How to sew a dog treat pouch (30 minutes)

To sew a dog treat pouch, cut two outer and two lining pieces, add a belt loop and a D-ring tab, sew a flap with a snap, then sew the outer and lining with boxed corners and join them at the opening. The Dog Treat Pouch in the Sewzy app finishes at 5 x 6 in with a ¾ in boxed base, is rated beginner and takes about 30 minutes.

TL;DR

• Finished size: 5 x 6 in, ¾ in boxed base.
• Level and time: beginner, about 30 minutes in 6 steps.
• Features: fold-over flap with a snap or magnetic snap, a belt loop, and a D-ring for clipping to a bag or leash.
• Lining: laminated cotton, PUL or ripstop nylon, so crumbs wipe out.
• Seam allowance: ⅜ in included.
• Price: Premium, in the Sewzy app.

Sew the Dog Treat Pouch from this guide, step by step, in the Sewzy app

Pick your size, print it from your phone, and follow every step with a sewing coach beside you.

What makes a good dog treat pouch?

A good treat pouch opens with one hand, closes so treats do not spill when the dog jumps, clips on easily and wipes clean. This pattern covers all four. A fold-over flap with a snap gives the one-handed access, the boxed base lets the pouch stand open, a belt loop and a D-ring give two ways to wear it, and the wipe-clean lining deals with greasy crumbs.

What fabric and supplies do you need?

• Outer: canvas, waxed cotton, cork, denim or quilting cotton with interfacing. Sturdy fabrics hold the shape best.
• Lining: laminated cotton, PUL or ripstop nylon so crumbs wipe out.
• Closure: 1 snap or magnetic snap, ⅝ in.
• Hardware: a 1 in D-ring or swivel clip.
• Thread and needle: thread, and a 90/14 needle if you are sewing canvas.

One fat quarter of outer fabric and one of lining makes two pouches, which is why this is a good scrap project and an easy one to make in pairs.

How do you sew a dog treat pouch step by step?

1. Cut. Cut 2 pouch outer pieces, 2 pouch lining pieces, 2 flap pieces, the 3 x 6 in belt loop strip and the 2 x 3 in D-ring tab. Transfer the belt loop box and the snap marks, and cut out the small corner squares.
2. Belt loop and tab. Fold the belt loop strip in thirds lengthwise and topstitch it. Pin it to the right side of one outer piece inside the marked box, with the ends folded under, and stitch a rectangle at each end. Fold the tab through the D-ring and baste it to the side seam allowance of the same piece.
3. Flap. Put the flap pieces right sides together and stitch the curved edge ⅜ in. Leave the straight edge open, clip the curve, turn and topstitch. Fit the snap at the mark on the underside, then baste the flap to the top edge of the back outer (the piece with the belt loop), right sides together.
4. Outer and lining. Put the outer pieces right sides together with the flap sandwiched inside, and stitch the sides and bottom ⅜ in. The flap is narrower than the pouch so it clears the side seams. Pinch each cut-out corner flat and stitch across to make the ¾ in boxed base. Repeat with the lining, leaving a 3 in gap in the bottom seam.
5. Join. Slip the outer inside the lining, right sides together, and match the side seams. Stitch around the opening ⅜ in. Turn through the lining gap, close the gap, push the lining in, press, and topstitch the opening ¼ in. Fit the other half of the snap on the front.
6. Use. Slide the belt loop over a belt or waistband, or clip the D-ring to a bag. Flip the flap open with one hand for treats and wipe the lining clean.

How do you attach a snap or magnetic snap?

Mark the snap position on the flap and the front of the pouch before you sew, because it is much harder to place afterward. In this pattern the flap half goes in during the flap step, while the flap is still flat, and the front half goes in at the very end, after the pouch is turned. A magnetic snap has two halves, each with prongs that go through the fabric and fold flat behind a washer. A plain snap needs a snap setter or pliers. Either way, a small scrap of interfacing behind each half keeps the fabric from tearing.

How do the boxed corners and the flap work?

Boxed corners give the pouch a flat bottom so it stands open and holds more. You cut a small square from each bottom corner, pinch the corner so the side seam meets the bottom seam, and stitch across. For a longer explanation, see how to sew a tote bag with boxed corners. The flap is a small curved piece sewn right sides together, clipped, turned and topstitched. Clipping the curve lets it turn smoothly, and topstitching keeps the edge flat.

Tips and variations

• No flap: skip it and add a strip of 1 in elastic inside the opening for a spring-shut pouch.
• Upcycle: make the lining from an old raincoat.
• Poop bags: add a second small pocket on the front.
• Match the collar: make the pouch in your dog's collar fabric.
• Care: wipe the lining. If the outer is cotton, machine wash cold.

Common mistakes

• Using a thin outer fabric. Add interfacing to quilting cotton or the pouch will sag.
• Sewing canvas with a small needle. Use the 90/14 needle listed for canvas, and sew slowly over seams.
• Putting the flap on the wrong piece. It goes on the back outer, the one with the belt loop.
• Skipping the lining gap. You need it to turn the pouch.
• Using the wrong snap size. The pattern uses a ⅝ in snap.

Is it a good gift for dog owners?

Yes. It is quick, useful and easy to personalize with a collar-matching fabric. Make one for a friend with a new puppy, or a pair for a training class. For other pet projects, see the dog sewing patterns, including the dog bandana and dog collar, and our guides to the dog bandana and fabric dog collar. More ideas are in last minute gifts to sew.