Today I will be showing you all how to make a simple chrysanthemum pouch. Weather you have little sewing experience, or a ton anyone can do it! c:

This is my first instructable so I'm still working out all the kinks so please be patient, and give a litlle advice if you feel the need!

Edit! I almost forgot! The idea is from the book "Omiyage" by Kumiko Sudo! This is how this is how I made it, and I uber recommend checking her book out sometime for more beautiful crafts! c:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this project you will need the following materials:

- 1-2 pieces of paper for your patten (I had to use two standard pieces of printer paper (U.S) in order to make my pattern)
- 2 colors of complimentary fabric -Preferably a satin-like of cotton-like fabric
- 2 15 inch (38 cm) lenghs of ribbon or cord that matches your fabrics
- A pair of sharp scissors
- A sharpened pencil
- Tape (if you need to tape your pattern paper together)
- Pins
- A ruler
- Thread matching one of your fabrics
- A sewing needle
- Iron (not shown)

Optional:

- Sewing Machine
- 4 beads to add to the ribbon ties at the end

Step 2: The Pattern

The pattern you will be making is a 9 1/2 inch by 9 1/2 inch square. (24.5 cm by 24.5 cm)

First tape your pieces of paper together if you need then using the corners of your sheet mark 9 1/2 in. (24.5 cm) up verticaly from the bottom of you sheet on both sides so you can connect them into on straight line horizantaly on the paper. then on the bottom of your page mark 9 1/2 in. (24.5 cm) on the bottom of the sheet from the corner horizantaly, and repeat on the top of the sheet in order to get two points that you can draw a vertical line up and down the paper. Connet these lines to create a 9 1/2 in. by 9 1/2 in. (24.5 cm by 24.5 cm) square.

This is your pattern!

Step 3: Cutting the Fabric

Now get out you fabrics! Either lay both layers down at one time, or cut them out seperately whatever works best for you! c:

Next lay your pattern down and pin around it.
Then cut out your two squares of fabric.
Remove pins.
Lay the sides you want facing out (the right sides) on the fianl project (the patterned side) together on the inside, with the sides you want on the inside facing out (the wrong sides).

Step 4: Sewing the Fabric Together

Now pin your two sides of fabric together, and make sure to mark a good 1 1/2 - 2 inch opening with two pins (just as a reminder!) to leave unstitched in order to turn the fabric the right side out.

Now if you are not using a sewing machine stitch a 1/4 in. (approx. 6 mm) from the edge with a strong back, or running stitch. Draw in the lines as a guide for your stitching to ensure an even line.

If you are using a machine the 1/4 in (approx. 6 mm) seam allowance is already included. So just find the correct placement and machine stitch around the same as you would hand stitch.

Remove pins.

Trim down the seam allowance a little, and clip the corners to about 1/8 in (approx. 3 mm) from the seam to make it easier to turn the corners.

Turn fabric right side out. Make sure to turn under the 1/4 in. (approx. 3 mm) seam allowance at the gap to match the rest of the fabric so you can stitch it close later.

Step 5: Press the Fabric

Now you want to press the fabric so you have a nice flat piece to work with.
Make sure to remove the pins before you press the gap so you don't get pin marks!

Step 6: Folding the Fabric

Now this is where it gets a little tricky, but be patient and take a break if you need to. The results are worth the effort!

First Blinds stitch the gap closed.

Next figure out which side you want for the outside of your pouch.
Then lay the side you want on the outside facing up toward you. I chose the red fabric for my outside, and the yellow for my inside.

Now take your ruler and find the center of each side of you square and mark them with a pin.
Now mark 3/4 in. (2 cm) on both sides of the middle pin on each side of the square.

Now fold one of the corners toward the center of the square until the upper edges match with the outer pins.
Pin the corner down.
Repeat with the other 3 corners. The folded edges should be about 1 1/2 in. (4 cm) from each other when all folded in. Adjust as needed to get them as close to that as possible.

Step 7: Sewing the Corners Down & Further Folding

Now follow the same sewing procedures from before except now you will be stitching 1/2 in. (1.5 cm) from the folds.
Do not stitch any farther then the edge of the folded corners!
This will form the loops we thread out ribbons through.

Thread your needle and knot it at the end.
Now fold the corner of the corner you folded in earlier to your new stitching line to create your "petals".
Tack down the petal with a few small stitches to hold it down.
Make sure only to stitch through the first two layers leaving the bottom layer free from the petal.
Repeat with the other 3 petals.

Step 8: Add the Ties and Finish!

Now take your two 15 in. (38 cm) ties and thread them through the loops.
If you want add your beads to the ties, then knot the ends of the ties.
If not knot the end of the ties without them.

Now tighten the loops to bring all the corners into the center creating the pouch.
Congratulations! You just made a chrysanthemum pouch!