A pouch is not only a good way to make use of smaller pieces of fabric left over from the kyrtle or pair of trousers, but it is also incredibly useful when keeping in mind that trouser pockets are only a more recent invention.
Basic Pouch
Pouch material
Pouches can be made of any authentic fabric as used in kyrtles, trousers or cloaks, or alternatively of thin leather. If the latter is chosen, it is advisable to use an awl in order to make holes in advance of the actual sewing process.
For the pouch a circular piece of the material is required with a diameter of 20 - 30 cm (8"-12"). Larger sizes are also possible, although not very common.
Making the pouch
To make the pouch, cut out about one eigth (45 degrees) from the circle, in the same way you would start a cake or a pizza. The angle is variable and a cutout of up to one quarter (90 degrees) is possible, although experience has shown that smaller angles normally yield better results especially for smaller diameters.
Now sew the two straight edges together. The material will now be in a slightly conical shape. The larger the cut out angle, the steeper the cone.
Next punch or cut holes around the circular edge. The holes should be about equal distances apart, although absolute precision is not essential. Make sure you make an even number of holes or the string will end up inside the pouch once you have gone all the way round. The string (usually leather) is to go through the holes, thus going into the pouch every second hole and coming out every other. Start by going in from the outside, so eventually the two ends will come out next to each other. Pull the string tight to close the pouch. Use the ends to tie the pouch to your belt. In order to hold the pouch closed, a simple knot will do, though a prettier method is to use, for example, a small ring through which the two ends are tightly threaded and which can be moved along the strings.
In theory it is also possible to make a pouch from a whole circle and indeed there are findings confirming the existence of such pouches. However, this will leave more unnecessary material round the opening of the pouch. A possible improvement to the basic pouch would be not to cut out a straight slice of 45 degrees but a curved one, so that the remaining material spans the full 360 degrees near the centre but more is "missing" towards the edge. This means that there will be more volume for the same amount of material near the top. (Diagram to follow) The difference is however very small and there is no need for such complications.
[Diagrams to follow shortly]
