Sew a bag or pouch

What can we use if we don't have a fabric marker, pins, or a regular sewing needle?

Use tailor's chalk or a pencil to mark the rectangle and 1 cm seam allowance, replace pins with safety pins, paperclips, or binder clips when pinning the sides and bottom, and use a blunt plastic/yarn needle or a sewing machine and embroidery floss or dental floss instead of a regular needle and thread.

My seams are coming loose or my stitches are uneven—how can I fix that?

Practice the running stitch on scrap fabric making small even 0.5 cm stitches as instructed, pin the pieces carefully so the edges line up before sewing, double your thread or tie a secure knot at the end of the 50 cm thread, and remove pins before turning the pouch right side out to avoid snags.

How can I adapt this project for younger children or older kids who want more challenge?

For younger kids, pre-cut the two matching fabric rectangles, use a blunt plastic needle or fabric glue and larger, easy-to-handle stitches, while older children can measure and mark a precise 1 cm seam allowance, sew with a machine, add a zipper or lining, or practice smaller, neater 0.5 cm running stitches.

What are fun ways to personalize or upgrade the finished pouch?

After turning the pouch right side out through the open top you can add a fabric-lined pocket or zipper, embellish with buttons, ribbons, fabric markers, or fabric glue, embroider a name, or attach appliqué shapes before sharing a photo on DIY.org.