It’s not every day I make something like this, and honestly, it’s a bit unusual for me because I don’t smoke. But when inspiration strikes, you have to run with it, right?
Let me explain. Over the summer, I went on long walks in the park with my best friend. She’s a smoker, and during one of our walks, she kept grumbling about the lack of bins along the trails. She doesn’t like littering, especially with cigarette butts, because not only is it bad for the environment, but during a heatwave, it could quickly start a fire. Her concerns really stuck with me, and I knew I could create something that would solve the problem.
That’s how the idea for this cigarette pouch came to life!
The Features of This Handmade Cigarette Pouch
This little portable ashtray might be tiny, but it’s packed with thoughtful features to make it as functional and stylish as possible:
Pocket-Sized Convenience: It’s compact enough to slip easily into the back pocket of a pair of trousers or any small bag. My friend loves how discreet and easy it is to carry around.
Flex Frame Closure: The flex frame makes it incredibly convenient to use. It opens and closes effortlessly, so you can pop it open in seconds, even one-handed. It also stays securely shut when not in use, helping to keep any smells contained—no one wants their handbag smelling like an ashtray!
Fire-Resistant Fabric: For the lining, I chose a fire-resistant fabric to ensure safety, as this pouch is used as a pocket ashtray for cigarette butts. I tested the fabric, holding it to a lighter to see how it would react. I was impressed—it doesn’t catch fire, though it does start to shrink and melt slightly if you hold it under a flame for too long.
The fire-resistant lining is also super practical—it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth. After a few uses, my friend gave me glowing feedback: the fabric has held up wonderfully and still looks as good as new.
Stylish Exterior: Since the fire-resistant fabric is used only for the lining, I could choose a fun, colourful fabric for the outside. The result? A stylish little pouch that doesn’t scream “pocket ashtray.” It’s subtle and looks more like a trendy accessory than a functional tool for cigarette butts!
The combination of practical materials with a simple design has made this pocket pouch an absolute win. It’s functional yet discreet, which is precisely what my friend wanted!
Make Your Own Portable Ashtray
Draft a Custom Sewing Pattern for Your Flex Frame Closure
If you’re inspired to make your version of this little pouch, you absolutely can! While mine was explicitly designed as a pocket ashtray, this pouch can be customised for many other uses — from storing loose coins to holding earbuds or jewellery.
In my latest YouTube video, I share a step-by-step guide on how to create a custom pattern for any size flex frame closure.
The tutorial walks you through everything you need to know to design your pouch, from measuring the flex frame to drafting and adjusting the pattern for your needs. It’s a great skill to have, especially if you love creating personalised projects for yourself or loved ones.
As a quick reference, if you want to make a mini pocket-sized pouch like mine, here are the measurements I used to cut out my fabric (including a 1 cm seam allowance):
MAIN PANEL
External Fabric: Cut 2 pieces, 11.5 cm x 9 cm (Width x Height).
Lining Fabric: Cut 2 pieces using the same dimensions as the main panel, or for a better fit, you can make the lining slightly shorter and narrower along the bottom edge.
TOP TRIM
External fabric: Cut 2 pieces, 10 cm x 6.5 cm (Width x Height).
These measurements will create a compact pouch that’s perfect for carrying cigarette butts or other small items, but feel free to adapt the size if you want a different kind of pouch! With the flex frame, you can create a pouch in any shape or size you need.
How To Sew Your Cigarette Pouch
Now that you’ve drafted your custom pattern let’s talk about the supplies you’ll need to sew your pouch. This is a simple yet fun project; the sewing part is a breeze once you have everything ready! Here’s what you’ll need:
- External Fabric: Choose a fabric that’s sturdy enough to hold the flex frame and will make the pouch durable. I used a cotton canvas for mine, but you can use any fabric you like.
- Lining Fabric: For the inside of the pouch, choose a soft lining fabric like quilting cotton, which will be gentle on the contents. If you’re making a cigarette pouch like mine, make sure to use fire-resistant fabric for added safety.
- Flex frame closure in your desired size
Note: I got my 8.5 cm flex frame from here. They come in a range of sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your project.
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Step 1: Prepare the Tunnels
Take both TOP TRIMS and fold the side edges under by 1 cm (3/8″). Topstitch along both folded sides.
