Not knowing what to do with your old clothes? This project could give you an idea on how to re-use your old clothes and turn it into a pouch! Biji-Biji aims to tackle the problem of waste and encourages the use of alternative materials in fashion products. For more interesting sustainable fashion products, do check our page!

Before you get started, make sure all the materials and equipment needed is prepared.

Kits includes :

Measuring Tape/Ruler
Tailoring Chalk
Scissors
Thread
Sewing Machine
Cardboard
Pencil
Old/Un-used clothes
Zip

Step 1: Prepare the Pouch Pattern

For this pouch, you need to make only 1 pattern.

Draw a rectangle with width of 7 inch and length of 4 inch.

Place a 1 cm seam allowance all around the pattern and make marks for each seam allowance. ( refer to image )

Step 2: Cutting of Pattern

On this step, use a tailor scissors to get better quality of cutting

Fold the fabric in half and trace the pattern. Make sure you marked all the notches.

Cut the pattern and make small cuts on the mark points as indications.

Step 3: Attaching Zip

Take on of the pieces and fold down the 1cm seam allowance on the width of the pattern. to keep it flat you can iron the folded seam first.

Now take your zipper and put the edge of the folded seam next to the zipper teeth and pin it down to keep it secure.

stitch down the fabric to zipper and try to keep the stitching line as close as possible to the zipper for a better finishing. ( refer to image )

Do the same for the other piece.

Step 4: Attaching Two Sides of Fabric

Now set both pieces of fabric on top of each other. (make sure the right side of the fabrics are facing each other)

Sew the sides and bottom of the pouch.

To get sharp corners after you sew, you can snip the bottom edges and then turn the pouch inside out.

Iron flat the seams and your beautiful pouch is fully done and ready to be used!.

( Refer to the image for the finished sewing piece. )

Well done! you have finished all the steps and you can enjoy your new upcycled pouch.

Simple and quick to make, and it sure looks good too. Do check out our other collections of designer bags made from discarded materials, like seat belts and felt (from carpets).