Now that all the preparation has been done, we can get to the actual sewing!
The first step is to baste the two layers of pocket #1 together, with the RIGHT side of each piece facing out (wrong sides together). Here I used a double thread in blue, so it would show up on camera.
Now we prepare the binding which will edge the pocket. I need to fold in 1/4 inch on each edge of the binding strip. There are several ways I can do this. One is simply to use a ruler to measure and fold down the amount, and press it.
There are some tools which can make the task easier, though. One is the hem guide. This is a thin piece of aluminum with different depths marked on it. You fold the fabric over the edge of the guide, lining up the edge of the fabric with the desired marking. Press with an iron, and you have a nice, neat crease, at whatever distance you need.
You can also use a bias tape maker. These come in different sizes, according to the finished width desired. Feed your strip of fabric through the tape maker, and press with the iron as it comes out the other side.
Next, attach the binding to the straight edge of the pocket. Open up one of the folded edges of the binding strip, and line up the raw edge of the strip with the raw edge of the pocket. The right side of the binding strip is against the pocket.
Stitch the binding to the pocket, along the crease. You can also use a 1/4-inch presser foot if you have one. That's what I am using in this photo. The foot has a small extension which goes against the edge of the fabric.
Fold the edge of the binding over, so that it covers and encloses the raw edges of the pocket and the binding strip. Hand stitch the other, folded edge of the binding in place.
I am using contrasting thread here, so you can see it.
Now place the pocket on one end of the inside of the kit. Here, the inside is the dark green fabric. You can pin the pocket in place, or use hand or machine basting.
The other pocket is prepared the same way: baste the two layers together, then bind them with remainder of the binding strip used on the first pocket.
This pocket goes on the other end of the kit. You can also see the mark I transferred from the pattern piece, to show where to place the line of stitching which will create two sections for this pocket.
Stitch from the raw edge of the pocket, up to the top edge of the binding, along the line. (I did not change the presser foot, although I could have.)
Our kit is progressing nicely! The next step is to put the 3 layers of the kit together.
Place the outside fabric of the kit face down. On top of that, place the batting, then the inside of the kit face up.
Machine baste all three layers together.
The ribbon ties get attached next. The pattern calls for 5/8" wide ribbon. I didn't have any on hand, so I made ties of fabric. (Take a strip 4 times as wide as your finished width. Press a crease down the center, then fold the two raw edges in to meet the crease. Meet the two folded edges together, then stitch along the edge.)
One tie gets attached in the center of each short end of the kit, on the outside.
The outer binding gets attached next. The procedure is similar to binding the edges of the pockets, but there are a couple of small differences. Because the binding will go all the way around the kit, the ends of the binding strip need to be attached in a way that leaves no raw edges.
Work on the inside of the kit. Fold about 1/4" of the binding strip towards you. Continue to work the binding around the kit, having all the raw edges even, making sure there is no bunching at the corners.
When you reach the beginning, lap the end of the strip over the part you folded down. Stitch all around, using a 1/4" seam, following the crease on the binding.
Here the binding has been stitched in place.
Just like you did on the pockets, fold the binding around to the outside of kit, enclosing all the raw edges. Stitch in place by hand, and your kit is finished!
Here is the finished kit, with a few supplies added.
Here is the outside of the kit, shown both open (flat) and closed.
Even though this is marked as a "sewing kit", don't let that name restrict your imagination. Use a fleece or satin for the inside, and it becomes a travel jewelry pouch. You could use vinyl for the pockets, and use it for an ID case.
You've got options for the closure, too. Use a button and cord closure instead of ribbon. Or make a small tab of fabric and attach hook-and-loop tape, or a button and buttonhole.
You could also use ready-made bias binding, instead of cutting it yourself. You would need about 2 yards.
Any which way you make it, enjoy!
Your comments or questions are always welcome. Contact me!
