Keep your needles tidy and safe in style with this adorable Clasp Frame Needle Pouch! It's a wonderful project for using up fabric scraps and makes a perfect gift for fellow crafters.
While the video showcases a beautiful paper-pieced star for the cover, this step is optional. You can easily substitute it with your favorite fabric print or any small quilted block you have on hand.
Download Pouch and Paper Piecing Pattern!
Let's get sewing!
Materials & Tools Needed:
Fabric Scraps:
* For the outer cover (approx. 5" x 5" if starting with a square, needs to be large enough for a 10cm circle + seam allowance). The video uses a pre-made paper-pieced block.
* For the inner lining/backing 5"x5"
* For the inner pocket 5"x5"
* Batting:** Piece slightly larger than your cover fabric square.
* Felt:** Small piece for the needle pad (approx. 4" x 4"). White or light color recommended.
* Ribbon or Fabric Strip:** Approx. 1cm-1.5cm wide and 11cm long (for needle separation).
* Clasp Frame:** 10cm (approx. 4 inches) Round Metal Purse Frame (sew-in type).
* Cardboard or PP sheet:** For tracing the circles precisely
* Sewing Needle:** For hand sewing (closing the gap, attaching frame, buttons).
* Sewing Machine (Optional but recommended):** For piecing, quilting, and sewing the main circle.
* Fabric Pen:** Heat-erasable (like Frixion) or water-soluble marker.
* Ruler:** For measuring and marking.
* Pins:** For holding layers together.
* Awl:** Sharp pointed tool for helping insert fabric into the frame channel.
* Tiny Buttons:** For decoration (optional).
* Iron & Ironing Board:** For pressing seams.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Outer Fabric: If using a plain fabric or pre-quilted block, ensure it's at least 5"x5". If paper piecing like the video, complete your 12.5cm (5"x5") block first. Layer your finished block (or fabric square) with batting and a backing scrap, then quilt as desired.
2. Cut Outer Circle:Place your 12.5 cm clear circle template centered over your quilted piece. Trace around it with your fabric pen. Carefully cut out the circle along the traced line.
3. Prepare Inner Lining Circle:Using your cardboard 12.5cm circle template, trace and cut one circle from your inner lining fabric. Place the cardboard template back onto the *wrong side* of your lining circle. Use your removable pen and ruler to mark the center line and potentially quarter lines – this helps with placement.
4. Prepare Pocket:Take your pocket fabric. Fold it in half, wrong sides together, and press. Topstitch along the folded edge.
5. Prepare Felt Pad:Trace a slightly smaller circle 8cm onto your felt piece. Cut it out using pinking shears for a decorative edge.
6 Assemble Inner Part:
* Place the topstitched pocket piece onto the bottom side of the lining circle, aligning the raw edges at the bottom. Pin the sides.
* Center the felt circle on top of the pocket piece.
* Center the ribbon vertically over the felt circle. Pin the ribbon at the top and bottom, just onto the lining fabric
7. Stitch Inner Part: Stitch along both long edges of the ribbon, securing it to the felt and lining. Then, stitch down the sides of the pocket piece, close to the edge, securing it to the lining circle. Trim any excess ribbon ends neatly.
8. Layer Circles:Place the quilted outer circle and the assembled inner circle RIGHT sides together, aligning the edges carefully. Pin all around.
9. Mark & Sew: Using your removable pen, mark a sewing line approx. 1cm in from the raw edge. Mark a gap of about 1/4 of the circle circumference – this will be for turning. Sew along your marked line, backstitching at the start and end, leaving the gap open.
10. Trim & Turn: Trim the seam allowance around the sewn circle using pinking shears (or clip curves if using regular scissors). Be careful not to cut through your stitches. Turn the pouch right side out through the gap you left open. Use a turning tool or chopstick to gently push out the seams for a smooth circle. Press well.
11. Close Gap: Neatly fold the raw edges of the opening inwards and press. Hand-sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch (invisible stitch).
More options to decorate the Pouch
Blue Eye embroidery for more decoration ideas
12. Insert Fabric: Carefully push the top edge of your sewn pouch into the channel of one side of the clasp frame. Start from one hinge and work your way around. Use the awl to gently tuck the fabric evenly and deeply into the channel. Repeat for the other side of the pouch and the other half of the frame. Ensure the fabric is seated snugly all the way around on both sides.
13. Sew Frame: Starting near one hinge, bring your needle up from the *inside* of the pouch, through the fabric, and out through the first hole in the frame channel. Go back down through the *next* hole, through the fabric, and into the inside of the pouch. Continue this process, stitching through each hole along the frame channel, essentially sewing the fabric securely to the frame. Make your stitches neat and consistent. Work all the way around both sides of the frame. Secure your thread well with knots hidden inside the pouch near the hinge when finished.
14. Crimp Frame (Optional but Recommended): Gently close the frame. Place fabric scraps or tape over the jaws of your flat-nosed pliers to protect the metal. Carefully and gently squeeze the frame channel closed along its length on both sides. This helps secure the fabric further. Do not squeeze too hard, or you might damage the frame.
15. Decorate: Hand-sew small decorative buttons onto the felt pad or along the pocket edge if desired.
Enjoy your beautiful and practical new needle pouch!
