I must admit, I have a soft spot for little organising projects like this. The kind that make everyday life feel a bit tidier and a bit lovelier. This simple pouch was originally made to protect a book from all the usual handbag chaos, but it would work just as well for all sorts of bits and bobs. I have always loved that it looks a little like a folded letter, which gives it an extra bit of charm. If you like practical sewing projects with a satisfying finish, this one is a lovely little make.
To make your book pouch, you will need: your chosen outer fabric, lining fabric, cotton thread, a needle, pins, and a popper for the fastening.
Before you begin, it may help to read through all the steps first so you can picture how the flat shape folds into the finished pouch.
Before cutting, decide the finished size you would like your pouch to be when folded. To create your pattern, double the finished width and double the finished height, then add 3 cm to each measurement for seam allowance. This gives the pouch its envelope shape.
Round off the corners for a softer finish, then cut one shape from your outer fabric and one from your lining, making sure the grain line is running correctly. If you are unsure about that part, I explain grain line in more detail here. Place the two pieces right sides together and pin all the way around, ready for sewing.
Stitch all the way around the edge, using roughly a 0.5 to 1 cm seam allowance, and leave a small gap on one side so you can turn the pouch the right way out. Once turned, press it neatly and close the gap either by hand with a small slip stitch, or with a short machine stitch close to the edge.
Fold in the two side flaps so they meet neatly in the middle, then lightly stitch them in place with a few small hand stitches.
Fold the bottom flap up over the side flaps to create the envelope shape, and pin it neatly in place.
Using small hand stitches, stitch along each slanted edge to secure the flap, making sure the top flap is left free so it can still fold down and close the pouch.
Finally, stitch the two parts of the popper in place to complete your pouch.
Happy organising!
Rasa 😉