Monday, September 17, 2012

Lined Zipper Pouch - Tool pouch for the Domestic Diva

How to sew a lined zipper pouch for toolsA short time ago my beautiful niece left for her first year of college.

Wait. Wasn't it just yesterday I was in my first year in college? But if I'm still 18, how can she be....??? Dang. Reality bites my friend.

Anywho, as her goodbye party drew near, I wondered what I could give her that was both practical and thoughtful?

I pondered on what things I found I needed once I had flown the nest.

And of all things that came to mind? Tools. After all, a girl's gotta be prepared to deal with whatever comes her way.

Tools for our college student:
Small hammer, retractable tape measure, flashlight, tacky putty & nails to hang pictures, pliers, and screwdrivers (flathead and phillips). I didn't have one, but an Allen wrench may also come in handy for cheap college furniture assembly.

Must have tools for college students

Assembling the Zipper Pouch with Lining and Slip Pockets


Now for the tool bag. The last thing I wanted was to give my niece a big bulky tool pouch to stuff in her over-stuffed car, so I measured the biggest item I had and created an economy sized pattern.

Small sized zipper pouch makes it less bulky

For this lined zipper pouch I cut a piece for slip pockets, two lining pieces, and made the outside two-toned using heavy weight cream and black cotton fabric.

Zipper pouch with two-toned outer fabric, lining and slip pockets

The slip pockets easily fit the tacky putty and flashlight for quick access. I'll be sharing a quick tip on adding slip pockets to your lining, in a future post.

Easy slip pockets can be added to linings for better organization and access

To create the two-toned zipper pouch front, I sewed the two-colored pieces right sides together,

Sew two colors of fabric together for eye-catching pouch exterior

ironed the seams down and top stitched with corresponding thread.

Secure seams with top stitch when sewing two fabrics together for zipper pouch

I referred to the fabulous How to make a lined zippered pouch tutorial from Skip to my Lou. She has a great tutorial showing the sandwich technique for putting linings, zipper and outer layer together.

Sew lined zipper pouch together by sandwiching centered zipper to all pieces


I also decided to add a stenciled design for the front and back, to give it a feminine touch, and added a skinny black ribbon for the zipper head. I'll be posting how I did the freezer paper stencil designs in the next few posts.

Here's the finished lined zipper tool pouch - front and back

Zippered Lined Tool Pouch Completed - front view
Lined Zipper Tool Pouch Front

Paint stencil design on zipper pouch for additional details
Lined Zipper Tool Pouch Back

The zipper pouch lining turned out nicely - the slip pockets help with separation and storage.

Sew easy slip pockets to pouch or tote
Lined Zipper Tool Pouch Inside slip pockets

A relief to see that it all still fit after assembly! hahaha


A tool pouch with all the necessities are a must have for any college student


Okay, so I'm a little fanatical, but I added a little cover for the claw of the hammer. I didn't want my niece to stick her hand in the tool bag and scratch herself. That's what good Aunt's do.


Sew an easy hammer cover to prevent zipper pouch rips or scratches on your hand

My nephew was pretty impressed I fit all those tools inside such a small bag. My point exactly.

Zipper pouch with lining is a great way to store a few necessary tools


All zipped up, full of tools and ready to head off to college with her. If only there was room for one more thing in there...ME! We're all going to miss her but are so excited for her new adventure!♥


Tool pouches with all the necessities are great gifts for college students




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14 comments:

  1. what an incredible gift! not only practical, but so thoughtful and amazing you fit all that stuff in with pockets. brilliant!

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  2. Great tutorial! I am a beginner in the sewing department but really love this pouch especially the fleur de lis.

    casadesoria.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rachel! Thanks so much for stopping by! Good luck with your adventures in sewing. I was a beginner not long ago myself and have had so much fun learning new things. If you ever have questions, feel free to ask!

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  3. What a cute idea! Your pouch looks fabulous!

    Thanks for the tutorial!

    Found you through the linkup! Would love for you to see the wreath I posted!

    xo
    SEL
    growinglaughingandlovinginlife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I'll hop over and see the wreath you made. xo

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  4. I didn't know you could make tool storage cute! That's awesome! I think I need one of these :) Such a great idea! I would love if you shared this at my Throwback Thursday party. I hope to see you there! :) http://www.hubbymademe.com/throwback-thursday-no-11/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Britni! Thanks so much for your sweet comment and inviting me to your link party. I'll be over shortly to check it out!

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  5. I'm so glad that I'm following you! I am in love with that tool pouch. What a clever idea! Thanks so much for sharing:)

    Katie
    www.funhomethings.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Katie - thanks so much for following and for your sweet comment. I'll be popping over to check out your website! xo

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  6. Love this idea! Now I want my own Domestic Diva Tool Pouch!

    Thanks for sharing @'Sew Cute Tuesday'. I'll be featuring you tomorrow, so be sure to stop by and grab a 'featured' button!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Misty! What a great way to start the week! Thanks so much for featuring my tool pouch. You're the best! xo

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  7. Hi Vanessa! Thanks so much for stopping by and inviting me to your link party. I'll hop on over and check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Shannon,
    This is the cutest tool pouch. Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party last week. This weeks Link Party is opened at
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/09/how-to-make-natural-tinted-lip-balm-and.html
    from Wednesday until Sunday.
    Hope to see you there.
    Debi @ Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you have to say! Thanks so much for your comments! ♥

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