With right sides facing each other, place your TOP TRIMS on top of the MAIN EXTERNAL PANELS, centre along the top, and baste 5 mm (1/4″) from the edge.
Step 2: Attach the Lining
With right side facing down, place the LINING PIECES on top of the EXTERNAL PANELS and sew the seam along the top edge. (You are sandwiching the TUNNELS between both pieces.)
Press the seam allowance towards the external pieces and topstitch close to the finished seam. Press the lining down.
Step 3: Sew the Pouch Together
Pair the external pieces right sides together, line up on all sides and pin them in place. Repeat for the lining pieces.
Sew around all sides, but leave an opening along the lining, so later you can turn the pouch right side out.
TIP: Using a zipper foot will make sewing easier because your regular foot might get stuck or hit the sides of the top trim.
Trim the seam allowance by half and turn the pouch right side out using the opening in the lining.
Step 4: Close the Lining Opening
To close the opening in the lining, pull it out of the pouch, fold under the seam allowance and stitch close to the edge.
Alternatively, close the opening by hand using a ladder stitch. This option is more time-consuming but creates a seamless finish.
Step 5: Add the Flex Frame
Take your finished pouch, open the flex frame and insert each end into the top trim. Slide them gently through the tunnels and line up the 2 halves of the hinge.
Take the pin and slide it into the hinge. Using scissors, pliers, or a screwdriver, bend the flap at the end of the hinge to keep the pin in place.
Watch the Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial on YouTube
Whether you’re making a cigarette pouch, a coin pouch, or a small storage bag, this project is a fun and satisfying way to create a practical item with a unique flex frame closure. It’s a great introduction to working with flex frames and can easily be customised to fit your needs.
If you need extra guidance or want to see the process in action, I’ve created a detailed video tutorial on my YouTube channel. In this video, I walk you through every step of sewing your pouch and adding the flex frame closure. Be sure to check it out for a clear, step-by-step visual guide that will help you create your very own pocket pouch with ease!
You can watch the video here ⬇️
Other Flex Frame Makes
Once I started working with flex frames, I couldn’t stop! I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different designs, and the flex frame closure has worked perfectly for all of them. Let me share a few of my recent makes that I think you’ll love.
First up, I made a Christmas-themed glasses pouch. It’s actually a gift for a friend, and I used some cute, festive fabric for it. The flex frame makes it so easy to open and close, and it’s perfect for keeping glasses safe while adding a little holiday cheer.
Next, I created a small, rounded pouch for my earphones. I don’t know about you, but I always find my earphones getting tangled up in my backpack, so this pouch was a must. It’s the perfect size to keep them secure, and the flex frame makes it so easy to open when I need to grab them. It’s such a handy little pouch, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.
I also created a slightly bigger pouch with gathers, which gives it a lovely, soft texture. It’s great for storing things like makeup or small essentials. The flex frame closure ensures that everything stays securely inside, while the gathers make it feel a bit more playful and unique.
Finally, I made this faux leather pouch and absolutely love it! It’s sleek, chic, and perfect for a few small essentials, but here’s the thing – I really would love to turn this into a small crossbody bag one day. I’d need a longer flex frame closure, but I think it would make such a stylish little bag. The way the flex frame adds that extra polished touch is just perfect, and the faux leather gives it such a fancy feel.
Try the Flexi Coin Pouch Pattern—It’s Free!
If you’ve never worked with a flex frame before, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go! The Flexi Coin Pouch pattern is a beginner-friendly project incorporating flex frame closure. It’s a fun and easy way to try out this type of hardware without feeling overwhelmed, and you’ll end up with a cute, practical pouch to keep your coins or small essentials.
The best part? The pattern is completely free! You can download it from my website and start sewing today. Plus, I’ve included a step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through every part of the process, from adding the flex frame to finishing the pouch.
Where to get the pattern?
The Flexi Coin Pouch pattern is available in my shop!
To get it, click the DONATE button to add it to your cart and complete the transaction as usual.
P.S. Donations are completely optional! I greatly appreciate any contributions, as they help me continue creating more free patterns like this for you. 💛
Have fun experimenting with your designs, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media! I’d love to see what you make.
Stay crafty friend!
