Hello my dears...
Remember my last post, where I extolled the virtues of fusible web and all of its no-sew, reversible-fabric goodness? Well, here I am again with another no-sew tutorial just for you...and just so you know, there are already a couple more tutorials in the works!...I've been in kind of a gotta-make-it-must-share-it frenzy lately...so much fun! Anyway, here is my latest distraction...

...little origami pockets...containers of joy~love notes~party favors~Valentines~chocolates~and all sorts of other sweet things. They are fast, fun and easy...a great big-kid and little-kid project!

I am going to go through the directions for these step by step. There are lots of pictures to help us along the way. Before we get too far in, though, let me give you a peek at some of the other little pockets that are hanging around here—it might be helpful as you choose your materials. There are two-sided fabric pockets, like the cotton ones above and this linen~on~linen one...

And there are paper-backed fabric pockets, like this map~on~linen one...

I used pages from an old, tattererd atlas {like in this project} for this pocket, but you could use any medium weight paper you choose.

Here is what you will need—

~fusible web
~fabric square and another piece of fabric or paper for the lining—the amounts needed will vary depending on the size of your pockets {one square foot is more than enough}
~an iron
~ruler
~scissors
~optional supplies include—a bone folder, glue, needle and thread, ribbon and any other embellishments desired.

Finished measurements—

Large—3 1/4" tall and 4 3/4" wide at the top opening
Small—2 3/4" tall and 4" wide at the top opening

And now without further ado, let's get started!

First we fuse...

Iron the fusible web to your fabric following the instructions on the packaging. Then peel off the paper backing...

Next iron the lining material {can be fabric or paper} to your piece of fabric ...

Here you see the two-sided fabric {one piece of linen lined with the map and the other piece of linen lined with a lighter weight white linen}...

Next, we need to crop the fabric so that it is ready for origami. You want a perfect square. The larger pockets are made with an 8" square and the smaller pockets are made with a 6" square...

Now we begin the origami!...
This is the simplest origami pattern that I know, and one that I remember learning as a girl. Maybe you went through a phase where you made these little paper cups when you were young too? I remember making dozens of them, filling them with water, drinking out of them, filling them with snacks, and feeling so cool {geeky, no?}...anyway, suffice it to say that it is perfect for any kid looking for an alternative to traditional Valentines.

First, place your square on the table just like so, with the side that will form the lining of your pocket facing up and with the square arranged on point so that there is a corner at the top, one at the bottom, and with the other two corners to the sides...

Just a note: It helps to have a bone folder handy {that thing on the left} to help you form crisp creases in your origami. If you don't have one, you can use an unsharpened pencil, the flat edge of your scissors, or even the tip of your iron {doesn't have be on}.

The first fold—bring the bottom corner up to the top corner and fold the square on the diagonal, forming an isosceles triangle like so...

Press along the fold to get a good crease {you will do this for all future folds}...

Next, you will bring the corner on the right over to the left leg of the triangle like so...

As you make this fold, you will create a smaller isosceles triangle at the top of your piece, the base of which should be parallel to the base of your original triangle.

Fold the top corner of this triangle down...

This side is done...

Turn the piece over...

And repeat the all of the steps above on this side of the piece...

Your pocket is now complete!...

You may want to add a little bit of glue to the middle of each flap to secure it...

This is not necessary but it allows you to thread a ribbon through the top of the flaps to form a handle...

You can also secure the flaps with a button...

And attach handles by sewing to the sides...

...or to the middle of your pocket...

Embellish at will!...

And then fill your little pockets with whatever your heart desires...

These sweethearts were made with this brilliant and free pattern on Ravelry {thank you Annri!}—the larger one on a US 7 knitting ndl with Cascade 220 and the smaller one on US 00 with embroidery floss—just because : )

Delicious!...and I'm so loving that button~it looks just like my girly.

I can't wait to distribute these little pockets!...I think they'll be as much fun to give away as they were to make. Here's hoping that you enjoy these as much as I do!...and if you do make some, I'd love to see what you come up with...love getting pictures {just sayin'}.

So long for now...much to do today...there's another tutorial in the works, a birthday cake to make, a snow storm coming {yay!...bring on the snow!} and, of course, my knitting basket{s} are calling me...looks to be a very busy, but very nice day! Wishing you the same!...

xoxo~alison