Tutorial - Roll-up Pouch

My large sewing basket is really pretty, but a little cumbersome when heading out to my guild's Community Sew Days or retreats.  I was looking for something smaller and more flexible, so I made this roll up pouch this week.  I had so much fun making it that I thought I should turn it into a tutorial in case I want to make another one!

Cut two pieces 9 x 21 inches.  One is the exterior; one is the lining.
Cut a piece of batting the same size.

At the center top of the exterior and lining pieces, sew a line of stitching 5 inches long, 1/4 inch from the edge.  Don't sew the pieces together.  Do this line of stitching on each piece, one at a time.  This will come in handy when you turn the pouch inside out.

Cut two pieces of ribbon 15 inches long.  Sew them to the center of the side of the exterior.  

Make the pocket out of three strips:

1. The top strip is 5 x 21 inches.  (This is the pocket lining.)
2. The middle is 1.25 x 21 inches.  (This is an accent strip on the top edge of the pocket.)
3. The bottom is 5 x 21 inches, created from strips that are 2.25 x 5 inches.  (This is the front of the pocket.)

Note:  I had to trim the bottom piece 1/4 inch on each side in order to get it to be 21 inches wide. 

Fold the pocket in half and press. 

Stack the pieces in this order, from bottom to top:

1. batting
2. interior, right side up
3. folded pocket, right side up
4. exterior, wrong side up

Find the 5-inch line of stitching on the top.  Don't stitch on it - this will be your opening.  Starting at the edge of it, stitch through all layers, pivoting at corners, and ending when you get to the other end of the 5-inch line of stitching.

Trim batting very close to the stitching and trim corners.  Turn inside out.  As you fold the raw edges of the opening to the inside, use those 5-inch lines of stitching to make a nice straight line.  Slip stitch the opening closed.

Press the edges flat and top stitch all the way around those nice crisp edges.

Decide how many compartments you want in the pocket, and stitch through all layers, from top to bottom.  I stitched in the ditch on the pocket, but you could also stitch along the seam for a more decorative look.

Take into consideration what sewing implements you want to bring with you, and how many hiding places you might want to leave for stowaways.

The finished roll up pouch...