How to Sew A Zipper Pouch: Easy Step By Step Guide For Beginners (free pattern)
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Learning how to sew a zipper pouch is a simple sewing project that is perfect for beginners! To make this lined pouch, all you need is the free pattern, a bit of scrap fabric, a zipper, and some basic sewing supplies.
You’ll be whipping these zipper pouches out by the dozen in no time flat!
Sew A Zipper pouch
Sewing a zippered pouch is a great way to learn the basics of sewing.
It’s a simple project that only requires a small piece of fabric, a zipper, and some basic sewing supplies. Plus, zipper pouches are really handy for storing all sorts of things in your purse, from makeup and jewelry to pens and pencils to kid’s miniature toys. They also make fantastic handmade gifts!
So if you’re looking for an easy way to learn the basics of sewing, or if you need a new place to store your stuff, give zippered pouches a try!
Three sizes, two shapes
This zipper pouch pattern comes in 3 sizes:
- small (7.5 x 5)
- medium (8.5 x 5.75)
- large (9.75 x 6.5)
And Two Shapes: You can sew a flat pouch, or you also have the option of adding boxed corners (Adding boxed corners adds a couple more steps, but adds a bit of depth to the zipper pouch, so you will actually have more room for whatever goodies you are adding to your pouch.)
You can see the differences between the two in the image below. (One is flat, and the other stands up on its own!)
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Zipper Pouch Pattern Sewing Tips
- If using directional fabric, make sure to double-check the fabric and pattern are lined up properly.
- A zipper foot is not needed, just use a zig-zag foot and move the needle position all the way to the left.
- A 1/2-inch seam allowance is used unless otherwise noted.
- The tutorial below is for the zipper pouch with boxed corners. If you want the flat zipper pouch, cut along the bottom dotted line, and you will sew all around the zipper pouch in step 5 (instead of skipping around the boxed corners.)
Recommended Fabrics for a zipper pouch
- Quilting cotton
- Canvas/twill
- Leather (would be great lined or unlined. I give tips for an unlined pouch at the bottom of the post.)
- Denim
- Polyurethane Laminate (PUL – waterproof fabric)
You can use just about any fabric you have on hand for this lined zipper pouch tutorial, fabric scraps, fat quarters- whatever you have. I love regular quilting cotton with interface added to the outside/main fabric.
Materials needed
- Fabric – Main fabric and lining fabric
- Pattern – Click the link, where you will be taken to my shop. You will add the pattern to your cart, check out, and the pattern will be emailed to you.
- Zipper – 7, 8, or 9 inches, depending on the size of the zipper pouch you choose to sew. This Etsy shop has tons of colors and sizes for awesome prices!
- Interfacing | Optional
- Scissors
- Marking pen
- Basic sewing supplies (sewing machine, thread, pins, ruler, etc…)
How to Sew a Zippered Pouch, step-by-step
Step 1: Print And Assemble The Pattern.
Print the zipper pouch pattern, cut out the size needed, and tape it together. (Make sure you are using the free adobe reader on a computer to print. Select actual size and auto/landscape portrait.)
I Recommend Doing A Test Print
To do a test print, print the 1st page and check that the one-inch square is printed at one inch. Once you have confirmed your printer settings, you can print the entire pattern. You can also print only the size needed. Make sure the side menu panel is open, click the icon that looks like a stack of papers, then toggle the “eyeballs” on/off for the pattern size you want to print.
Step 2: Cut Pattern pieces
Use the pattern and cut four pieces. You need two from the main fabric (the outside of the zipper pouch) and two from the lining fabric.
Optional step: You can choose to add interfacing to the main fabric if you wish. Interfacing will add shape, strength, and body to your zipper pouch. (I recommend fusible, mid-weight interfacing. I used a brand that I bought at a sewing shop that is recommended for my embroidery mache, but almost any will work.) Just follow the package instructions to apply the interfacing.
Step 2: Attach the main/outside fabric pieces to the zipper.
Right sides together, line up the zipper along the top of one of the main fabric pieces. Pin the zipper in place. (I love using my sewing clips for this.)
