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Sewing a bag from fabric scraps: Illustrated instructions

21.05.2018 by Sabine Schmidt

Tasche aus Stoffresten nähen: Bilderanleitung

Would you like to sew a bag out of fabric scraps with me? No fabric scrap is too small for this sewing project. And the result is a colorful zippered pouch - an absolute one-of-a-kind. You can download the sewing pattern for free.

The most important things at a glance

  • In this post, I will show you how to sew a beautiful zippered pouch from mini fabric scraps, so-called "inchies"
  • You can easily download the free pattern for the Nanami pouch in this post
  • The pouch is sewn using non-stretch cotton
  • With the illustrated step-by-step instructions, even sewing beginners can sew a very special and unique pouch

So many fabric scraps - and no idea what to do with them?

You probably already know that I love putting together even the smallest fabric scraps into colorful sewing projects. I also made a tutorial on how to create a new fabric from fabric scraps. What else do I love? Sewing bags!

Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps

In this post, I'll show you how to sew a beautiful zippered pouch from mini fabric scraps, so-called "inchies". The colorful mix of fabric scraps makes this bag something truly unique - I just love that every little bit of fabric reminds me of my previous sewing projects!

The advantage of this sewing method? You can really use inchies that your sewing machine would otherwise just swallow up. :)

You need these materials for sewing

Pictures: This is what it looks like in the end

Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps
Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps
Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps
Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps
Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps

Happy inchie sewing

yours, Sabine

Sewing a bag out of fabric scraps

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sewing pattern is used to sew the pouch in the tutorial?

In this tutorial, I sew the pretty little bag using the Nanami pattern, which you can download for free in this post. But of course, you can also choose any other pattern and sew yourself a bag out of fabric scraps (so-called inchies, as in this post).

Is the tutorial also suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can easily implement this technique, because it is not difficult at all. In the end, you will be amazed at your beautiful and unique creation. :)

What fabrics can you use to sew the bag out of scraps?

Non-stretch cotton is best for sewing the pouch. Before cutting, you should make sure that the fabric scraps match, i.e., have the same properties so that you can easily work with them together.

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Step-by-step instructions

Sew a bag from fabric scraps (inchie technique)

Photo tutorial for a bag made from fabric scraps using the inchie technique (1-inch squares on Vlieseline H250). You'll need the Nanami make-up pouch pattern as a base.

  • Download the pattern for the bag
  • You need a piece of Vlieseline H250 about twice the size of the fabric piece needed for the bag
  • It all starts with an inchie: make yourself a template with a side length of 1 inch (2.54 cm)
  • It doesn't have to be that precise: the bigger the fabric squares, the quicker the project — the smaller, the busier the look
  1. Step

    Draw a grid

    • Draw a grid with the side length of your fabric squares on the back of the Vlieseline H250
    • Use a ballpoint pen, for example
    • Never use a pen that disappears when ironed (because we'll be pressing the fabric in between — and we'll need the markings again afterwards)
    Draw a grid
  2. Step

    Fill the grid with fabric squares

    • Fill the grid with fabric squares
    • I place the interfacing directly on the ironing board so that I don't have to move it afterwards
    Fill the grid with fabric squares
  3. Step

    Iron on the fabric squares

    • Once the whole grid is filled, it's time to iron
    • To stop anything from slipping, I put a piece of baking paper between the iron and the fabric
    • As soon as the fabric squares are fixed in place, I carry on ironing without baking paper
    Iron on the fabric squares
  4. Step

    Fold the interfacing

    • I fold the interfacing lengthwise so that the marking lies exactly on the fold
    • I like to secure it all with fabric clips
    Fold the interfacing
  5. Step

    Mark the seam allowance

    I use washi tape to mark a seam allowance of 5 millimetres.

    Mark the seam allowance
  6. Step

    Sew along the lengthwise markings

    I sew along this marking with a straight stitch all the way from one fabric edge to the other. I repeat this until all the lengthwise markings have been sewn.

    Sew along the lengthwise markings
  7. Step

    Press the seam allowances

    • Then press all the seam allowances in one direction
    • I use baking paper for this again too

    Then press the fabric once more from the right side.

    Press the seam allowances
  8. Step

    Sew along the crosswise markings

    Next, sew along the crosswise markings as well. I make sure that all the seam allowances lie in the same direction.

    Sew along the crosswise markings
  9. Step

    Final press

    And give it another good press. Then I can use the "new fabric" however I like.

    If the seam allowances get in the way, I carefully snip into them. This releases the tension.

    Final press
  10. Step

    Finish with the Nanami pattern

    Now all you need is the sewing instructions for the Nanami makeup bag. Then you can get started!

    Finish with the Nanami pattern

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.