 4:39 pm anonymousinalabama

Love the fabric, love the “box”, love the tutorial!
on July 14, 2009 at 9:03 pm Gretchen

Love! I’m off to make one right now for my little nephew in town!
on July 15, 2009 at 12:42 am Kate

Thanks Nic…putting on the TO DO list as I type!
on July 15, 2009 at 8:38 am jaybird

great tutorial!! super detailed!
on July 17, 2009 at 3:18 am Cinthya

This is really a good tutorial, I lov this kind of pouch and I’ll try this tutorial as soon as I can. Thanks.
on July 17, 2009 at 9:53 am Indie Bands With A Misson

Hi, we’re in informal organization trying to raise money (with the help of local bands) to help food banks in the Washington DC area (as well as any other charities the bands would prefer us to help).
We are hoping to set up an etsy shop (as soon as I can settle on a definite address–I’m moving) and sell some products where 100% of the proceeds will benefit charities in the DC area. I was wondering if I could use your wonderful tutorial and sell items I made with it on etsy? (In the description I would link the pattern to this blog if you’d prefer)
Thanks for your consideration!

–Indie Bands With A Mission
on July 21, 2009 at 11:36 am molly

thank you. thank you. thank you. this is great.
on July 21, 2009 at 11:43 am Misty

Great tutorial! Thanks for taking the time to make it and share it with us. I can’t wait to give it a try!
on July 21, 2009 at 2:56 pm Helen

I’m definitely going to try this! Thanks!
on July 21, 2009 at 3:09 pm Carrie

awesome, thanks so much for posting this tutorial!
on July 21, 2009 at 4:26 pm thea

where did you get that fabric !!!!
on July 21, 2009 at 4:38 pm badhuman

I got it at Quilting Adventures in Richmond, VA. It’s a Japanese fabric so you might be able to find it on Etsy.
on July 21, 2009 at 4:45 pm Perfect Box Pouch Tutorial « Indie House « Netcrema - creme de la social news via digg + delicious + stumpleupon + reddit

[...] Perfect Box Pouch Tutorial « Indie Housemodernquiltlove.wordpress.com [...]
on July 21, 2009 at 4:54 pm Perfect Box Pouch Tutorial | The Embroidery Stitch

[...] House has a tutorial to sew up the perfect box pouch. I am so in love with this elephant fabric. [ via Whip Up ] [Read this article] [Comment on this [...]
on July 21, 2009 at 4:56 pm oh4theloveof

adorable bag
on July 21, 2009 at 5:24 pm kaddie

wow, this is such a pretty pouch and i love this tutorial!!!!! great! <3 i will feature it in my blog
on July 21, 2009 at 5:24 pm Hur sy en fyrkantig necessär? « Nytt om sytt

[...] Här finns en bra beskrivning på hur du syr en fyrkantig necessär. Indie House heter bloggen och därifrån har jag lånat bilden. July 21st, 2009 | Kategori: steg för steg, sytt, väskor [...]
on July 21, 2009 at 5:24 pm Hur sy en fyrkantig necessär? « Nytt om sytt

[...] Här finns en bra beskrivning på hur du syr en fyrkantig necessär. Indie House heter bloggen och därifrån har jag lånat bilden. July 21st, 2009 | Kategori: steg för steg, sytt, väskor [...]
on July 21, 2009 at 5:32 pm Great tutorial! « just a girl with a huge heart for aRt

[...] A REALLY GREAT TUTORIAL for this pouch! I will make one tomorrow <3 Can’t wait! [...]
on July 21, 2009 at 6:40 pm Dragonfly

It’s fabulous!
My to-do list grows…
on July 21, 2009 at 6:45 pm rebecca

So simple looking! I think I’m going to have to give it a go!:)
Thanks!
on July 21, 2009 at 6:58 pm kristen

awesome tutorial! you made it simple for even a zipper-newbie like me to understand
on July 21, 2009 at 7:36 pm jeanette

definitly making this!
on July 21, 2009 at 9:45 pm dthneece

Thanks so much for all of the time that this must have taken, the awesome pictures and overall, terrific tutorial!
on July 21, 2009 at 11:12 pm Tutorial: Zippered box pouch · Sewing @ CraftGossip

