We all have a need for a container to hold our "stuff". Whether it's pens, scissors, paper clips, notes... you need something to hold it all. And you want it to be attractive and match your home decor.

Well this little bag is the perfect accessory for your desk or kitchen counter. Make it out of left over fabric from your curtains or seat cushions and you now have a decorative junk holder that harmonizes with your room!

Follow these easy step by step instructions to complete this simple sewing project.

You will need:

Sharp scissors
Fabric for the outside of the bag (17 3/8" x 9")
Fabric for the inside of the bag (17 3/8" x 9 3/8")
Thread to match your inside fabric
Straight edge ruler
Seam ripper
Instructions

Step 1. Cut both your fabrics to the dimensions listed in your supply list above

Step 2. Fold your outside fabric crosswise right sides together, aligning raw edges

Step 3. Sew along the side edge and bottom edge with a 3/8" seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.

Step 4. Fold your inside fabric crosswise right sides together, aligning raw edges

Step 5. Sew along the side edge and bottom edge with a 3/8" seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.

Step 6. Stitch about an inch of stitching and backstitching on both sides of 2" on the bottom stitching line you just did in the step above.

Step 7. Remove the stitching in between the stitches made above with your seam ripper. You now have a 2" hole in the bottom seam

Step 8. With your outside fabric, align the bottom seam with the side seam... keep the top raw edges aligned... and flatten the fabric. You will have a diamond shape. Do the same with the inside fabric.

Step 9. Measure down from the tip 1 5/8" along the stitching lines and mark. Repeat for the other side. Do this for both fabrics.

Step 10. Sew across the tip at each mark made above. Make sure the seams are pressed open when you sew across them.

Step 11. Trim off the tips (optional)

Step 12. Turn the outside fabric bag right side out and insert it into the inside fabric bag (which is still wrong side out). Align the side seams and top raw edges. Pin around the top edge.

Step 13. Sew a 3/8" seam around the top edge. Make sure the seams are pressed open when you sew across them.

Step 14. Pull the outside fabric bag through the 2" hole of the inside fabric bag.

Step 15. Close up the hole by either hand whip-stitching it shut or stitching on top with a straight stitch. This is going to be on the inside of the bag, so it doesn't have to be perfect.

Step 16. Tuck the inside fabric into the outside fabric bag.

Step 17. Pull on the inside fabric bag so that 1/4" of the inside fabric show on the outside. Pin in place

Step 18. Stitch around the top edge of the bag close to the seam to hold the lining in place.

Step 19. Fold the top edge over.

Visit http://www.simplesewingprojects.com to read this article with detailed diagrams and photos.

Wasn't that easy! This is a perfect sewing project to work with a teen or child on.

You can also dress this bag up even more with sewing embroidery on the front of the bag or appliqueing a design. Consider using a decorative stitch along the top edge before folding it down. Or add fringe to the top edge. You would add the fringe in step 13.

Happy Sewing!

Jennifer Thoden