Make a Pleated Pouch Bag

October 27th, 2008 in design

Threads Magazine, editor

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Make a sack to any proportion; 5 inches by 5 inches is a handy size.

Use whatever fabric you like. This bag is 16 inches by 12 inches and made from Chinese brocade.

This 9-inch by 7-inch version of the pouch bag makes a nice evening purse.

Make a sack to any proportion; 5 inches by 5 inches is a handy size.

Photo: Joseph Kugielsky

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by Carol Spier
An Online Extra to Threads #113

Cloth purses or bags are quick and fun to sew. Plus, a one-of-a-kind handmade bag is a treat to carry, and makes for a creative, thoughtful gift. With personal touches and a range of fabrics, you can sew a purse that's perfect for any style or occasion. We've gathered an assortment of small bags that celebrate the beauty of Chinese brocade, a luxe and colorful silk/rayon blend fabric. To make the bags—you can use any fabric you like—use the schematic diagrams and basic directions here.

To learn more about Chinese brocade, read "Exploring Chinese Silk-Faced Brocades" by Sarah Veblen in Threads #113.


1. Make a sack to any proportion; the bag shown at left is 5 inches by 5 inches.				2. Box the bottom corners		.


3. Turn right side out. Pleat the top at the sides or in the middle; whipstitch to secure the pleats.								.


4. Hand-sew a flap to back of bag; add a small button loop closure...		...or stitch a “waistband” to top of bag; or cover seam with contrasting bias; then sew a long bias loop to inside of one pleat, a button to opposite outside.