[...] Indie House shares a tutorial for making this zippered box pouch. Cuteness! Get the how-to. [...]
on July 21, 2009 at 11:12 pm Anne

Love this!! I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-zippered-box-pouch/2009/07/21/
–Anne
on July 22, 2009 at 8:07 am Mayya @ Sew Chic and Unique

Thanks for such a great tutorial will be using this for a sew a long i organise called Sew IT next week.
on July 22, 2009 at 1:01 pm Raelynn

thanks for the tutorial!
i’m thinking of how to sew a pouch, just like the ones you see that hold makeup palettes. the zip runs on 3 sides of the pouch instead. i wonder if u have an advice for that??
on July 22, 2009 at 2:28 pm amy m campbell

great tutorial! i’m going away this weekend, and this is so much cuter than carrying my stuff in a ziplock, plus, my pins and scissors always end uppoking through the plastic. i just whipped one of these up in less than 30 minutes, using materials and notions i had on hand, and it turned out adorable! i did modify slightly to have the seams enclosed around the zipper and at the botom seam, for less raveling, and i overcast the seams where i made the corners, too.
on July 22, 2009 at 3:09 pm thekickable

Cute! You know, you could probably make a bit of money making these and selling them on etsy.
on July 22, 2009 at 5:40 pm badhuman

Do you mean the ones where almost the whole top opens up and there is usually a handle on the top?
on July 22, 2009 at 10:51 pm alice a

Thanks for a lined version of the unlined version I have been using for a while originally seen here -http://threebears.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/little-boxy-pouch-tutorial/
on July 23, 2009 at 5:07 am Alessandra

Thanks SSSEEEWWWW much!! I used leftovers of a previous (unfinished…) quilting job as exterior fabric and it is lovely! I would love to show you my work of art… Thanks again (from Italy…)
on July 23, 2009 at 7:05 am Alessandra

you know what? your pouch made me start a blog!! would you mind if I translate your tut (of course I will tell it’s yours) in italian on my blog?? PLEASE let me know!!
on July 23, 2009 at 10:14 am autumntakesme

that is ADORABLE! thank you for sharing.

love the fabric choices, too.
on July 23, 2009 at 10:28 am Sally

So cool. Off to make a few…
on July 23, 2009 at 10:29 am Kristen

love it, I wish I could sew! I can do others things but as my friend told me sewing isn’t my thing.
on July 23, 2009 at 10:34 am Kelley

Ohh this is fantastic! But since I’m not a seamstress, can you show me where I can buy yours?
on July 23, 2009 at 12:57 pm Vikki

This is brilliant! Thank you!
on July 23, 2009 at 1:29 pm deb

THANKS THANKS THANKS SO MUCH!
on July 23, 2009 at 8:49 pm Sarah B.

I was looking to make something like this last year for Christmas gifts but ended up sewing a bunch of other things for my girls – I had forgotten about it but now it’s on the top of the list again! Thanks!
on July 23, 2009 at 10:57 pm Devona

Great Tute. Very easy to follow. I just made one using vinyl wallpaper samples to make a waterproof bag.

Thanks for writing this up!
on July 23, 2009 at 11:25 pm Nicole

Awesome–I just made one–and for once something actually turned out like the pictures–I teach Family and Consumer Science (Home Ec.) to high school students–so I will have to teach them how to make this cute pouch–your awesome!!!
on July 24, 2009 at 4:38 am Manuel

Great Post!
I am not sure why i am the first male commenter (and definitly not used to needles and stuff) but i think it is a great tutorial and easy to follow!

cheers!
on July 24, 2009 at 8:49 am Vinyl Zipper Pouch | Clever Nesting

[...] gave this tutorial from Indie House a go last night and it was a hit. I love this project. I can sing it from the hill-tops. It whipped [...]
on July 24, 2009 at 9:04 am » Blog Archive » Etui maken

[...] weer naar school en ben je al bezig spullen in te slaan. Maar je kunt zelf ook je etui maken. Op deze blog kan je een tutorial vinden hoe je deze etui moet [...]
on July 24, 2009 at 12:25 pm Julay

