Belt pouches are a common addition to any Mando. Whether you need a place to store ammo, credits or any other such item of importance pouches can be handy in holding them for you. Seeing as many Mandos like to be self-suficiant or just plain thrifty with their supplies it was decided that a look into one makers process might benefit the whole. So here is how I made pouches (the good, bad and ugly of it all).
I started with pleather scraps. These were left over from making my vest (a pleather, cotton/rayon/spandex creation). The pattern for these pouches was found here:
https://www.thedentedhelmet.com/forums/threads/jango-belt-pouch-pattern.3777/I printed the pattern per instructions on that page.
Then I considered the pieces. I realized that the one part needed to be taped to the other to reach the appropriate length to wrap around itself.
I used this template and cut out my first pouch. I enlarged it to add about a 1/4" on both sides. I also decided against velcro closures. This was a personal choice. I hate the sound of Velcro so I always try to minimize the amount I use. It is very useful though, so if you don't mind it then go right ahead and use it. I decided to use magnetic closures. My first pouch came out flat. It is a fabric pouch so I didn't expect it to hold too much shape. I also sewed on the magnets.
I decided that I would like my pouches to hold their shape a little better and I didn't like how visible my stitching was, enter alteration mode.
To add stiffness I lined the larger portion of the pattern with an iron on interfacing. Note: Test your fabric (ESPECIALLY pleather) to make sure that the iron won't damage or melt it when applying. I cut the interfacing to the unenlarged size of the pattern to leave an edge for sewing the hem later.
At this point I had tested my fabric with heat, cut out all my parts and interfacing, and laid out my magnets for the closures. I ironed on the interfacing with the magnets between the layers. This was a bit tricky as I needed to line up where on the lower portion the magnet should sit. To do this I laid out one of the side panels and used that to determine how far up I should place the magnet on the lower half. By placing the magnets between the layers I was able to avoid the ugly stitching that I ended up with on my first attempt. When I ironed on the interfacing with the magnets sandwiched between the layer I had to be careful how I moved my iron as the magnets would stick to the bottom if the interfacing hadn't fully bonded to the pleather.
At this point I got carried away and started sewing one together. My first one I didn't stitch the belt strap on during construction. After fighting with getting my needle through three layers of pleather, I decided there had to be a better way. My solution was to attach the top half of the strap to the pouch during its construction. If a handy Mando wanted to added both ends it would probably be possible but I didn't want the stitching for the straps to be on top so I stuck to hand sewing on the other half.
Alright so the first step in constructing my pouch was to at a hem on the top of both of the sides of the pouches and the bottom of the main body piece. I also added little 1/4" hems to the loop for the belt. Then I pinned one side to the main body portion of the pouch.
With most pleather the pin holes will be visible after, so, pin with that in mind. I didn't worry about it as I know that it is hard to see pin hole in black and that I would have to weather them anyway so a little damage would only add to the pouch.
The next step was to sew it together. I used my machine. They could be hand sewn if you have the time and patience. I stitched about 1/4" from the edge and set the sewing speed to fairly slow. When dealing with layers of pleather it can sometimes bunch up. To aid in preventing this, lifting the foot every few stitches will help ease the strain on the fabric and allow you to pull out any wrinkles or folds forming. If you do lift the foot, put the needle in the down position. This will prevent any large gaps in stitches and also aid in keeping the pleather in place while going around corners.
Add-on: I pull my pins as I go to reduce the number of times I stab myself as I manipulate the fabric through the machine.
At this point I attached the top of the belt loop to the pouch. Using the side that I had already sewn on as a guide for how far up on the back I want the loop, I pinned it in place. Then I sewed it down.
Next the second side was pinned on and sewn. Then the pouch was turned right side out.
To be continued...
