When most people think of sewing, the first thing that comes to mind is a dress or a skirt. However, there are so many other things you can sew – like a zipper pouch! Zipper pouches are small and easy to make, and they’re perfect for everyday use. Plus, you can customize them to fit your needs.
When it comes to sewing, there’s nothing quite like being able to create your own patterns. Not only does this give you control over the finished product, but it also allows you to tailor the pattern to any size and measurement. Plus, once you know how to create a pattern, the sky’s the limit when it comes to what sorts of projects you can make!
When you’re first starting to sew, it can be helpful to create your patterns. This way, you can make projects that fit you perfectly and that show off your unique style. Plus, it’s a great way to use up your fabric scraps!
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to create a basic pattern and sew a zipper pouch using that pattern. This is a great project for beginners because it’s simple and doesn’t require a lot of fabric. So, let’s get started!
Excited to get started on this project? Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step instructions! You choose how you want to learn to do this project! The video tutorial is excellent for those who want to see the project come together, and the step-by-step instructions are perfect for those who want a more detailed look at each component. Either way, you’ll be able to create this project with ease! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Zipper Pouch Supplies
- Cover Fabric 1/4 Yard
- Lining Fabric 1/4 Yard
- Fusible Fleece 1/4 Yard
- 8 Inch Zipper
- Zipper Tape
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat
- Scissors
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you by clicking on these links. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. However, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Step 1: Determine Zipper Pouch Size
Determine the dimensions of your pouch. I like to determine what size zipper I am going to use for my pouch and then I decide on the size of the pouch. For this zipper pouch tutorial, we will be making a pouch that is 9″ wide x 7″ tall. I will be using an 8” zipper.
Step 2: Draw the Pattern for the Zipper Pouch
Next, you’ll need to draw your project on paper. I like to use cardstock. Use a ruler to help draw straight lines and make sure to include all the necessary measurements. For our zipper pouch, we will need one piece of paper for the pattern. See the example below.
Step 3: Label each piece of your pattern.
Now that you have your pattern all drawn out. It is time to label it. This will help when it comes time to sew a pouch later. It is a great reference.
Step 4: Cut out your pattern
Once you have drawn your pouch pattern and labeled it, use scissors to cut it out. Make sure to cut on the lines you drew in Step 2!
Now it’s time to sew the pouch together.
Step 1- Cut Fabric
Cut two pieces of fusible fleece using your new pattern- one for the front and one for the back.
Then adhere the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the cover fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested process to make sure the fleece has adhered to the fabric.
Then cut around the fleece leaving 1/2 inch around the fleece for seam allowance. Cut two pieces of the lining fabric the same size.
You should now have two pieces of lining and two pieces of cover fabric with the fusible fleece attached. The last thing we need to cut out is 2 zipper tabs. I cut one piece of fabric 1×6 and then cut it in half. So, you will end up with 2-1×3 rectangle pieces for the zipper tabs.
Step 2 – Prepare and attach the zipper tabs
Fold the rectangle in half and press then fold in both short edges to about ½”, as shown in the picture below.
Insert the zipper into the tabs and stitch them in place to close the fold.
Step 3 – Adding Zipper
Adding a zipper using zipper adhesive tape is a quick and easy way to make sure your zipper is in straight. First, cut a piece of zipper adhesive tape that is slightly longer than the length of the zipper.
Next, peel off the backing and stick the adhesive tape to the zipper. Center the zipper along the top edge of the cover fabric piece, right up. There should be the same distance from each side of the zipper to the fabric’s edge – approx. 1/2”. Press the zipper in place.
Now, cut a second piece of zipper adhesive tape that is slightly longer than the length of the zipper. Next, peel off the backing and stick the adhesive tape to the wrong side of the zipper.
Take the lining and lay it wrong side of the zipper, facing the right side of the main fabric piece. You’re now going to sew a 1/4” seam allowance along the edge. I like to use my zipper foot for this seam.
Please note: Whenever you get close to the zipper pull, stop with your needle down, lift the presser foot and move the zipper pull behind your presser foot, then continue sewing.
Then, topstitch along the top edge of the main fabric piece, about 1/8” away from the zipper. This line of stitching will hold the fabric in place to prevent it from getting stuck in the zipper.
Step 4 – Attached Back of Pouch to Zipper
Repeat Step 3 for the remaining cover fabric and lining pieces.
This is what your zipper pouch should now look like.
Step 5 – Sew Pouch Sides
Now you’re ready to finish the construction of your pouch! Don’t forget to unzip the zipper at least halfway, so you can turn the pouch right side out when you finish. This is a VERY important step. I forget to do it all the time and it makes turning my pouch right side out very difficult.
Pull the pouch front and back together with right sides faces and clip in place. Do the same with the lining. Make sure that the side seams’ edges match up and the zipper tabs are pointing towards the lining.
Stitch the side seams and the bottom of the cover section using a 1/4” seam allowance. Do the same for the lining but leave a 4-inch open on the bottom to allow you to turn the pouch right side out.
Step 6 – Stitch Boxed Corners
Match up the corner seams by pushing the corner raw edges together. The side seam should be on top of the bottom seam. Stitch across the corner. Repeat for the other corner and both lining pieces.
You are just about done! Turn the pouch’s right sides out and push all the corners out.
Stitch the small opening closed, push the lining to the inside, push out your zipper tabs, and admire your new pouch!
I hope you enjoyed this pattern zipper pouch tutorial. If you make one, please share, I’d love to hear from you!
Share your finished version on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram @craftsbyfunstuff
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
Don’t forget to checkout my Fun Stuff Crafts Amazon Storefront!
Social Media Links
CLICK HERE If you want to join the Facebook Group, Crafts, and Inspiration, hosted by Fun Stuff Crafts! I share and encourage members to share tips and projects in the group. Please answer the questions to be added to the group