Hi there !
Love your tutorial !
Just one question, where did you get your clear ruler ?
No way to find one in France or to get the name in french….
Thanks
July
on July 24, 2009 at 1:35 pm Raelynn

yes, quite similar to those where the whole pouch can be opened flat and usually has a handle =)
on July 24, 2009 at 1:38 pm Raelynn

hmm, i think our image of what we’re talking about is slightly different, but it is the same in principal where the zip runs on 3 sides. i have difficulty comprehending how to sew those…
on July 24, 2009 at 10:30 pm Can you See My Pouch? « Noggin’ Toppers

[...] The Perfect Box Pouch Tutorial [...]
on July 25, 2009 at 3:56 am Liana

Hi,
I love your tutorial. I have seen these all over the internet and have been dying to have one of my own. I just had a question. I was wondering if the elephant fabric is made of cotton canvas or is it just cotton fabric? Thanks a ton
on July 25, 2009 at 4:46 pm Cute Boxy Pouch - Very Versatile! — Seams Creative

[...] was reading through my mass of RSS feeds the other day and came upon this tutorial for a “Perfect Box Pouch”. It looked so simple and didn’t take much fabric. Plus, the potential uses for such a pouch [...]
on July 25, 2009 at 4:49 pm badhuman

It’s a cotton/linen blend so it’s thicker and stiffer than plain cotton.
on July 26, 2009 at 7:59 am Gretchen

Thanks Nichole! I did quite a few of these, modified them here and there, made bigger, etc. I’ve posted them on my flickr, and have given all of them away already! They make really quick gifts, every one loves a place to put “things”. Your tutorial is great.
on July 26, 2009 at 5:12 pm joyce

Lovely!! Thanks for the tutorial!!
on July 26, 2009 at 6:23 pm badhuman

This is what I’m thinking of http://www.flickr.com/photos/berly816/17788883/
on July 26, 2009 at 9:47 pm Bonito estuche rectangular - Las Manualidades

[...] las cosas de costura; realmente sirven para todo. En el día de hoy te contamos como realizar un estuche rectangular que realmente te encantará. Es perfecto para las que están familiarizándose con la [...]
on July 27, 2009 at 9:03 am Monday best of last week: link style « The Misadventures of Kelly and Kelly

[...] loving this box pouch tutorial. [...]
on July 27, 2009 at 1:30 pm Spinstah · Perfect Box Pouch

[...] Yesterday, while I was trapped inside my apartment before the local geek squad moved in to save the day (well, the evening), I made the cutest little box bag you have ever seen from this tutorial. [...]
on July 28, 2009 at 1:50 pm Boxy - AfricanKelli

[...] Kara came over this weekend to try out that fabulous boxy bag tutorial. [...]
on July 29, 2009 at 5:54 am Catarina

Hi, I love this tutorial.

It made really simple to do it and to sew a zipper which has been almost a nightmnare to me.
Thanks a lot!

I have already made one pencil case to my son to keep his coloring pencils. Using, of course your tutorial.

You can it here. Sorry my blog is in portuguese. I’m working on its translation.
http://asminhascosturas-cat.blogspot.com/2009/07/estojo-para-lapis.html

Thanks again!!!!!!!!!

Catarina
on July 30, 2009 at 8:55 am Etui « Knofje blogt

[...] Singer! HOERA! En nu ga ik weer snel aan de slag, want ik heb een geweldige werkbeschrijving van ‘Indie House’ gevonden, voor het maken van een [...]
on July 30, 2009 at 7:55 pm Jentwinkle

Fantastic tutorial, I just made one in under 30 mins and it was the first zip I’ve ever done!

