Upcycled Pouches from Upholstery Fabric Samples

Upcycled Pouches

A few months ago me and my MIL  visited one furnishing shop near my house. We went to get a few things for the home, as I looked around I saw a pile of fabrics, the sales person said those are fabric samples that are no longer in stock! And they sell it quite cheap. Well, just like when I got the faux leather in my previous post, I could not pass this "good opportunity". Before I knew it, I started choosing fabrics and the shop keeper offered me samples books! And just like that I came home with 6 fabric sample books and more. 

I mean if you make bags and pouches, these upholstery fabrics are really good. 

I particularly love the sample books! Some of them came with same sample sizes, some came with different sizes of sample pieces. Tearing the book apart is another story! I managed to dismantle 2 books so far. 

The smaller book like the one above, has fabrics size 8" x 11" roughly. After  tearing out the paper backing, I checked whether the holes from the pins are repairable or not. If not, I put them aside for another future projects. In one book there are more than 20 pieces of samples. And some has less.

Upcycled Double Zipper Pouches

From the small sample book, the size is just perfect for the double zipper bag. I used Doitrei Pouch Pattern. The height is just a tad smaller, so I adjusted the lining pieces. The finished size is approximately 7" W x 5" H. Some bags are 4.5" H. 

You can see my process in the short video below: 

I also made simple flat pouches from the sample book. These flat pouches size are about the same size 7" W x 5" H. 

Flat Pouches

From the jacquard book samples, so far I only made these flat pouches. This particular sample book has really beautiful color of jacquard and embroidered fabrics! I am so overwhelmed with ideas right now. I can't decide what to make next! Maybe I will make table runner with the smaller cuts. Hmm that sounds like a good idea, right? 

Jacquard Flat Pouches 9" W x 7" H 

These pouches will make a great gift or even bridesmaid gifts! If you look for one, you can message me on my Etsy shop. I have more gorgeous fabric samples to make plenty of bags! We can't have enough pouches, right?! 

More Sakura Crossbody Bags

 

Sakura Crossbody Bag

A few weeks ago I went to my local furnishing shop looking for linen fabric. And as I browsed around the shop, I saw piles of faux leather in one corner. The shop keeper said they are on sale! And before I realized I came back with linen fabrics and few yards of various faux leather. I mean, how can you resist a sale, right? 

I've been making faux leather based keychains for my Etsy shop and I was on the trial phase of making Sakura crossbody bag. So the faux leather really came at the right time and that too at 50% OFF! The faux leathers are of high grade quality. 

Crossbody Bag - fabric faux leather combo

The red bag, I made with Kaffee Fasset's fabric and combined it with the faux leather. The KF Fabric I bought from a shop in Jakarta last year and I love how vibrant it turned out.  The bag size is approximately 7" W x 9" H and it has 3 compartment so it's very handy to keep your stuff organized. 

This bag actually inspired by my trip to the UK in summer . While traveling, I always like to carry a small crossbody bag to keep my phone and a few essentials. And as I get older, I prefer more simple bag that I can keep my phone, cards and few essentials like tissue, or sun glasses. I noticed many women of my age carry similar bag like the Sakura bag. This bag is not bulky and you can keep it close to you during the flight. 

Japan Linen Crossbody Bag

I also made crossbody bag with only fabric. This cute Matryoshka print bag is made of Japan linen. I did not use batting for this one and the fabric itself is thick. I only use all purpose interfacing. I happened to have this multi color zipper that match perfectly with the fabric! What do you think?

Matryoshka Crossbody Bag

Working is faux leather is not difficult. You just need to be more careful while sewing and of course use Teflon or plastic based sewing foot. I started buying faux leather just before the pandemic in the end of 2019 and early 2020 (it feels like along time ago!!).  I did a lot of trial and error and even made bad purchases a couple of times. 

If you want to start making bags with faux leather make sure to buy a good quality one. It maybe a little expensive but in the long run, it will benefit you more. I usually asked for sofa leather when in the furnishing shop. Some leatherette are pretty stiff, make sure you buy the softer one. I have not checked the gsm weight, but it should not be too thick. 

I made this pouch set which my son took it to college and still use it till now (4 years later) and it's still in good condition!  This crossbody phone bag I made for my mom and she loved it. She like to use it when she goes out because it's very handy to carry her phone when she moves about. 

Don't be afraid to try especially if you just starting out making bags and wallets. There will be bad results ( and I have plenty of them) and you will also learn a good lesson. 

ALSO READ: Sakura Crossbody Bag Sewing Pattern

Sakura Crossbody Bag Pattern

If you have any questions, write it down in the comment below, I'd be glad to help:)

Project Details: 

Pattern: Sakura Crossbody Bag

Fabrics: Quilting Cotton, Canvas, Faux Leather

Supplies: 

- All purpose woven interfacing

- Nylon zipper size #5

- Bag hardware

Handmade crossbody bags are available in my Etsy Shop

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

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