When I spotted this beautiful 6" wooden kiss lock frame at a local craft shop, I couldn't resist picking it up. It came with a set of small screws—perfect for securely fastening the layers of fabric sandwiched together.
There’s something so satisfying about thatclickof a wooden kiss lock frame closing around your handmade creation. These retro-inspired pouches are perfect for carrying small essentials—or gifting with flair.
Feel free to download the paper template I used for this bag.
🧵 Materials You’ll Need:
Outer fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14") – quilting cotton or linen works beautifully
Lining fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14")
Fusible fleece, foam or batting: 2 pieces (approx. 9.5" x 13.5")
6" wooden kiss lock frame
Coordinating thread
Fabric glue (optional, but helpful for positioning)
Your usual sewing tools: scissors/rotary cutter, pins or clips, iron, sewing machine
✂️TIP: If you're using directional fabric, make sure your pattern faces up from the bottom of the pouch!
Step 1:Cut your outer and lining fabrics using this template.
As my main fabric wasn't directional, I cut it as a one piece, rather than 2, shortening the central part (bottom seam allowance line).
Step 2: Fuse the Fleece
Iron the fusible fleece (or foam) to the wrong side of your outer fabric pieces or simply quilt the batting to the main fabric for more textured look, like I did.
This gives your pouch structure and a soft feel.
Step 3: Sew the Outer & Lining Pieces
Outer Fabric: Place right sides together and sew around the sides and bottom using a 1/2 " seam allowance.
Lining Fabric: Repeat the same processbut leave a 2–3" turning gapat the bottom.
Step 4: Join Outer and Lining
Turn the outer pouch right side out. Keep the lining inside out.
Nest the outer pouch inside the lining—right sides should be facing.
Align and clip top edges and sew around the entire top curve.
Pull the outer pouch through the gap you left in the lining.
Stitch the gap closed with a small ladder stitch or machine-stitch close to the edge.
Push the lining into the pouch and give everything a good press.
Step 5: Attach the Wooden Frame
Slide the top edge of your pouch into the frame evenly.
You can use a small amount of fabric glue to hold it in place.
Use the screws to fix everything together for extra security.
Repeat on the other side.
I also stitched up a matching fabric and my Adventale Renaissance ribbon handle, embellished with piping for an extra touch of flair.
I hope that this was helpful! I certainly loved creating mine!!!
If you’ve ever made a zippered boxed pouch and ended up with your cute directional fabric turned sideways (or upside down… oops), this one’s for you!
I’ve updated my go-to pouch tutorial with a smart little fix: free downloadable templatethat helps you easily work with directional prints—no more guessing or flipping pieces around. Whether you're making one for yourself, as a gift, or to use up those irresistible fabric scraps, this version keeps things tidy, professional-looking, and beginner-friendly.
You can watch my video on You tube with a process—from cutting the fabric to sewing the boxed corners—so you can make these pouches with confidence (and style).
The only difference is in size (the non directional one-like this above ditsy floral burgundy one is a bit larger and the main fabric was all one piece and that I didn't cut the corners immediately.
Also, in THIS post you can find more info about embellishing the fabrics and pouch with ribbon details.
🧵 Materials You’ll Need - for the finished size 9" x 5" x 5"
Outer fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14") – quilting cotton or linen works beautifully
Lining fabric: 2 pieces (10" x 14")
Fabric for the tabs and handle: (3.5" x 12.5") to be cut after sewing in 3 pieces
Fusible fleece, foam or batting: 2 pieces (approx. 9.5" x 13.5")
15" Zipper and pulls (1 or 2 -it's up to you)
Coordinating thread
Your usual sewing tools: scissors/rotary cutter, pins or clips, iron, sewing machine
✂️TIP: If you're using directional fabric, make sure your pattern faces up from the bottom of the pouch!
As Adventale fabric collection has a lot of cute panels that can be very inspiring and unique for gift-giving projects and has that Alphabet panel that can be such a beautiful way to turn initials into stitched art.
*discard the numbers on this first paper template-that was a first test, so it's not perfect and was improved
I started with cutting the letters M and R in 7.5" squares. I added 7.5" x 3.5" rectangles in Twinkle Little Stars Sky fabric on both sides and sew them together.
Then I added 1.5" x 14" rectangles in Jolly Ribbons Festive fabric at the top, where the zipper will be sewn to both rectangles and there should be added another 2" x 14" rectangles of another fabric for the bottom ( I added that small ditsy floral from my Plentiful collection).
Here are quilted and sewn together both sides. My lining is Twinkle Little Stars in Ruby.
I also did the other pouch but all in one fabric, using another fun letter print from the collection called Letters to Santa.
