This little open-top pod turns a handful of bright fabric strips into a structured catch-all for the sewing table. Strips of vividly striped cotton are stitched into panels, then covered in close rows of big-stitch hand embroidery that run right across the surface, so the whole outside reads as one richly textured piece. A soft inner stabilizer gives it body so it holds its shape and stands on its own, ready to corral threads, notions, or any small essentials. It finishes at 5 by 7 by 5 inches and earns its keep on a workbench or shelf.

What the Pattern Includes

This listing is for the printed paper pattern only. Fabric, stabilizer, thread, and notions are not included.

The pattern provides the full-size templates and complete step-by-step instructions for stitching, embellishing, and assembling the pod, including the embroidery placement and the machine construction of the exterior, lining, and Soft and Stable interlining. The hand stitching is simple big-stitch embroidery, so no separate stitch reference is required.

What You'll Need

This is a quick, beginner-friendly project. The supply list calls for a cotton exterior and a cotton lining, two pieces of Soft and Stable for body, a handmade or novelty label, and perle cotton in several colors for the big-stitch embroidery. The sample was made with striped cottons from Marcia Derse's Curiosity collection for Windham, but any set of coordinating cottons works. A milliners needle, a short darner needle, a chalk pencil, and a small ruler round out the notions. The complete fabric and thread list is printed on the pattern.

Perfect For

• Beginners who want a fast, structured sewing project with a big visual payoff
• Stitchers who enjoy bold big-stitch hand embroidery
• Anyone who needs pretty desk storage for threads, notions, or small tools
• Scrap and stripe lovers who want to show off coordinating cottons
• A quick handmade gift for a sewing friend

Why You'll Love This Pattern

The charm here is the contrast between simple construction and a high-impact finish. The piecing is straightforward and the shape is forgiving, but the dense rows of hand stitching across the surface make the finished pod look like a considered, one-of-a-kind object. It is a satisfying way to get a lot of visual texture from basic techniques.

It is also endlessly customizable. The look changes completely depending on the fabrics and thread colors chosen, so the same pattern can produce a calm neutral catch-all or a riot of color. Because it sews up quickly and uses modest amounts of fabric, it is an easy one to make in multiples, which is exactly the point: one pod is rarely enough.

Stiffened with a soft interlining, each pod stands on its own and keeps its shape while holding threads, tools, and notions close at hand. It is the kind of practical make that looks good enough to leave out on the sewing table or a shelf.

Product Details

• Brand: Sue Spargo Folk Art Quilts
• Item #: SS1029
• Designer: Sue Spargo
• Category: Sewing Pattern
• Skill Level: Confident beginner
• Technique: Appliqué, Hand Embroidery, Machine Sewing
• Finished Size: 5in H x 7in W x 5in D
• Format: Printed Paper Pattern
• Made in the United States