Upcycled Brown Paper Bag = Zip Pouch

I have been wanting to try crafting zip pouches with brown paper bags for a while now. We have lots of these as we use them over and over again, and we also use them to gather paper recycling. I have always like the crafty earthy paper bags and do use them for various crafting projects from time to time.

Second Attempt: Quite pleased with this zip pouch

Inspired by my scrap stash I finally gave zip pouches a try. My first attempt was not too successful, and why I won't learn to just do a scaled back sample first is beyond me. My first did not go to well the paper was way to crunchy and stiff to turn inside out to my desired shape and is kind of a crumpled and stiff and as a result of being handled stitches popped in several places.

First attempt: Less then perfect

My thought was to cut the brown paper into pieces then put it through the washer and the dryer to have it become more pliable like fabric. Wanting this now I opted to just get it wet, that did the trick, I thouroughly soak my sewn piece then rung it out. It was a lot more pliable and I could shape and turn it nicely. I let it air dry overnight and it is just as I wanted.

I used a light weight fusible fleece and raw edge applique to affix fabric detail. Coin purse ended up 5.5 x 3.5 inches and is lined in 100% cotton. A few buttons stitched as detail and a zipper closure complete this pouch.

A few more tweaks on sizing and embellishments and who knows you might see these upcycled zip pouches in my shop someday, because I have A LOT of scraps.