This DIY School Supplies is for a binder pouch. The instructions are for a 3 ring binder, but you can customize it to your needs. I was inspired by one of my daughter’s pencil cases. Her pencil case had all interior seams exposed. In this tutorial I will show you how to make the binder pouch with all seams enclosed. The pouch also features a vinyl window to show your favorite fabric. A binder pouch like this can be used for school it is also handy to store sewing supplies.
The finished measurements are: 10 1/2″ W x 5 1/4″ L
You’ll Need:
1/3 yd waterproof canvas (If using other fabric, interface with Fusible Fleece)
11″ x 7 1/2″ cotton fabric for lining (Featured fabric)
Vinyl
Fusible Vinyl to protect lining (optional)
3 – 1/4″ grommets
Cutting Instructions
From the Canvas cut:
- 2 zipper bands: 11″ x 1 3/8″
- 4 Side bands: 1 3/4″ x 5 1/4″
- Body: 11 x 9 1/2″
Lining (Featured fabric)
- 11″ x 7 1/2″
Clear Vinyl
- Front Window 8 1/4″ x 5 1/4″
Fusible vinyl
- to fuse over featured fabric 11 x 7 1/2″
Sewing Instructions
All seam allowances are 1/4″
For this example I used waterproof canvas, and no interfacing is needed. If you use a different fabric, interface your pieces with fusible fleece.
Sewing the Vinyl Window
- Fusible vinyl is convenient to protect your fabric from crayons and pencil marks (it is also convenient for cosmetic bags). If you are using it, fuse the fusible vinyl to the lining according to the product instructions.
- Sandwich the vinyl piece between two of the side bands (right sides together) and stitch.
- Finger Press side bands away from vinyl and topstitch 1/8″ close to the vinyl.
- Repeat on the other side
Zipper Installation
If using zipper tape, do not install the zipper pull yet. It is easier to sew the zipper without the zipper pull.
- Baste the zipper to the Body (11 x 9 1/2″) face down.
- Place the lining on top of the Zipper right sides together (Zipper will be sandwiched between the Body and Lining)
- Sew accurately using 3/8″ seam allowance – It is important to have an even spacing.
- Finger Press the Body away from the zipper, move lining out of the way, and top stitch the Body only 1/8″ from the zipper.
Sandwich the other zipper side between the zipper bands and stitch.
Finger press zipper bands away from the zipper and topstitch 1/8″ from the zipper.
Attaching the Vinyl Window
Stitch the vinyl piece to the inner zipper band only (right sides together).
Press the inner zipper band seam allowance, matching the previous stitching and topstich 1/8″ from the fold. This will enclose the vinyl window seam.
Move the lining out of the way and stitch the bottom of the vinyl window to the body.
Finishing
- Attach the zipper pull making sure that the pouch closes to the left.
- Place the lining towards the vinyl window.
- Fold the pouch so there is 1/4″ of the body above the zipper and about 1″ on the bottom.
- The space in the bottom will be used to install the grommets. Make sure the zipper is open and stitch the side through all layers.
- Repeat on the other side
Turn the pouch to the right side through the zipper opening. Push the corners under the lining using a point turner or a chopstick.
Press the grommet band seam to the bottom and top stitch 1/8″, catching the lining. If using fusible vinyl, press the lining using the fusible vinyl paper to remove the wrinkles.
Installing the grommets
Mark the center of the grommets band and 4 3/8″ to both sides – you can customize the grommet placements at this point.
Cut a small circle to set your grommets – I used the cutter die of my grommet press. (you can also use grommet pliers or a grommet setting tool).
Install the grommets following your setting tool instructions.
These binder pouches are very convenient and your kids (and older ones too) will love them! I had a lot of fun making a few of these as gifts for the kids in my son’s birthday party!
Please share pictures in our Facebook Group and on Instagram using hashtag #myhandmadespace. It makes me happy to see what you are making!
Happy Sewing,
Anabelle
