Patchwork Fleece Gift Pouch

Patchwork gift pouches sewn from scraps are the perfect little handmade touch, and turn even the simplest little gift into something special. And when they're made from fleece, they're cozy too, which might not seem important for a gift pouch, but the results are really so much fun and perfect for winter-Patchwork gift pouches sewn from scraps are the perfect little handmade touch, and turn even the simplest little gift into something special. And when they're made from fleece, they're cozy too, which might not seem important for a gift pouch, but the results are really so much fun and perfect for winter-time gift giving.

I actually made these striped patchwork fleece gift pouches for my kids for Hanukkah instead of my usual crocheted gift pouches, and the kids loved them, and never guessed that I whipped up three of them in an hour or so. And if you aren't quite as short on time as I was, you can also invest the extra time and make a hidden drawstring, though I actually love the basic craft chord closure that I used here.

So comb your house for old fleece blankets and even scarves that you aren't using, and up-cycle them to make something new. I am on a mission to use up all of my stash, and these pouches as well as an entire quilt made from fleece (hoping to share it soon, promise!) did put a serious dent in the box of fleece yardage and scraps that was hanging around.

You'll Need:

• fleece scraps
• a sewing machine
• braided craft chord
• a rotary cutter, a quilting ruler, and a cutting board

How To:

1. Determine the desired size of your gift pouch. Double this number and add 2" to this length to account for top seam.
2. Cut 2" wide strips that are the desired length, from fleece using a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler.
3. Sew together strips using a 1/4" seam allowance.
4. Sew a french seam (fold 1/2 down, and then fold again to hide raw edge) on both the top and bottom edge of fabric created from strips.
5. Cut desired width from striped fleece piece.
6. Fold piece of striped fleece in half, with right sides facing, and sew up both sides to form a pouch.
7. Turn pouch right-side out, and affix length of parachute chord to middle of pouch, roughly 2" from the top.

That is it, now make a bunch more to use up all your fleece scraps or just about any fabric scraps that need a purpose!