I needed a better way to store the zippers, hardware, thread and other small items that I gather for each sewing project. When I learned about storage pods, they sounded like an ideal solution. I found several different patterns online. This is a Fabric Editions storage pods project review.

The link to the Fabric Editions Storage Pods free PDF pattern is:

Fabric Editions Storage Pods

This project is for personal use only.

For the purposes of my review, I’m going to summarize the basic steps, tell you what I did differently (if anything) and share my general thoughts about sewing this project.

Introduction

Storage pods are storage solutions that can either be stood up on a flat surface or hung from a hook. Often they have a front that is lower that the back to make it easier to see inside and reach inside. The Fabric Editions storage pods are 5.5” wide by 9.5” high by 5” deep (13.4 cm wide by 24.1 cm high by 12.7 cm deep).

Step 0 Gather Materials

The instructions indicate that fabrics should not be pre-washed. All of my fabrics are. This fat quarter friendly tutorial recommends quilting weight cotton with cotton batting. I used scraps of fabric with one layer of fusible fleece per storage pod. Some of my scraps were quilting weight cotton and others were lighter cotton that had previously had fusible interfacing applied to its wrong side.

 

Some of my fabric scraps weren’t quite big enough to cut out the entire pattern piece. I sewed two smaller scraps together and placed their seam along the pattern’s fold line. I applied my fusible fleece after this.

 

Step 1 Seams

The written instructions and diagrams were easy to follow. I sewed the exterior according to the instructions. I left a turning gap in the middle of the bottom seam of the lining.

 

Step 2 Boxing

I boxed the exterior corners according to the instructions and used the same procedure to box the interior.

 

Step 3 Final Assembly

Your hanging loop may match your exterior, match your interior or be made from contrasting fabric. The method used to create the fabric strip for the hanging loop is a common one that is well explained. You may wish to baste the ends of your loop together. One of mine shifted out of place when I was sewing the loops to my linings.

Sew the interior and exterior together. Sewing curves can be tricky. If you end up with a wrinkle in your lining, try pinning the back seam and front corner then their midpoints. I still had a wrinkle in my lining and gathered this small excess of fabric evenly at the front “v”, where it is hidden from view.

 

Turn your storage pod right-side out then top stitch. I have small hands and using turning gaps less than 2/3 the length of this bottom seam was impractical. Fortunately that was the case for only one of my storage pods. If your hands are larger, following the instructions regarding where to place your turning gap will make this step significantly easier.

Here are some photos of my finished storage pods:

 

 

 

Conclusion

The Fabric Editions Storage Pods are an advanced beginner project. The seam allowance is clearly stated and beginners will appreciate the well written instructions with diagrams. Sewing curves may be challenging. Sewers new to bag making have the opportunity to practice their skills boxing corners with a quick project. My storage pods are 5” wide by 8” high by 3” deep (12.7 cm wide by 20.3 cm high by 7.6 cm deep). I used the indicated ¼” seam allowance and suspect the are errors in the stated finished size.

This project was quick and fun to make. There are a great addition to my sewing room and bedroom. They would also make great gifts.

Have you tried this project? Did you like this storage pods project review? Comment below and/or Pin me for later! Subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

Tanya

 

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