Okay, I know I have talked about these pouches before – hmmm… lots! And I know that you already know that I love them – they make a great quick gift idea. But they also use a technique that I have found really useful, so that is why they are front and centre again today!

 Noodlehead Open Wide Zipper Pouch

Funny thing, this blog started (1 year ago now) with an Open Wide Zipper Pouch, here. Since then I have posted a few I’ve made here and most recently here. That given, so far I have only made the smallest of the 3 sizes that Anna provides a tutorial for. As usual with Anna’s tutorials the photos are easy to follow, the directions are specific and everything looks super polished when you are done. I can’t say enough good about her tutorials and patterns. Try this pouch even if you have not installed a zipper in a project before. Her instructions make the process really simple and will leave you wondering why you hadn’t used them before!

Now, on to our technique.

Whenever I stitched something in the past that had to be turned right-side out, I was always irritated by the uneven edge that was left to stitch up, and it would take a long time to evenly fold the seam allowances to the inside.

I found that if I took a second to fold and iron the seam allowance before turning, the edge was already marked – without all of the extra fiddling and folding.

Here’s what I mean, using the Noodlehead Open Wide Pouch. The opening is in the bottom of the lining. (Sorry for the orange dots – it’s a bit hard on the eyes!)

(1) Fold the seam allowances open to both sides. (2) Iron them flat. (3) Turn the pouch, take a look at the precisely folded edges on the opening! (4) Match and pin your ironed and tidily folded edges. (5) Stitch close to the edge to close the opening. ~ Wasn’t that easy!

This also works on flat items, like the Super Hero Cape. Just fold both seam allowances up and iron (use lots of steam to get a good fold). Then turn and top-stitch or hand-stitch the opening closed.

Come back tomorrow for Sew Essential #5. (and click here (if you haven’t already) to enter to win some Tula Pink fat quarters!)