Grab-N-Go Pouch Tutorial

We are having a full-fledged love affair with Flex-Foam™. We use it in structured handbags, totes, pouches, tablet cases, small accessories, and so much more. This stuff is so fabulous to work with and so versatile, the uses are really just endless! We know you’ve all been having a blast as well and we’ve LOVED seeing all of your creations on Instagram, you talented crew, you;).

Today, we’re excited to announce that Flex-Foam™ is reaching wider distribution and is now available in Hancock Fabric Stores as well as on their website! Woo hoo!

 

We’d suggest a weekend trip to your local store to grab a few yards. We’ve even got a fun little tutorial to help you get started! This one is super fast, super easy and incredibly handy. It’d make a great shower favor, teacher gift, or just something to let a friend know that you think she’s pretty cool;). Use a combo of your favorite fabrics, add some appliqué, show off your creativity… and don’t forget to show us what you make! We are inspired by YOU every day and that is the best kind of inspiration.

The Grab-N-Go Pouch is a simple little catch-all for all the essentials. It’ll fit your phone + some money, a few credit cards, some chapstick and any other small accessories needed. There’s even an external key ring to keep everything all in one place. I’ll be using this one all Summer. It’s so easy to fill up and pop into my daughter’s diaper bag and it will save me from having to lug around two bags everywhere we go. This would also be a great pouch for pool or beach trips. Make it with a laminated cotton or add our 100 Vinyl-Fuse™ to your favorite quilting cotton for extra protection. Seriously, this is one customizable little zippy!

Supplies & Tools
One 5″ x 8″ rectangle each of Exterior & Lining Fabric, SF101 Shape-Flex® & FF77 Flex-Foam™
Two 3″ x 8″ rectangles each of Exterior & Lining Fabric, SF101 Shape-Flex® & FF77 Flex-Foam™
One 2-1/2″ x 3″ rectangle each of Exterior Fabric & SF101 Shape-Flex® for key ring tab
Fabric Scraps for zipper tabs
One key ring
One 7″ of larger zipper (I used a 9″ and trimmed it down)
Rotary Cutter & Related Supplies
Iron & Ironing Surface
Sewing Machine & Related Supplies

** 1/4″ seam allowance unless otherwise noted. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application of all interfacing & fusible web.

Step 1 – Assemble supplies.

Step 2 – Place Shape-Flex® rectangles against wrong side of coordinating lining and key ring tab rectangles and fuse.

Step 3 – Place Flex-Foam™ rectangles against wrong wide of exterior fabric rectangles. Baste around all edges to secure or quilt as desired.

Step 4 – Trim zipper to 7″. To create zipper zabs, cut a small rectangle of exterior or coordinating fabric (sample used a scrap with a width of 2-1/2″). Fold in half lengthwise and press. Open and fold raw edges in to meet center fold. Press. Re-fold on center crease. Insert zipper ends into the fold and pin.

Step 5 – Topstitch to secure and trim edges to match raw edges of zipper tape.

Step 6 – Place exterior 3″ x 8″ rectangle right side up. Center the zipper on top, matching raw edges so that zipper pull is on the left and facing the right side of the exterior fabric. Place the lining 3″ x 8″ rectangle right sides together with the exterior rectangle. Pin and sew using a zipper foot.

Step 7 – Fold exterior and lining rectangles away from the zipper and press. Topstitch along folded edge to finish and secure. (Hopefully you’ll do a better job with your zipper than I did, but even wonky zippers are still fully pouch functional!)

Step 8 – Repeat Steps 6 & 7 using the remaining 3″ x 8″ rectangles. When placing the zipper unit, be sure that the exterior rectangles are right sides together and the lining rectangles are right sides together.

Step 9 – Place the exterior and lining 5″ x 8″ rectangles wrong sides together and pin.  Place the 5″ x 8″ unit right sides together with the zipper unit and pin. Make sure that zipper is at least halfway open. (I opened mine up all the way for easy turning later.) Square up all raw edges.

Step 10 – To create the key ring tab, fold the 2-1/2″ x 3″ rectangle in half lengthwise and press. Open and fold the raw edges in to meet the center crease. Press. Re-fold on the center crease and pin. Topstitch both folded edges.

Step 11 – Fold tab in half and place in between the front and back units in desired location. Make sure that folded edge is facing in and raw edges are out.

Step 12 – Sew around all four sides. Finish with a zig zag stitch, or trim with pinking shears to prevent fraying.

Step 13 – Turn pouch right side out through the open zipper and carefully push out all four corners. Press pouch for a nice clean finish.

Step 14 – Insert essentials and prepare for your next adventure!

See? SO easy!! We hope that you’ll have fun with this one. Don’t forget — you can now grab all the Flex-Foam™ that you need both in-stores and online at Hancock Fabrics! Did we mention that they sell by-the-yard online?? HUGE bonus!!

Happy sewing!