Coin Pouches

This is a great weaving project as they are woven quickly with small amounts of yarn on cardboad looms. They are fun to wear as necklaces and are just right to hold coins or keys. I use one to hold my tatting shuttle and thread.

Cut a piece of cardboard the width you want the pouch. Cut it twice the length plus the size of flap you want. If you want a pouch 3" by 4" with a 2" flap cut the cardboard 3" wide and 10" long.

Cut slits 1/4 inch apart across both narrow ends of the cardboard.
Put the end of your warp yarn through the slit on one end of the loom. Take it to the bottom of the loom and take it through the first slit there- bring it back through the next slit. Bring the yarn back to the top of the loom. Go back and forth from one end to the other hooking the yarn on the slits. You must have an odd number of warp yarns so add one one more if needed.
When you reach the last slit cut the yarn and tape it to the back of the loom. You want the yarn warped snug but not real tight.

Now fold the bottom 4 inches of the loom to the inside- leaving the warp yarn on the outside. You can use a paper clip to hold it together.
Your loom is now finished and warped, ready to weave.
If you want to use thinner yarn or thread you can cut your slits closer together.

Use a tapestry needle (find them at craft stores) longer then the width of the pouch and thread with about 4 feet of your weft yarn. This can be the same yarn you used for the warp or another color.
Start at the bottom of the loom near the fold. Using the needle weave over and under the warp yarp across the loom. Turn the loom over and continue weaving over and under across the back. Use a fork or comb to pack the yarn down as you weave. To add new yarn or change colors overlap the ends of the two yarns about an inch and continue with the new yarn.
When your weaving reaches the top of the folded part of the loom you will weave the flap by just weaving back and forth on the outisde of the top of the loom. End by weaving the end of the yarn back into the weaving for an inch or so. You might have to go back and weave a few lines across the very bottom of the pouch to make a nice solid bottom.
Slide the pouch off the loom.

For a nice finish make a fabric lining and sew to the inside. You can also crochet an edge around the pouch and do a crochet chain loop in the center bottom edge of the flap. Sew a decorative button onto the pouch and use the loop to close. Twist or braid a length of yarn to fashion a handle.
These little pouches can be as plain or fancy as you care to make them. Weave horizontal stripes by changing colors as you weave. Make vertical stripes by alternating two colors every round- use two needles and carry the colors along instead of cutting them on each round. Use thick and thin yarn or fancy novelty yarn. Add beads, sequins, fringe, or other ornaments. Just have fun.