Beginners Sewing Project: Easy Change Pouch

When you first learn to sew, after learning the workings of the machine and a little about fabrics, it can be somewhat aggravating. Until you have some practice youll likely hit the pedal too hard and go flying down a piece of material, run off the sides of it, and even get the thread all tangled. But, in no time youll learn to at least make a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch that can help you create all sorts of sewn garments, curtains and more. If youve mastered those two stitches you can easily make a change pouch that uses an old cd as the pattern! Choose fabric for the pouch thats suitable. Nothing stretchy, nothing too thin. Select material that wont fray after being cut. If you have material that will unravel you can first treat it with a no-fray solution found at stores that sell fabric. Felt works great to make a hassle-free change pouch thats inexpensive and appropriate for this craft.

Lay the fabric out and use a cd as the pattern. Simply draw around the cd twice and cut out the two felt circles. Cut straight across one of the circles, taking off about a third of the material, but leave the other circle complete. Position the small circle on top of the larger one and stitch around them.

First, make sure both circles are aligned at the bottom. Where the corners are at the top of the cut circle, mark these areas onto the large circle. Use a zigzag stitch to sew between the two dots, around that area of the large circle, staying right at the edge. If need be, use your hand wheel to position the zigzag stitches so that they fall right next to the edge. This stitch can be most any size but avoid really tiny, close zigzag stitches or really wide ones. The stitch youve just sewn is only a decorative stitch to prevent that area of the large circle from looking unfinished. Now, position the small circle on top of the large one once again so that their wrong sides are facing each other. Begin sewing from the zigzag stitches, down and around the arc of the felt, and back up to the other side. Use a straight stitch for this and stay close to the edge. When youre finished, fold the flap of the large circle over the smaller circle. Add a closure such as a Velcro dot, a button and buttonhole, or even a snap. The change purse can be embellished by using fabric glue or stitches to attach a cloth flower and leaf, an applique or even a felt letter. Its an adorable creation thats perfect for giving as a gift or using yourself!