Poke - Draw String Pouch

This is a Poke or Draw String Bag. This has a french origin as "poque, diminutive, poquette" which is the origin of pocket or "small bag". One of the nice things about this bag is that once it is filled, it will sit on its bottom. It is made of 4 panels of leather in contrasting colors. This is a great way to utilize scrap leather. The pouch is hand stitched with a whip stitch and 2 tabs for ease of opening.

The pattern is a chevron shape. You can adjust this larger or smaller to suit your needs. You will need to cut a total of 4 of these for the pouch.

Leather, chrome tanned. - 2 colors to make a contrast

Leather Cord - 1' is enough for the drawstring

Waxed thread - I used artificial sinew which is a poly waxed thread.

Glover's Needles - this is a triangular shaped needle, be careful this will go through you finger just as easily. (See Picture).

Contact cement - used for the tabs

Eyelets and Eyelet setting tool - optional

Dress Makers chalk - used to mark the pattern on dark leather.

Leather Shears

Hole punch

Belt End Punches - Optional

Use the dress makers chalk to trace the pattern onto the leather. You can use other methods for outlining the pattern on leather, but this is my preferred method.

You will need 4 panel total for the bag. These can be the same color if you prefer or even 4 different colors. You will also need 2 tabs for the opening/closing side of the bag. These are made by cutting a straight piece of leather and cutting the ends 1 1/2" long.

Starting with the finished sides together, sew two different colors together. Starting at the base of the chevron double stitch 1/2" then continue towards the point. When complete, start sewing another panel onto these in the same fashion. Continue sewing all the panels together until sew the last panels into a pouch. Make sure to reinforce the point of the pouch with double stitching. .

At this point you need to turn the pouch rightsize out. Push the seams gently from the inside to give you a nice line.

The tabs need to be glue on with contact cement. Place the glue hallfway down the tabs. Press onto the panels you will be using for the fonr and rear of the pouch. Let the glue dry and...

You will need to punch 4 hole per panel for the pouch to close properly. Punch 2 inside the tabs, these i decided to add grommets in. Take care to line the holes up using a straight edge.

Using a grommet setter add grommets to reinforce the holes in the pouch. My setter has an anvil and punch that are used with a 2 piece grommet.

Starting on the side you want as the front, lace into the hole on the tab. The lace needs to come out of the next hole not on the tab. Continue lacing in/out through consecutive holes until you get to the opening tab. Even up the lace ends and tie a simple knot to make sure the drawstring will not come out. Use the tabs and drawstring to sinch tight.

This is a nice hand stitched draw string pouch that will look fantastic with you next pirate or cosplay costume. "For The Horde!". The cord can be decorated with you favorite beads to spice it up.