18 February 2021
in  

Inklette Pouch

Woven bands have been a part of textile history for thousands of years, used in many cultures and countries around the world for both practical and decorative use. Here is a great little practical project you can make with your handwoven band that requires minimal sewing skills! I hope you enjoy this lovely little pouch project from Blanca De La Sotilla.

You can read more about Blanca here on her first Ashford Blog contribution. You can follow Blanca on Instagram @TunkiCrafts or Facebook TunkiCrafts

Happy Weaving!

Kate

From Blanca
“If you have never tried to use an inkle band for making a bigger piece, this is the perfect project for you. Let’s give it a try and I can promise you won’t regret it.”

You will need:

Loom: Inkle or Inklette

Warp yarn quantity and colour: Unmercerised cotton black and white 145m (50gm).

Weft yarn quantity and colour: Unmercerised cotton white 50m (50gm).

Other: Zipper (20cm), interlining, fabric lining (black), sewing thread, needle and pins.

 

Here’s how:

31 Threads in total – the black threads are doubled each time. 

Black squares are black threads, grey squares are white threads.

Warp the Inklette and weave the complete piece in plain weave, the warp creates the pattern.
Once you have woven the full length remove the strap from the loom.
Cut the strap in 20cm long pieces (7 pieces in total).
Do not panic when you cut the strap but do handle them carefully until you secure the ends with your sewing machine.

TIPS FOR SEWING THE ENDS OF AN INKLE BAND ON A SEWING MACHINE

  • Sew each band with enough space so the threads won’t go down and block the bobbin. There must be a little fabric at the right of the presser foot.
  • Using a Zig Zag stitch secures the ends better.
Align the seven strips.
Place the interlining on them.
Iron in place (do not slide the iron, just apply some pressure on it).
From now on, work with the pouch inside out. Cut the fabric lining leaving a margin of 3.5cm approx.
Fold the lining fabric over twice and mark it with the iron.
Use some pins to hold the zipper in place and sew the black top edges at the same time. Then sew the side seams.
Your project is complete, all there is left to do is turn it right side out.

Congratulations! You have made a gorgeous pouch! I hope you enjoy it.