Round Pencil Pouch Pattern

Sometimes you see a fabric and you just know!

You know, I have decided to make this zipper pouch obsession of mine into a series of patterns for you, exploring all of the different sorts of zipper pouches one by one. What do you think?

Perfect as a pencil case!

So far we have a half moon one and a pyramid one and this time, I would like to add a round one which can be scaled up to make a knitting needle bag or made smaller, such as this one for a pencil pouch. I am still thinking about the knitting bag and when I to do it, I will make a separate post with sizes on for you.

This must be one of the easiest pouches that i have ever made - I know that I always say that but as usual, I really mean it!

I am using a light canvas and a favourite metal zipper but do feel free to choose anything and of course, it uses next to no fabric so it is a great use for a treasured fat quarter.

As you can see, you need next to nothing to make this pouch! Note the two colours of thread though, one to match the lining.

It would also be marvellous as a quilt-as-you-go pattern where you could use scraps to create the main body....ooooh the possibilities!

It looks so rustic with the leather label too.

But for today, let's keep it simpler and make a 8" one because I need a pencil case!

This one is going straight into my art kit.

So what do we need....
Fabric:
- FQ of some delicious canvas or lightweight furnishing fabric
- FQ coordinating lining
Interfacing:
- I am using style-vil foam interfacing by Vlieseline
Everything else:
- 7" metal zipper to match
- something to decorate the zipper pull. My choice is a thin piece of leather.
- matching thread
- fabric glue
- your usual sewing needs

NOTE: this is a cut an measure pattern so no worries about printing and matching templates! 

If you are not in need of a pencil case, this would also be great for things like crochet hooks.

Cutting:
The canvas:

• 2 pieces 5 1/4" wide x 9" long for the main outers
• 2 round pieces 3 1/2"  diameter for the ends
• 2 pieces 1 1/2" sq. for the zipper end tabs

The lining:

• 2 pieces 5 1/4" wide x 9" long for the main lining
• 2 round pieces 3 1/2" diameter for the ends
• 2 pieces 1 1/2" sq. for the zipper end tabs
• 22" bias binding for the raw inside seams

There are no cutting notes for the foam interfacing. I will show you how to deal with that as we go along.

Let's begin by prepping the zipper. We need to add some tabs to the ends and to be honest, I just glue these on because the close stitching surrounding them will keep them beautifully secure.

Take the outer tabs and the lining ones and turn one end over by 1/4"

Just finger press to get the edge.

Now take one of each and glue them wrong sides together to one end of the zipper (the lining one on the underside of course)

The tabs are larger than you need at first to make them easier to handle.

Repeat for the other end and then trim so that they are 1" long each and the same width as the zipper tape

The glue also stops the canvas from fraying until there is nothing left.

Next step is to prepare the sides. Take a piece of outer and a slightly larger piece of foam interfacing and attach the outer with a very narrow basting seam

Make this basting seam quite narrow so that it will hide inside the seam allowance when you are finished.

Now trim the foam back 

This is so simple to use but this step must not be skipped! Good interfacing is a must for a professional result.

And repeat for the other piece so that you have two pieces like this

I am so in love with this fabric!

Do the same on the ends for the round bits

Okay, we have the beginnings of a pouch! If you have a label that you like to use, you can add it now to one of the side pieces.

My leather label is homemade but you can use any sort - or leave it out, the choice is yours! It is quite important to get it right in the centre of the panel so measure well.

Next take the prepped zipper and one outer plus one lining and pin or clip them together to make a sandwich. Using the zipper foot for you machine, sew right along

A zipper foot is the best way. You need to get quite close to the zipper teeth.

Now flip the layers the right way out and topstitch along the zipper

Adore the topstitching - it makes the item look so much more professional.

Repeat for the other side so that you have something that looks like this now

We are on our way now!

Some of patterns for these round pouches happen all in one piece but that makes it impossible to topstitch along the zipper. I like to do this because it stops the lining from coming up and being caught in the zipper teeth.

Next sew the outer together at the base

A simple straight stitch closes the base.

And sew the lining base seam too and turn the right way out

When you do the lining you will end up with this odd puzzle. Just ignore it and when you turn the pouch out the right way, it will all fall into place. Concentrate on the canvas outer and the lining will follow.

I have hand basted the layers together on the ends to achieve a bit of stability

Hand basting makes the next bit easier. Be prepared to alter the lining to make is smaller too. it can be a bit baggy. This is normal and not something that you have done wrong. 

The ends come next! Take an interfaced outer disc and a piece of lining and clip them wrong sides together. Baste to keep the lining in place. Repeat for the other one

I am actually thinking about making some coasters like these!

Turn the pouch inside out AND OPEN THE ZIPPER! Trust me, I have unpicked a few pouches because I forgot that and then couldn't open the zip from inside!

Clip the ends on, adjusting the ease to fit.

If you are having trouble with the fit, make little snips all around on the straight bit (the pouch body). They are only tiny but they help a lot. They should not be larger that 1/8" so that they can be hidden in the seam allowance.

These clips are so much better than pins!

Attach the ends and trim them

Done and ready for binding!

With your binding, bind the ends so that all of the nasty raw edges disappear forever

I have used a bit of binding left over from another project. But you can make it from your lining or buy it too. The only thing is that it must be bias and NOT straight binding to negotiate the curve,

Turn the right way out and decorate the zipper pull. Wowsers! Result!

There are lots of ways to decorate the zipper pull. This one is my favourite. But you can also use vegan leather, silver charms, beads or ribbon.

You can make this cute pouch in any size at all. This is sort of a mid range one which isn't too fiddly but you can make them bigger or smaller.

All done!

If you have enjoyed this pattern. Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop for more bag patterns - it is still a work in progress so your patience is very much appreciated!

I am off to make a doily too with a crochet edge from this same fabric!

Thank you for dropping by and see you again very soon!
Hugs
Debbie
xx