I can tell this will be addictive!! Thank you
on July 31, 2009 at 6:28 pm Jenny

Hi, Thank you so much for this tutorial. I finally got round to making two of these tonight. One for my mum and the other for my friends birthday. They look great
on August 9, 2009 at 3:25 pm Teresa

I love this tutorial! Very easy to follow along! Great pictures! I also added a strap at one end and a pull tab on the other! I will be carrying it in my purse for all my small stuff!
on August 10, 2009 at 12:07 am DIY Bridesmaid Gifts | Blog » Big Fat Cake

[...] Box Pouch (by Indie House) [...]
on August 10, 2009 at 7:11 am Lusalary

i like this tutorial! very easy and helpful! thank you for sharing
on August 10, 2009 at 4:31 pm Michelle

This is great – the perfect thing to keep in the diaper bag to stash my daughter’s pacifier, “puffs,” tylenol… all those little do-dads that get lost in the bottom. Thanks!!
on August 12, 2009 at 11:15 am j.udy designs » Blog Archive » Couple of bags

[...] in the crafty mood I decided to do another quick tutorial from Indie House, managed to mess up the mesurements a bit so have a slightly smaller one than in the tute but oh so [...]
on August 12, 2009 at 11:42 am Bette's Bags

Great Tutorial!
on August 12, 2009 at 12:11 pm Bridget

Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to make a few for my kids for pencil bags.
on August 12, 2009 at 12:30 pm fingersandtoes

That’s so weird. I’m making and selling box pouches (bigger than yours). This morning I almost ordered that elephant fabric on ebay. Just now I came across your tutorial!
on August 13, 2009 at 9:22 am Christine

I’m a seamstress and this is one beautifully written tute!! very clear and photos are great.

Thank you very much! I didn’t want to go thru figuring this out myself.
on August 15, 2009 at 4:45 pm modernemotive

Ooh awesome. I have been looking for box bag tutorials. Last attempt totally tanked.

Thank you.

Adele
on August 18, 2009 at 8:18 am jess

I made 2 last night and I love them. thanks for the tutorial!
on August 18, 2009 at 9:38 pm BeyondStitches

What a great tutorial! I can’t wait to start my sewing lessons next week!
on August 19, 2009 at 6:39 pm Dempsey

Love the fabric! The primrose fabric on the inside is beautiful too! I am glad I found this tute I saw these pouches on etsy and really wanted to make one. They are great for toting around small hand sewing projects. A loop on on end might be helpful.
on August 20, 2009 at 5:18 am Lorraine

Thanks so much …. off to make a few of these !
on August 20, 2009 at 12:54 pm Awesome Box Pouch Tutorial « prettycleverthings

[...] http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/perfect-box-pouch-tutorial/ Thanks to http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com for the tutorial! [...]
on August 23, 2009 at 5:20 am Janine

Thank You for sharing this. I am a beginner sewer and made one tonight and I am so so so happy with my first attempt. I will blog about it tomorrow and give credit and link back here to share your fab tutorial.
on August 23, 2009 at 10:52 pm Show and Tell « Angelic Whispers

[...] last night I created two box pouches which I am stoked about for a number of reasons. 1. I followed this tutorial, 2. It was the first time I sewed a zip and its easier than I thought, 3. I made [...]
on August 25, 2009 at 6:07 am Painel Criativo :: Como fazer bolsinha de tecido

[...] Olha que linda essa bolsinha de tecido. Para ver o passo a passo clique aqui. [...]
on August 26, 2009 at 7:12 am Rebecca

Thank you so much for making this tutorial. I have made a number of these little bags for presents., and they are great. I will be making more, and in a bigger size. I will link your blog on mine. I hope that is okay.

Thanks again.
on August 26, 2009 at 3:11 pm MiekK's

Thanks for this tutorial! I made one today and it was really easy, I’m very pleased with the result!
on August 27, 2009 at 7:51 am Lynne

OH! Thank you so much. I have been looking for a tutorial for this bag!
on August 31, 2009 at 12:03 pm Holly

I found this cute bag blog hopping today. It is adorable. will be great as a Christmas gift filled with goodies. I posted about it on my blog and used a link to your tutorial. Thanks for sharing this with the rest of us.
on August 31, 2009 at 12:13 pm Blog Hopping « FabricMom

[...] Here is the link for the pouch. [...]
on September 2, 2009 at 4:49 am Always Learning « Oh! What a wicked web we stitch!

