Tissue pouch with 4 seams - Free Tutorial

I’m going to share a quick tutorial for my super-fast tissue pouches—they require just 4 (or 6) seams. There are two (or four) versions available, though the two I’m using to demonstrate the tutorial actually came about by chance 🙂 You can sew these tissue pouches in either standard or pocket size, and you can choose whether to make them with or without "piping."

 Let's start with cutting the fabric, Pocket without piping: 2x 18cm x 12cm (pocket squares) or 2x 18cm x 15cm (standard size) Pocket with piping: 1x 16cm x 12cm (or 15cm) 1x 20cm x 12cm (or 15cm)

If you want to use woven fabric for both layers, you should reinforce one layer with batting or H250 interfacing. If you decide to use oilcloth or a similarly sturdy material for one of the layers, you do not need to add reinforcement.

Now, sew the two layers of fabric together along the short sides (i.e., the 12 cm and 15 cm sides) with right sides facing; for the version with piping, this looks a bit odd.

Once the two layers have been sewn together, the resulting tube is turned right side out.

Then fold the tube precisely; for the version without piping, the seams should align exactly with the edges, while for the version with piping, ensure the shorter fabric layer is centered exactly. Then press (even oilcloth can often be pressed carefully using low heat (>>test first!<<)).

In the version without piping, the edge is stitched to secure the layers of fabric.

Now it's time to fold: 

Fold the short (straight-sewn) edges toward the center—making sure that the fabric intended for the inside is facing outward—and pin them in place.

Now is the time to add a label, ribbon, or tag in the center; the pin or staple securing the middle will also fasten the label in place.

Now fold the closed edges 1 cm inwards; the cross-section should look like the one in the second picture (on both open sides—I only removed the clip in the middle for the sake of clarity).

Now, the final two seams are sewn. For the 12 cm version, the seam allowance can comfortably be the width of the presser foot (up to 0.75 cm), whereas for the 15 cm version, it should not exceed the width of an overlock seam (approx. 0.5 cm).

Now just turn it right side out, smooth the seam allowance slightly downwards into the little pouch, and fill it with tissues.

And there you have it—a last-minute Christmas gift. 🙂