How to Sew a Small Drawstring Pouch from 2 Squares

In a previous post I showed what you could make from 2 squares of fabric. Just in case you want to know how, here's the tutorial so you can make your own.

1. Cut two squares of contrasting fabric. For this pouch I cut my squares 9.75"

2. Place squares right sides together and sew around them, using 1/4" seams and be sure to leave an opening along one side for turning after stitching.*Clip all four corners so that you will have crisp corner points when turned right side out*

3. Turn right side out. I use a chopstick to help push the fabric in the corners to crisp points. Press. Hand stitch the opening you made for turning.

4. Mark the centers on all four sides with the fabric you want as the outside of the pouch facing up.

5. Measure out 3/4" from the centers (the dark headed pins in my sample) and mark with disappearing ink or with a pin as I did. Be sure to mark out 3/4" on both sides of your center pins.

Here's the close up of step #5...

6. Fold the corners in using the marks you made 3/4" from the centers; as shown below. Pin down each of the four corners this way.

This close up shows how I have the corners folded at a right angle with the pins guiding me.

This is what your fabric should look like after all the corners have been pinned down.

7. Now you will measure and stitch 1/2" in from the folded edge you've made from turning the corners down. Be sure to back stitch at the start and end of this seam as this is to be the casing for your drawstring.

This shows the squares after all four casings have been stitched for the drawstrings.

8. Next step is to fold the point of the corner up towards the casing seam line. Hand stitch the point in place. ***Do not sew your stitches into the casing***

After all four points have been tacked folded up towards the casing, your pouch should look like this:

9. Now you need to thread two pieces of ribbon through the casing. I cut my ribbon extra long at 35" each. Be sure to thread each ribbon through all four of the casings so it completes a "circle". Notice how you start each ribbon directly across from the other as shown below.

10. Fill the pouch with treasures (jewelry? sewing notions? candy? or whatever else you can think of!) and pull the ribbons tight to secure it.

Have fun making these a bit bigger or smaller if you wish. These make up so quick that making several would be a breeze. Make some for gift giving, but be sure to make at least one for yourself!

Happy sewing!