Line up the edge of your presser foot along the edge of the zipper teeth. You can use a regular zig-zag foot with the needle moved all the way to the left position. Sew the zipper to the main fabric piece.
Once you have sewn down to where the zipper pull is, make sure the needle is in the down position, and then gently pull the zipper to the other side of the presser foot and continue sewing.
Right sides together again, line up the other edge of the zipper with the top of the main fabric piece. Make sure the two min fabric pieces match up along the sides as well and sew the two pieces together.
This is how the zipper pouch will look at this point.
Step 3: Topstitching the zipper pouch.
Top stitching is optional, but I highly recommend it as it adds a more professional finish to the pouch. Just line the edge of the pouch up and sew a topstitch about 1/8 inch away from the zipper on both sides. When the presser foot reaches the spot where the zipper pull is, make sure your needle is in the down position and gently slide the zipper pull to the other side of the presser foot.
Step 4: Attach the lining.
Place the main fabric pieces right side down. Line up one of the edges of the lining pieces with the top edge of the zipper, as shown below. Make sure the sides line up as well and sew the lining to the zipper.
Flip the zipper pouch around, moving the lining piece to the other side. Line up the 2nd lining piece with the other edge of the zipper, making sure the 2 lining pieces match up along the sides as well. (The two lining pieces will be right sides together.)
Sew the lining piece to the zipper.
Step 5: Sew the sides of the zipper pouch.
Fold the zipper pouch fabric so the main two pieces line up, and the lining pieces line up, all with right sides together. Make sure the zipper is open.
Sew all the layers of the pouch together as shown. Sew both sides and the bottom edge of the main fabric. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave the notched corners open and a 2.5-inch opening in the bottom of the lining fabric so the pouch can be flipped right side out after it is sewn together.
If sewing the zipper pouch version with no boxed corners, you would sew all the way around the pouch, leaving about a 2.5-inch opening in the lining:
Trim the zipper pouch seam edges to about a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Step 6: Box the corners.
Open the bottom of the pouch and line up the corner seams, so they make a bit of a triangle. Sew the seam together with a half-inch seam allowance. Trim the seam.
Repeat on the other 3 corners.
Flip the zipper pouch right side out and use a pencil or turning tool to poke out the corners.
Close the bottom of the lining by pressing the seams in and sewing it closed.
Push the lining to the inside, use an iron if needed to crisp up your zipper pouch, and you are done!
FAQ’s
Where Do I find the free zipper pouch pattern?
I always add the pattern links under materials needed, but you can also click this link: Free Zipper Pouch Pattern. After you click the link, you will be taken to the pattern page in my shop. Add the pattern to your cart, check out (don’t worry, it’s free), and the pattern will be emailed to you.
Can I make other sized Bags?
Yes, you can actually make any size bag you want, and a pattern is not really necessary. (The pattern just makes it easier to cut out the fabric pieces, especially if you are making a bunch of zipper pouches. You just need to make sure that your zipper length is close to the same width as your fabric. As in this photo:
What if I don’t have the correct size zipper?
If you don’t have the correct size zipper, you can actually use a zipper that is longer than needed. All you have to do is cut it to fit your project. Here is a great tutorial on how to shorten a zipper. (I don’t recommend a metal zipper if shortening – with a nylon coil zipper, you can cut right through the teeth.)
What is the seam allowance?
The seam allowance for this zipper pouch is 1/2 inch, except along the zipper, where you will move the needle all the way to the left and sew along the zipper edge.
Do I have to use interfacing?
No, you do not have to use interfacing. (I used it on one bag, but not the other.) It really depends on the use of the bag. As an example, I love adding interfacing to bags with boxed corners as the interfacing helps the bag stand up. (Which can be handy as a cosmetics bag, imagine the bag on your counter and how convenient it is to just toss in what you need. But if making a bag to be used as a pencil pouch. I personally don’t think interfacing is really needed.
How much fabric Do I need to make a zippered pouch?
To make these zipper pouches, all you really need is a bit of scrap fabric. In most cases, you will want two different fabrics (one for the outside fabric and one for the lining.) Two fat quarters are all you will need.