Instructions:
I like to use plastic zippers sold by the meter. They are affordable, available in many colors and they are easy to sew over, without the fear that the sewing needle might broke. While the easiest way to use them is to simply detach the sides and install the zipper pulls (sliders) only after sewing the zipper to both main fabric panel and lining, I filmed also the version with the zipper pulls on from the beginning, so I hope that this overlapping of two zipper methods will not be confusing.
Prepare the Fabric:
Cut the outer layer fabric, batting and lining fabric according to the specified dimensions. Cut the rectangle that will be used for the handle and tabs.
Ensure that all pieces are neatly cut to size. Quilt the main fabric to the batting as desired-this is to stabilize the fabric and give more structure to the bag. You can avoid this step by using some thicker fabric, like canvas or similar.
Clip the fabrics and zipper tape to mark the centers for easier matching.
Make the Handle and Tabs:
Take the 12.5” x 3.5” (32 cm x 9 cm) rectangle.
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and press along the fold to create a center crease.
Open up the fold and press both longer sides towards the center crease.
Fold the rectangle closed again along the original center crease.
Topstitch along both longer edges of the rectangle to secure the folds in place.
From this rectangle, cut the handle at 6.5” and the remaining 6” divide in half to obtain two 3” pieces that will be folded in half to become tabs.
Attach the Zipper:
-I have filmed 2 videos: one is showing the zipper with the pulls already on (in case that you are applying the regular, ready to sew zipper) while the other clip in the video is showing the easiest way to attach the plastic zipper and add the zipper pulls (sliders) by yourself. If you wish to add pulls on both ends of the zipper, take care to insert them in opposite directions—from the ends toward the center. Be mindful to avoid any weird bubbles forming, which can depend on how the zipper teeth are picked up in installation.
Place one outer layer piece face up.
Position the zipper face down along the top edge of the fabric.
Align one lining piece face down on top of the zipper.
Stitch along the edge to attach the zipper.
Repeat the process with the remaining outer layer and lining pieces on the other side of the zipper. Ensure that the sides are neatly overlapping and flat, then press them down. Proceed to top stitch along both sides of the zipper edge to secure them in place.
Create the Pouch Body:
Open the zipper halfway to facilitate turning the pouch right side out later.
I suggest to add the zipper tabs right now in the beginning, as it will also secure the sliders and prevent unzipping.
Trim off the excess of the zipper tape at this point.
Turn the pouch right sides inside and stitch the bottom edge of the lining layer, leaving a larger opening for turning. Finger or iron press this seam open, for easier stitching.
Fold the fabric pieces so that the outer layer pieces are right sides together, and the lining pieces are right sides together.
Finding your centers (clipped or marked at the beginning), align your bottom edges right sides inside so that they are overlapping the zipper that will be in the middle, make sure that the tabs are in, the zipper is in the center and that everything is even. Clip or pin together both sides.
Box the Corners:
Press your bag nicely, making sure that everything is aligned.
Stitch both sandwich edges (with zipper in the middle) closed.
You can add the handle on one side of the bag by finding the center of your seams, securing the handle with the clip and sewing over. You can either sew it to just one side by securing it or you can clip it together with all two layers that will make the boxed corner and sew over. Making sure that the handle is going straight, you need to bring it to the other side and repeat the same process of aligning it to the center of your seam, securing and stitching it in place.
Finish the Pouch:
Turn the pouch right side out through the opening in the lining.
Push out the corners to ensure they are fully formed. Check that everything is nice and even and that there aren’t some holes or missed seams.
Stitch the opening in lining closed using a slip stitch or topstitch.
Press the pouch to remove any wrinkles and ensure a smooth finish.
Your boxed cosmetic fabric pouch is now ready to use or gift!
I hope that this was helpful, but I am sure that watching the video will make the process even easier.
I can't wait to find time to make another video in horizontal format! Hopefully soon.
This beautifully curated line of ribbons brings the soft, wintry essence of Adventale to a new medium—perfect for adding a heartfelt, handcrafted touch to gift wrapping, sewing projects, journaling, and more.
Designed with the same attention to detail and aesthetic as the Adventale fabric collection, each ribbon carries the warmth, nostalgia, and storybook charm you've come to love.
🌿 Available June 2025
🎁 Ideal for makers, crafters, and gift-givers 💌 Limited release—once it’s gone, it’s gone
Designing it was such a joy, and using it on my first project (a little pouch!) truly felt like a dream come true.
Hi! I'm proud mama of 3 gorgeous kids that are true inspiration for my work. I love to create and express myself through many forms of art: collages, drawings, illustrations, calligraphy, graphic design, textile and surface design, printing, photography, sewing.....
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