Tips for sewing with foam

Foam (like Bosal In-R-Form, Pellon Flex Foam, Soft and Stable by Annie)  is one of my favorite types of interfacing that I use for bags and pouches.  But foam is bulky and if it remains in the seam allowances, you will end up with bulky seam allowances. For many patterns this is not a problem (I use it this way a lot in my bags) but it really depends on the construction of the bag/pouch.

Here is one of the pouches I have made recently- bulky seam allowances that show in the final pouch- an ugly look! I had to make something to remedy the problem…

Tips for sewing with foam interfacing
so here is the look with foam kept out of the seam allowances.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingHere is instructions on how to do that.

For this simple pouch (the pink one), I used these pieces:
interfacing: 9” x 16”
fabric for the outer pouch and lining: 10” x 17”

I rounded two corners of the interfacing and fused it to the fabric.
If your foam is not fusible, you should stitch it to fabric (sew a grid).

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingThen layer the interfaced piece with lining, right sides together.  Use pins/clips to keep the pieces together.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingSew precisely right along the edge of the interfacing, leaving a gap.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingLeave intact the seam allowances of the gap, trim the rest to 1/8”.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingPress open the seam allowances of the gap (this will help you close the gap in the next step).

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingTurn the piece right side out, push out the corners, press all the edges well. Topstitch close to the edge to close the gap.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingThe beautiful rounded edges of the piece.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacing

Tips for sewing with foam interfacing

Fold the piece as shown below, with the lining side inside. Now you have a pouch with flap. Use clips to keep the vertical edges together. Stitch close to these edges.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingTopstitch close to the edge of the flap.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingInsert snaps in the desired location.
I also topstitched just a little above the opening of the pouch. Because of the thick foam, the lining separates in an unpleasant way from the interfaced piece, when you close the pouch. This stitching should not be visible on the front of the pouch.

Tips for sewing with foam interfacingI had to make two pouches, because it is too easy and fun!
I hope you will try this simple pouch!

Tips for sewing with foam interfacing

But how about a double pouch??

Snap pouch patternsThe same simple technique + just a few more easy steps and you will end up with a double pouch with three compartments!

Snap pouch patternsFinishing the pouches with snaps makes the process so quick and easy.

Snap pouch patternsBut how about a pouch with zipper?

Snap pouch patterns

You have now 4 compartments, one of them secured with zipper.

Snap pouch patternsMixing fabrics! So fun!

Snap pouch patternsYou can make the pouches in any size you want or need.

Snap pouch patternsSnap pouch patternsThe patterns work with lots of fabric and interfacing types…

Snap pouch patterns
If want to learn more about the patterns for these pouches, click on the link below.

Snap Pouch Patterns

Happy sewing!

 

Similar Posts

2 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for this. Looking forward to making a few pouches with my new patterns! Love your patterns. Always very complete and easy to follow instructions.
    Our weather has been miserable. Snow, iced roads –not the south Texas weather we are used to. Many without electricity and/or water.

  2. I would love to purchase your products and have tried many times unfortunately I do not have PayPal so it’s a big problem for me. Can you help with this please. Gill

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *