How to Sew a Simple Hemingway Pouch

I love this simple Hemingway pouch. This is a fun, quick and simple project that is perfect for beginners even though it has a zipper. The zipper in this project is very easy to install so don’t be intimidated. Follow this tutorial an learn how to sew a simple Hemingway pouch. I used a continuous zipper for this Hemingway pouch but you can use a regular zipper if you like. You can use a #3 or a #5 zipper. Standard zippers that you buy in a fabric store are generally #3 zippers. I hope that you enjoy this project. If you would like more bag projects head over to my handbag page.

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What you will Need: How to Sew a Simple Hemingway Pouch

• 1/2 yd outer fabric and lining fabric
• 1/4 yd accent fabric for strap
• 1/2 yd fusible fleece
• 1 1″ D-Ring
• Continuous zipper either #3 or #5.
• 1 zipper slider
• 1 Standard zipper if you do not have a continuous zipper.
• Swivel Clip
• Sewing Machine
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1: Measure

Determine what size you would like your bag to be before cutting the fabrics. If you have something specific to put in the bag you will need to measure it out and add seam allowance. For example, measure the length and width as well as the depth of the item. The depth is important in order for your item to fit properly. Add a 3/8″ seam allowance to those measurements. The best thing to do is to draw this out on paper.

Step 2: Create the Pattern

Take a large piece of craft paper. Once you have determined the length and width of your item double it. That will be the length and width of your pattern. Fold the paper lengthwise and widthwise so that you can determine the length and angle of the zipper location. Using the bottom first layer of the paper fold it up so that the zipper starts in the top left corner and fold it until you get the angle that you like. Draw a line.

Measure from the bottom right of the pattern to the end of the zipper line that you drew. Once you determine that measurement use it to measure down from the top left of the pattern and make a mark. Take a ruler and place it along the zipper line so that the ruler extends to the mark you just made and extend the line. Cut across the line. You should have two equal pieces. This will make two bags.

Step 3: Fuse the Fleece

Cut outer, lining and fleece pieces that are larger than the pattern as this will be quilted. Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of the outer fabric.

Step 4: Quilt the Bag

Quilt the outer fabric and fleece any way you like. I chose diagonal lines across the piece.

Step 5: Cut out the Fabric

Layer the outer and lining pieces. Using the pattern piece cut out the bag.

Step 6: Add the Zipper

If you are using a continuous zipper pull it apart so that you have two separate pieces. Place the zipper tape along the diagonal raw edge of the outer bag with the zipper teeth facing the outer fabric. Lay the lining piece right sides together sandwiching the zipper. Pin or clip. Stitch through all layers. Keep in mind that the fabric will want to stretch as it is cut on the bias so take care when stitching. Fold over the lining so that the outer and lining are wrong sides together. Press. Topstitch along the zipper.

If you are using standard zippers cut off both ends and remove the sliders. Separate the zipper and attach it in the same way you did for the continuous zipper. Keep in mind that it is much easier to use a #5 continuous zipper because both the zipper and the slider are bigger.

Step 7: Add the Sliders

Fold the bag so that the raw edges and zipper edges are aligned. Add the zipper slider with the curved edge facing toward the fabric. Unzip the zipper about half way.

Step 8: Create the Tab and Strap

Cut a piece of fabric that measures 4″ x 23″ for the strap and tab. Fold the raw edges to the center and press again. Finally, fold the entire piece in half lengthwise so that the raw edges are concealed. Stitch along both long edges. Cut off about 2 1/2″ for the tab.

Step 9: Add the Tab and Strap

Insert the strap through the swivel clip. Remove the stitching from each end about 1″. Place the ends right sides together and stitch. Refold the end topstitch. Stitch near the swivel clip to secure it in place. Insert the tab through the D-Ring and clip. Place the tab on the right side of the bag about 1/2″ from the top of the bag on the raw edge side and on the outer fabric only and clip so that the tab is facing in toward the fabric. Baste the tab to the top layer.

Step 10: Stitch the Bag

Before stitching the bag separate the lining and the outer fabric. Line up the raw edges. Stitch along the bottom and side skipping over the zipper and starting up again after you go past the zipper. Use a 3/8″ seam allowance. Stitch the lining in the same way but leave an opening at the bottom for turning. Once you have finished the lining align up the pieces. Stitch over the zipper through all layers. Trim the corners and any excess zipper. Turn right sides out through the opening you left in the lining and the open zipper. Press. Close the opening either with your machine or using ladder stitch. Push the lining into the outer bag and press again. Add the strap. You have now finished your simple Hemingway Pouch.

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