Are you looking for some DIY gift ideas? I had so much fun making the shibori-dyed zipper pouches for holiday gifts a few years ago that I decided to do this project again this time with larger pouches.

The small size was perfect to use as a mini clutch purse or a case for pencils, toiletries, jewelry, phone chargers and earbuds, etc.! This larger size makes a wonderful clutch or toiletry bag.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Zippered pouches (11 3/4″ x 9 1/2″)

• Rit fabric dye – I used navy, as well as trying black and fuschia. (Traditional shibori is done with indigo dye)
• Ribbon and yarn for pom-pom embellishments
• Depending on the patterns you choose: popsicle sticks, rubber bands, cardboard, string

Here’s how to do it:

• See the detailed instructions back in this post on shibori dyeing. Some tips about colors – the teal was very green, not enough blue. And for the navy, I recommend doubling the concentration to get the very dark color.
• After dyeing, I turned the bags inside out and sewed across the bottom corners to create a flat bottom.
• I embellished the zippers with ribbon and yarn pompoms.

My inspiration was the adorable bags I saw in a store.

And here’s how they turned out:

Julie aka “Jewels”