Turn Fabric Scraps into Beautiful Everyday Pouches
During the holidays, I found myself sorting through bins of fabric scraps that I'd been saving for years. Many of the prints no longer reflected my current style, yet I couldn't bring myself to part with them. Rather than letting them continue to collect dust, I wanted to find a way to use lots of them systematically—and get a fun project out of it too.
I've always admired the charm of English Paper Piecing (EPP). Beyond its beautiful, hand-crafted look, it's one of the most relaxing ways to sew. Because each hexie is made one at a time, it's wonderfully portable—you can stitch a few while travelling, watching a movie, waiting at an appointment, or simply enjoying a quiet evening. You don't need a sewing machine or hours of uninterrupted time, making it the perfect project for busy seasons of life.
"English Paper Piecing is an incredible scrap-buster. Unlike many quilting projects that rely on coordinating fabrics, EPP embraces variety. It gives you permission to mix colours, stripes, geometrics, florals, and novelty prints that might never work on their own. Somehow, once they're stitched together, they create a fabric that is richer and more interesting than any single print could be."
If my Patchwork Zip Pouch Pattern was an exploration of composition and layout through a more abstract design, the Quilted Hexie Pouch Pattern became an exploration of colour and prints, using the traditional shape of English Paper Piecing.
I've long wanted to discover how dozens of busy prints could come together to create something cohesive, and EPP gave me the perfect opportunity to finally use my mixed fabric stash and see what beautiful combinations would emerge.
This project is a wonderful example of how one simple idea can gradually evolve into a finished design, so I wanted to share the design process with you.
1. Choose Your Hexie Size
I started with 1" and 1¼" hexagon papers, which meant each fabric scrap needed to be roughly, a 3"~ 4" square to allow for seam allowances. Having this size requirement made it much easier to sort through my scrap bins and decide what could be used.
2. Do You Have a Charm Pack in Your Stash?
If you have a charm pack tucked away in your fabric stash, you're already halfway there!
One of the things I love about this project is that it works beautifully with pre-cut 5" × 5" charm packs. You don't have to cut into your larger yardage, and it's a wonderful way to finally use those charm packs you've been saving for "the perfect project."
Whether you use all 1" hexies, combine 1" and 1¼" hexies, or make several pouches from a single collection, it's a fun way to stretch one charm pack into a variety of projects.
One standard charm pack (42 squares) can make plenty of hexies for multiple pouch combinations, depending on the sizes you choose. For example, you can make 6 (yes, six!) small pouches from one charm pack.
3. Make Lots of Hexies
My goal was simple: use as many fabric scraps as possible. I wasn't overly concerned about coordinating colours or prints at this stage—I just kept making hexies.
English Paper Piecing is such a satisfying stash-busting project because each hexagon can be completed in just a few minutes. It's perfect for evenings, holidays, road trips, or any time you only have small pockets of sewing time.
Watching the growing pile of colourful hexies was incredibly rewarding, and I couldn't wait to see what they would eventually become.
4. Sort by Colour and Style
Once I had a generous collection of hexies, I spread them out and began grouping them by colour and style.
I'm still learning to mix many colours confidently, so I decided to focus on one dominant colour family for each pouch. What surprised me most was discovering just how many bright fabrics had quietly accumulated in my stash over the years!
<The red hexies are a collection of random scraps, whereas the pink hexies are all from the Denyse Schmidt collection>
<The hexies below are mostly from French General's La Vie Boheme Charm Pack, and Liberty of London fabric scraps>
5. Let the Fabric Guide the Design
Normally I design the bag first and then choose fabrics to suit it. This project unfolded in exactly the opposite way.
Since the size of my hexagon panels was already determined, the pouch dimensions naturally followed. Instead of forcing the design, I simply let the process lead me—and I'm so glad I did.
The result was three incredibly practical zip pouch sizes that are perfect for everyday organization, travel, sewing notions, knitting supplies, and works-in-progress. Each one has its own purpose, and I honestly love using all three.
A Perfect Scrap Fabric Project
If you have a basket overflowing with small fabric scraps, this Quilted Hexie Pouch Pattern is a wonderful way to give them new life.
This pattern invites you to:
- Mix and match your favourite fabric scraps
- Explore colour and pattern through English Paper Piecing
- Add optional embroidery for extra texture and personality
- Create neat zippered pouches with a polished finish
- Sew three versatile sizes for crafting, travel, and everyday organization
* Quilted Hexie Pouch pattern is available at my shop
I hope this project inspires you to give English Paper Piecing a try. Even if you don't turn your hexies into pouches right away, you can slowly build a collection and save them for future quilts, bags, or home décor projects.
One of the things I love most about EPP is how portable it is. You can stitch a few hexies while travelling, relaxing in the garden, or spending time with family. It's also simple enough for kids and beginners to enjoy, making it a wonderful hand-sewing project to share. A quick EPP tutorial is available on my YouTube channel.
*Quilted Hexie Pouch pattern is available at my shop
If you have any questions about the pattern or the process, I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you so much for visiting Indigobird. Wishing you a wonderful summer and happy stitching!
Warmly,
Darae