[...] hidden disaster lol but hey it works and it’s adorable. This is from a free pattern called Perfect Box Pouch. Lucky me! I was able to find the same fabric that she used. I fell in love with it when I saw it, [...]
on September 3, 2009 at 8:22 am Lisa Q

I made two of these cuties over the weekend. Your tutorial was wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing!
on September 6, 2009 at 12:14 pm kristin

oh my gosh, I LOVE this
on September 18, 2009 at 11:44 am Robin

Wanted to let you know that I made one of your Perfect Box Pouch using your tutorial. I will be posting a picture and a link later today 9/18/09. Thank you, Robin
on September 19, 2009 at 1:43 pm sandy

Thank you, thank you for the instruction. I have been sewing since 11 yo but still have problems making patterns for what I want to sew. Thank you so much for this instruction. The photos really help. I have made several and have adjusted it just right to fit my daughter’s iphone and ds. thank you!
on September 21, 2009 at 10:40 pm TruDee

Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial. These are awesome for people of all ages!!
on October 6, 2009 at 4:02 pm 45 Awesome Free Bag Making Tutorials | frugalandthriving.com.au

[...] 37. Lined Box Pouch [...]
on October 6, 2009 at 7:39 pm apparentlyjessy

Thanks heaps for this tutorial, I found it very helpful and made the cutest pouch! I will be sure to link to you when I blog about it!
on October 8, 2009 at 3:05 am perrine

Hello!
I really like your how to. I was wondering if I could translate it in French and add it to my list of how to as explained in my french post (http://www.petitcitron.com/index.php/form_howto.html)
Of course, your website would be quoted and there would be a link!
Thank you,
Perrine
on October 10, 2009 at 7:06 pm Helena

I loved it!!! It was exactly what I was looking foward!
on October 13, 2009 at 7:31 pm goforthandmakelovely

You make sewing straight lines seem so easy
on October 21, 2009 at 12:54 am Soddee

I found that fabric from a link on a similar tutorial… also, lots of other cute ones on here

http://www.nuno-plus.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14_4&sort=20a&page=2
on October 24, 2009 at 1:25 pm lined pouches « techyhobbit

[...] then, I gave this tutorial a [...]
on October 26, 2009 at 10:47 pm BeckyS

I love this! I’m going to make a couple up for gifts using insulating batting instead of the interfacing. They make great little coolers for snacks. And my dh loves them for packing his bait down to the river.
on October 29, 2009 at 10:42 am Como Fazer Bolsa em Tecido | Passo a Passo

[...] Amei esta mini bolsa, ou estojo, é tão fofa que dá vontade de ir ver de uns restos de tecido e pôr mãos à obra… e para isso só têm de passar por aqui: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&tl=pt&u=http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/200… [...]
on October 30, 2009 at 1:59 am Amanda

Where did you get the fabric? It’s adorable!
on November 1, 2009 at 6:26 pm Makeup Bag Sewing tutorials | Infektia

[...] Indie House: Perfect Box Pouch Tutorial [...]
on November 10, 2009 at 11:31 am Tackling a Handmade Holiday | Hurried Homemaker

[...] the men: I am thinking about doing one or two of these box pouches for some of the men in the family (in manly fabric, of course). Perfect Box Pouch (Indie [...]
on November 12, 2009 at 4:13 pm Sara Rivka

This is great! Just started taking a sewing class and my machine is right now getting oiled and serviced. Can’t wait to try this tutorial, and add some sewing projects to my very crafty life, which you can see at http://www.creativejewishmom.com

all the best!
on November 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm Lindsay C

Thanks for this tutorial. I didn’t realize these were so easy to do ! I can’t wait to start making them out of scraps left over from my purses !

Great Job !
on November 17, 2009 at 1:49 am Eva

Thanks for the lovely tutorial. I spent some quality time with it last week and tweaked it to make a set of nesting cube pouches. Here’s a link if you’d like to see them.
http://uniquety.blogspot.com/2009/11/nesting-cubes-more-specific.html

Thanks again for the tutorial!
on November 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm badhuman

I found it at a quilt shop near my step-mom but I’ve seen it on Etsy before. It’s a Japanese fabric.
on November 29, 2009 at 1:09 am gill

brilliant just made one soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute teeny weeny