I love zipper pouches. They are super easy to make and have so many good uses. My kids use them for their markers and crayons, I use them for cosmetics bags, and they make great handmade gifts as well. These are really quick to make, and with this simple step-by-step zipper pouch tutorial, you’ll have your zipper pouch made in no time. Let’s get started!
Zipper Pouch Tutorial
Pouch Supplies:
- 1/4 yard main fabric….check out Peekaboo Fabric Shop for your fabric needs.
- 1/4 yard lining fabric
- Batting
- 12 inch nylon zipper
- Basic sewing notions: pins, scissors, thread, etc.
Zipper Pouch Instructions:
Zipper Pouch Step 1: Start by cutting your fabric. You will cut 2 pieces of your main fabric, lining fabric, and batting. Each piece needs to be 8 x 10 inches.
Zipper Pouch Step 2: Next, we’re going to layer our fabric and attach the zipper. First, lay down one piece of batting. Second, lay one piece of main fabric right side up on top of the batting. Third, lay the zipper right side down along the top edge. (Your zipper will be longer than the fabric. We’ll cut off the excess later.) Fourth, lay one piece of lining fabric right side down making sure to line up the edge with the edge of the zipper. Pin the zipper in place.
Zipper Pouch Step 3: Next, using your zipper foot, sew along that top edge to attach your zipper. Once you’ve stitched the zipper on, you can flip the lining to the back. From the front side, it should look something like the picture below.
Zipper Pouch Step 4: Now we’re going to layer the remaining pieces of fabric in the same manner to attach the other side of the zipper. First, batting. Second, main fabric right side up. Third, zipper right side down. Fourth, lining right side down. Pin and stitch along the top edge to attach the zipper.
Zipper Pouch Step 5: When you open it up, both sides of the zipper should be attached as shown below. Topstitch along the zipper. Not only will it look nicer, but it will prevent the lining fabric from getting caught in the zipper.
Zipper Pouch Step 6: Then, cut out a 2 inch sqaure from each of the four corners. This will help us create the flat bottom. You can also cut those squares smaller or larger depending on how big you want the bottom to be.
Zipper Pouch Step 7: Next, bring the lining pieces together, right sides touching. Also bring the main fabric pieces right sides together along with the batting. Pin along the edges. Very Important: make sure to unzip your zipper about half way. If you forget this step, you will not be able to turn your bag right side out and you will be sad!
Zipper Pouch Step 8: Using a 3/8 seam allowance, sew along the top and bottom edges as well as both sides. Do not sew the squares. Also Very Important: Make sure to leave a 3 inch opening along the bottom of your lining. If you do not leave an opening, you will not be able to turn your bag right side out and you will be sad. Once you have sewn the sides, you can go ahead and trim the excess zipper down to be even with the sides.
Zipper Pouch Step 9: Next we need to sew the corners. This part is a little tricky to describe and photograph, but trust me, it’s not tricky to sew. Start in one square, and pinch the corners together, matching the side seam to the bottom seam. You can pin these together if desired, and then sew them together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Do this for all four corners.
Zipper Pouch Step 10: Now the moment of truth. Did you leave an opening in the lining? Did you leave the zipper halfway unzipped? Then reach in the hole in your lining, and turn the whole bag right side out!
Zipper Pouch Step 11: Lastly, you just need to close the opening in the lining. If you’re fancy and patient, you can hand-sew an invisible stitch to close it. If you’re like me and don’t mind a little seam on the inside of your bag, just close the opening using your sewing machine.
Feel free to fill your zipper pouch with whatever your heart desires. And now that you know how easy they are, go make a few more!
Other Easy Sewing Tutorials
For your sewing needs join us at: Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop for Sewing Patterns and KnitFabric.com for your apparel fabric.
As always, come join us in our Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Facebook Group to ask your sewing-related questions and show us what you make.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, make sure to check out the following:
28 Responses
I’m a new begginner. This was so easy and funny to sew. Thank you for the descripsion😊
Harika bir çalışma. Çok pratik. Şimdi bir çanta diktim ve çok kolay oldu. Teşekkür ederim 😊
A fun and cute bag! Except the zipper is sort of bunched and folded down at each end and it’s hard to get it open. Maybe tabs sewn to it first would have helped or I have a bad zipper? Just ordered from Missouri Star. I made it for a kid but I think it would be to hard for him.
Would love to use this pattern but the pop up ad for the email subscription won’t go away even though I have signed up. Very frustrated
I am having the same isdue
I just made one and the directions are perfect! I will be making several!
Thank you so much for sharing😊
Thanks it’s very useful. 🙂
Thanks so much for the photos and detailed written instructions! My bag actually turned out nicely ….plus the zipper worked!!
Thanks I like the tutorials am a learner and they will help me learn more
Amy, I had no idea you were so crafty! Great tutorial and easy to follow. Looking forward to seeing what you have done. Good job, girl!
❤ Shauna
Nice little bag. Just a bit too little. Otherwise nice. Will have to adjust the size to make it a little bit larger.
Thank you for sharing this! If I wanted to make a smaller size using an 8″ zipper instead, does it follow that I should reduce all the rest of the fabric measurements by 1/3 as well?
What a great tutorial. I made mine a little bigger, added cross body straps and used a slashing technique on the front panel. I used only materials I had on hand. Very happy with my pretty little bag
Thank you
Thank you for sharing . Will be making this easy to follow tutorial for sure.
Having just watched your easy to follow instruction tutorial, I am inspired to make several for Christmas presents. I can think of something different to put in each one. Thank you.
Thank you, I can’t wait to get started.
very nice .
conpso.com
Thank you so much for this tutorial!! What great gift ideas for my daughters and granddaughters for birthdays! Using a variety of my leftover fabrics! Great tor giving to missions services too!
What a great idea. To send these on mission trips with feminine hygiene products would be awesome! Love this idea. May I use it?
Which way do you lay/fold the zipper when you sew the outer fabric and lining together?I
Fabric right side up, zipper right side down, lining right side down for first and sew zipper down at top edge of fabric. Zipper right side up for second side.
Great instructions and pictures. Gives me an incentive to go through my stash.
Have never seen better instructions than this! I thank you!!
This is very clear and concise! Best instructions I have seen….will be making (and embroidering!) this afternoon! Thank you so much!!
What a great bag ! I’m going to make some for my friend’s.
Thank you so much
Always looking for fast & easy projects to sew love your tutorial. Will be making these for gifts. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I want to make several for my nieces for Christmas.