- The small pouch is 7.5inches by 5 inches
- Medium =8.5 x 5.75 inches
- Large = 9.75 x 6.5 inches
How to sew a zipper pouch without lining?
To make an even faster zipper pouch, you can leave out the lining! (I do recommend using a heavier-weight fabric or interfacing for a stiffer pouch.
Attach the main fabric to the zipper, just as the above tutorial shows. Be sure to top stitch along the edge of the zipper. That is it!
Share Your Finished Zippered Pouch In My Facebook Group!
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Feedly, Bloglovin', your favorite feed reader, or signing up via email and have new posts delivered to your email box each week!Zipper Pouch Patter Sewing Instructions
Materials
- Fabric
- Pattern
- Zipper
- Interfacing | Optional
- Scissors
- Marking pen
- Basic sewing supplies
Instructions
Step 1: Print And Assemble The Pattern.
- Print the zipper pouch pattern, cut out the size needed, and tape it together. (Make sure you are using the free adobe reader on a computer to print. Select actual size and auto/landscape portrait.)
Step 2: Cut Pattern pieces
- Use the pattern and cut four pieces. You need two from the main fabric (the outside of the zipper pouch) and two from the lining fabric.
- Optional step: You can choose to add interfacing to the main fabric if you wish. Interfacing will add shape, strength, and body to your zipper pouch. (I recommend fusible, mid-weight interfacing. I used a brand that I bought at a sewing shop that is recommended for my embroidery mache, but almost any will work.) Just follow the package instructions to apply the interfacing.
Step 2: Attach the main/outside fabric pieces to the zipper.
- Right sides together, line up the zipper along the top of one of the main fabric pieces. Pin the zipper in place. (I love using my sewing clips for this.)
- Line up the edge of your presser foot along the edge of the zipper teeth. You can use a regular zig-zag foot with the needle moved all the way to the left position. Sew the zipper to the main fabric piece.
- Once you have sewn down to where the zipper pull is, make sure the needle is in the down position, and then gently pull the zipper to the other side of the presser foot and continue sewing.
- Right sides together again, line up the other edge of the zipper with the top of the main fabric piece. Make sure the two min fabric pieces match up along the sides as well and sew the two pieces together.
- This is how the zipper pouch will look at this point.
Step 3: Topstitching the zipper pouch.
- Top stitching is optional, but I highly recommend it as it adds a more professional finish to the pouch. Just line the edge of the pouch up and sew a topstitch about 1/8 inch away from the zipper on both sides. When the presser foot reaches the spot where the zipper pull is, make sure your needle is in the down position and gently slide the zipper pull to the other side of the presser foot.
Step 4: Attach the lining.
- Place the main fabric pieces right side down. Line up one of the edges of the lining pieces with the top edge of the zipper, as shown below. Make sure the sides line up as well and sew the lining to the zipper.
- Flip the zipper pouch around, moving the lining piece to the other side. Line up the 2nd lining piece with the other edge of the zipper, making sure the 2 lining pieces match up along the sides as well. (The two lining pieces will be right sides together.)
- Sew the lining piece to the zipper.
Step 5: Sew the sides of the zipper pouch.
- Fold the zipper pouch fabric so the main two pieces line up, and the lining pieces line up, all with right sides together. Make sure the zipper is open.
- Sew all the layers of the pouch together as shown. Sew both sides and the bottom edge of the main fabric. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave the notched corners open and a 2.5-inch opening in the bottom of the lining fabric so the pouch can be flipped right side out after it is sewn together.
- If sewing the zipper pouch version with no boxed corners, you would sew all the way around the pouch, leaving about a 2.5-inch opening in the lining:
- Trim the zipper pouch seam edges to about a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Step 6: Box the corners.
- Open the bottom of the pouch and line up the corner seams, so they make a bit of a triangle. Sew the seam together with a half-inch seam allowance. Trim the seam.
- Repeat on the other 3 corners.
- Flip the zipper pouch right side out and use a pencil or turning tool to poke out the corners.
- Close the bottom of the lining by pressing the seams in and sewing it closed.
- Push the lining to the inside, use an iron if needed to crisp up your zipper pouch, and you are done!
