Sashiko Zippy Pouch

My sister-in-law is a Japanophile.... she likes things Japanese (it is a real word - I looked it up). Back in the autumn Mum and I visited a local quilt show and saw some some zippy pouches with Sashiko embroidery on. I've done Sashiko embroidery once before, at the Harrogate quilt show, taught by a Japanese lady who spoke no English. I really enjoyed it and the next time I saw a kit, I bought one.

I decided to dig out the kit, and make my sister-in-law a Sashiko zippy pouch. But could I find that kit. I have searched high and low and it remains elusive. In came Jo (My Bear Paw) to save the day with a perfectly timed Sashiko project in Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine. I say perfectly timed, but said sister-in-law's birthday was on January 1st. As you can probably tell, this is a belated present. In my defence, this weekend is the first time I will have seen her since her birthday!

It was further belated when I saw the new Japanese-inspired Cotton and Steel prints. I had to wait until these were available, and I originally intended to use the navy mountain print as a lining, but when it came it was far too pretty, to put on the inside, so I've used it on the back, and dug out my favourite lining colour of the moment - bright coral pink. I hope she doesn't mind a splash of colour!

I made up the zippy pouch using my own measurements: 11.5" x 8.5" for the front and back panels and the lining panels, and then I box the corners by measuring 1.5" from the corner and stitching a straight line across, then trimming. I add tabs to the end of my zips using a great tutorial from Very Berry Handmade.

I can happily report that it was well received and is destined to become a wash bag.