Great Granny Twist – Reusable Velcro Gift Pouches

Today is my turn on the Fat Quarter Shop and Lori Holt’s Great Granny Twist Blog Hop.  The blog hop is about taking Lori Holt’s Great Granny Squared book and putting a special “twist” to one of the blocks..

This blog hop got my wheels turning and churning.. With Christmas just around the corner, I originally thought a holiday inspired table runner, pillow or even a stocking would be great.. But as I was wrapping presents and thinking about how much paper we use/waste around the holidays, re-usable gift pouches came to mind.

I made the Mama block from page 17 in the book. I love this block – it’s simple, geometric and the colors really pop. When trimmed the block measures 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″.

I went back and forth on what size of gift pouch I should make and finally decided on one measuring 10″ x 10″.   Perfect in size to “wrap” kids toys, make-up, sewing supplies, kitchen essentials and even goodies for your husband..

Materials Needed:

• Cotton fabric – 4-5 colors [ or more! ]
• Great Granny Squared book
• Creative Grids ruler, Olfa rotary cutter and cutting mat
• Sewing machine and supplies
• Velcro strips
• Iron and ironing board

Before we get started..

1. Per the Great Granny Squared book, cut the fabric for the Mama block – cut fabric for 2 blocks.
2. Cut your lining pieces – Cut 2 squares measuring 10 1/2″ x 10 1/2″.
3. Cut the borders – Cut 2 rectangles measuring 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ and 2 rectangles measuring 2 1/2″ x 10 1/2″
4. Cut the Velcro  – Cut 1 strip measuring 9″.
5. Seams are 1/4″ unless indicated.

Let’s get started:

Step 1 – Make 2 Mama blocks. Trim blocks to match in size. These will be the outside/main pouch pieces.  Sew the borders onto the block. Start with the 2 short rectangles and stitch to top and bottom. Press. Then stitch the 2 long rectangles to the sides. Press.

Step 2 – Turn the blocks to be right sides facing. Place into your sewing machine and stitch together – stitch side seams and the bottom together with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Backstitch. Press seams.  Repeat for the lining pieces, but leave a small 2″ – 3″ opening along the bottom seam.  Backstitch. Press seams. Trim bottom corners on main pouch and lining pouch.

Step 3 – Trim bottom corners on main pouch and lining pouch.

Step 4 – Leave the main pouch facing right side in and turn the lining pouch facing right side out. Place the lining pouch into the main pouch, right sides should be facing each other. Match at side seams and wiggle corners into place. Pin along the top edge.  Place into your sewing machine and stitch the top edge together with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Backstitch. Press.

Step 5 – Pull the pouch right side out through the opening in the lining bottom. Press. Pin the opening closed. Place into your sewing machine and edgestitch.

Step 6 – Place main pouch into lining pouch/ Turn pouch so the lining is right side out. Open the velcro strip and place the hook side 1/4″ down from the top edge. Repeat for the loop side and place the hook side 1/4″ down from the top edge. Place into your sewing machine and topstitch the velcro in place.Wiggle corners into place and align at top edge. Press seams and also press around the top edge.

Step 7 – Turn right side out and enjoy!

That’s it! Fun right?  I’m a pouch fanatic and these can be used BEYOND gift pouches.  Change up the colors and they can hold your essentials year round.

I just love this Mama block.. Well, want to watch a unique twist?  The Fat Quarter Shop made a You Tube tutorial showing how to turn the block into an applique circle block. The picture below showcases the original block and the updated circle block quilt. Amazing, right?

Happy Sewing.. I’m sharing today with 2 other bloggers: Melissa of Oh So Sweet and Nadra of Elissa & Higgs. You can check out the rest of the tour here – entire tour.. Hop on over to each blog and see their “twist” on Lori’s Great Granny Squared blocks!