'Hussif' photo tutorial ~ part 1

I have created this pattern based on photos of actual 'hussifs'. They were also called 'huswifs' or 'roll~ups'.


Cut various fabrics to make the pockets. For the flat pockets, you will need three fabrics cut 5~1/2 inch x 10 inch each. For the bottom gathered pocket, you will need one fabric cut at 10 inch x 11 inch.


Fold the three flat pockets with right sides together and sew along the bottom edge only. Seam allowances are 1/4 inch unless otherwise indicated.



Turn right sides out and iron the pocket crisp and flat.


For the gathered pocket, you will also need 2 pieces of 1/8 inch satin ribbon which are the same width as the unsewn pocket. Now fold the fabric with WRONG sides together. Topstitch along the folded edge at 1/4 from the fold. I used a darker thread to make this stitching visible and give an old~fashioned look to the hussif.


Find the center point just under the topstitching and mark a 1/8 long spot with a pencil. Cut open this little spot for your ribbon to be inserted. This is so small that there is no need to do anything further to the cut.


Feed the satin ribbon through the opening and then line each ribbon up with each side of the pocket. Secure the ribbon by stitching it in place at 1/8 inch seam line. Enlarge the photos for detail. I used a different color thread so you could see this stitching well.


Be sure your ribbon stays up along the topstitching by placing some pins along the bottom of the ribbon which you should be able to feel a little through the fabric. Now topstitch the second line at 1/2 inch below the first topstitching which creates a tunnel.


Using a basting stitch (the largest stitch on your sewing machine), sew a line of stitching across the bottom of the pocket.


Very careful not to break the thread, start pulling the basting to gather the bottom of the pocket. At the same time, pull the ribbon on each side to gather the top of the pocket. Gather enough for the pocket to measure 5~1/2 inches wide.