I’m finally creating a step-by-step tutorial for my hussif sewing kit project. Since sharing about my first hussif sewing kit (more than 3 years ago!), I have made at least five kits, all with slightly different design details, functions, and sizes.
One of the most fun kits to make was the tiniest sewing roll I could come up with, measuring a scant 2.5″ wide. It barely fit a pair of folding scissors, a couple of lengths of thread, and a needle, but it was perfect for carrying in a purse.
Other sewing kits were larger and served other purposes, like embroidery or quilting, and differed in pocket size and number as well as overall design.
After making several kits for different people who will all use them in different ways, it has really reinforced the benefit of being able to customize the project to suit the purpose. Don’t be afraid to customize my design to suit your needs! Let’s get into the tutorial!
Hussif Sewing Kit Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 - Make A Plan
Determining the purpose and how you intend to use your new hussif will lay the groundwork for every other decision you make, including size, design, fabric choices, embellishments, and more.
Ask yourself: How do I intend to use it? Do I want to be able to wash it? What main tasks will I will be doing (hand-sewing projects, clothing repair, alterations, embroidery, quilting, etc.)? You will likely have slightly different tools and supplies depending on the purpose.
This hussif was heading off to college with my daughter and would be mainly used for clothing repair or alterations on the fly. We needed to focus on tools and supplies that would serve those functions. I should also mention that this hussif was designed as a hand sewing project completely without the use of a sewing machine. Keep in mind that if you intend to use a sewing machine, you may need to alter your plans a wee bit from my original tutorial.
Gather Tools & Supplies
Thread storage was a bit of a problem as multiple spools floating around have the potential to become a tangled mess. We opted to use an inexpensive box from the craft store.
It fits several small spools of thread – keeping everything tidy and tangle-free. Because I gathered my supplies first, I was able to measure the box (3.5″ square x 1″ high) and customize the width of the hussif and the pocket it would live in to match.
I then measured the other tools we wanted to fit and made the other pocket to suit. I’ve always been a bit of a rebel when it comes to sewing and following instructions, so if you are like that too, I encourage you to change up the size to fit your needs. Here’s a list of the supplies we put in this hussif kit:
- Thread box with 21 small spools of thread
- Needles
- Box of pearl head pins
- Folding scissors
- Retractable tape measure
- Soft sewing tape measure
- Folding scissors
- Seam Ripper
- Spare buttons + button bag
- Felt pincushion
Most of the supplies came from either JoAnns or Amazon.
Gusset or Tuck?
In my first hussif sewing kit project, I wanted a gusset to fit full spools of thread. I still love the original design and use this kit all the time, but the thread storage we came up with for this hussif sewing kit meant a bit of a rethink of the bottom pocket.
Gusset construction is more of a pain to make, but if you intend to carry full spools of thread, it helps create a smooth, finished roll. I also discovered when making the original that the gusset needed closures at the top so the thread spools didn’t come flying out when unrolled (I learned that the hard way!)
This time, I went with a flat pocket with a tiny bit of extra width (notice the pocket-cutting dimensions below).
I wanted the thread box to fit nicely but be easy to pull out. The small amount of extra width in the pocket allows for a slight tuck at the bottom to account for the height of the box.
Step 2 - Measure Twice, Cut Once
Once you’ve planned how you will use your sewing kit and decided on the design, number of pockets and sizes, it’s time to cut!
Here are the materials with dimensions for my hussif sewing kit:
Sewing Kit Body:
- 2 – long pieces – 5 3/4″ W x 18 1/2″ L
Pockets:
- 1 – 6″ w x 5 1/2″ L
- 1 – 5 3/4″ w x 5 1/2 L
Felt Squares (Needle Holder):
- 2 – 4″ w x 3 1/2″ L
Bias Binding:
- 1/4″ double fold bias binding (premade or make your own)
Step 3 - Put it All together
Pocket Preparation
Fold over the top hem 1/4″ on both pockets and stitch.
Line up the edges of the 2 long pieces wrong sides together.
Pin the bottom pocket in place. Start with the bottom pocket, lining it up with the side and bottom edge of your long piece of fabric. Gather the excess width of fabric into a small tuck at the bottom of the pocket and pin in place. Baste the pocket in place going through all three layers.
Pocket Placement
Once you’ve finished basting the bottom pocket, test folding your roll because the pockets will naturally create the fold placement. This will also help you place the second (top) pocket.
Pin in place.
Once you are happy with the pocket placements, stitch the second (higher) pocket in place, going through only the inside layer. This can be a little fiddly, but I think it’s worth having a smooth finish on the outside.
Baste around the outer edges
Once your pockets are attached, baste the two long pieces all the way around. We’re going to finish off with bias binding, so make sure your basting stitches are close enough to the edge that they won’t show once the binding is attached.
This step is optional, but I find it helpful to ensure the fabric doesn’t slide around while I am attaching the binding. Now, you’re ready to attach the felt squares that will hold pins and needles.
Center the felt squares widthwise and test the folds again to ensure proper placement. Stitch in place.
Step 4 - Let's Make it Pretty: The Finishing Touches
Bias Binding
We are finishing up our edges with bias binding. You can make your own or use premade binding like I did here. I used 1/4″ premade double-fold bias tape, but you could certainly make your own.
Unfold half of your bias tape, and with right sides together, pin the bias tape to the outside edge of your sewing kit.
Stitch along the fold of the tape close to the edge.
Don’t worry too much if your stitches don’t look perfect, these ones won’t show! I like to use a backstitch or a half back stitch to ensure everything is nice and secure.
Fold the bias tape wrapping around the raw edge of the kit. Use an invisible stitch or a slip stitch to secure. Make sure your basting stitches are inside the bias tape for a clean look.
Let’s get closure
Now for the jewelry of our hussif kit – the clasp! I am a big fan of beautiful buttons, frog closures, clasps, or any type of unique closure. I chose a metal clasp that I thought would look pretty with my fabric choice.
Center and stitch the top portion of the clasp first. This will help you position the other part of your closure correctly so that it will fasten properly. Stitch into place.
Inside the Hussif Sewing Kit
All done! Now, it’s time to take a look inside the sewing kit. It’s pretty amazing how many sewing supplies and tools can fit in this little kit.
This kit measures 18″ long and 5 3/4″ wide fully opened and 4 1/2″ long by 5 3/4 wide all rolled up.
Two spacious pockets fit all the tools needed, including thread, measuring tapes, pins, needles, safety pins, scissors, a seam ripper, a cute little felt pincushion and a simple coordinating drawstring bag to hold spare buttons.
Let's take a tour inside the sewing roll kit
I’m happy to report that my daughter loves her sewing kit and finds it useful and beautiful. She is able to make alterations to thrift store dresses, repair tears and loose buttons, and be prepared for whatever sewing emergency may arise. ❤️
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