Zipper pouches are handy for storing and organizing all sorts of small items. You can even store wet items simply by turning the lining into laminated fabric.
This cute set of zippered pouches is quick and easy to make and instructions include a simple way to turn a flat zipper pouch into a zipper pouch with box corners.
You can make this cute set of zippered pouches using your favorite fabric … or print your own fabric using the free printable fabric pattern.
Supplies
- two pieces fabric 8-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ – outer upper section
- two pieces fabric 8-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ – outer lower section
- two pieces fabric 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ – lining
- two pieces fabric width of the zipper x 1-1/2″ long – zipper tabs
- two pieces light to medium weight fusible interfacing 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″
- one 9″ zipper
- ric-rac trim
- two buttons
How to Make a Zipper Pouch
Design and Print Your Own Fabric
For this free tutorial I designed and printed my own fabric for the outer upper sections using this tutorial to create a half drop repeat pattern, and printed the design onto fabric using some of my hand-dyed fabric and this ink-saving printing technique. I used plain hand-dyed fabric for the lower sections.
The pattern is a simple dot pattern on a transparent background that you can download and print onto white or colored fabric using this ink-saving technique. The design is ready to print at 8-1/2″ wide x 11″ high. To download the file, right click and save to your desktop.
Make the Zipper Tabs
Open the zipper about half way and cut the ends off the zipper so that it measures 8-1/8″ long. Cutting the metal parts of the zipper will help to prevent you from breaking a needle if you accidentally sew over it. Sew a few hand stitches on each end to prevent the zipper slider from running off the end. Press under a 1/4″ seam on both ends of the zipper tab.
Fold the zipper tab in half and wrap around the end of the zipper. Sew the zipper tabs to the zipper by topstitching close to the folded inner edges.
Make the Front and Back Pieces
Using a 1/4″ seam, sew the upper front pieces to the lower front pieces and press. Iron the fusible interfacing to the underside of the fabric pieces. Sew a length of ric-rac to cover the seams.
Sew the Front, Back and Lining to the Zipper
Place the lining on a flat surface with the right side facing up. Place the zipper on top, align the top edge of the zipper tape with the top edge of the fabric, and center it between the sides of the lining. The zipper should be indented 3/8″ on both sides.
Place the front piece of fabric on top of the zipper with the wrong side facing up. Align all the edges, pin in place, and sew all the pieces together along the top.
Do the same for the other side.
Topstitch each section close to the seam at the zipper end.
Open the zipper about 3/4 of the way. You will need to do this so that you will be able to turn the pouch right side out. With right sides of the fabric facing, fold the front sections together and pin. Pinch the zipper so that it folds toward the lining side, and pin in place. Fold the lining sections together and pin.
Sew a 1/4″ seam all the way around leaving an opening of approximately 4″ along the bottom to turn the pouch right side out. Make sure that you don’t sew over the zipper tabs.
Finish
Turn the pouch right sides facing out through the opening in the lining. Hand stitch the opening closed. Arrange the lining inside the pouch and press with an iron. Tie a short piece of ribbon through the zipper hole to use as a zipper pull. I also stitched a small bow onto the front for a cute embellishment.
How to Make a Zipper Pouch with Easy Box Corners
This is the absolute easiest way to make box corners for your zipper pouch. Once the zipper purse is made, fold the bottom corner so that the side seams align with the bottom seam and the corner forms a point. Using a ruler, measure up 1″ from the pointed end and using a fabric marking pen, draw a mark across.
Sew along the marked line which should be approximately 2″.
Fold each corner up and secure with a button. That’s it – you’re done!
Resources
Get information and tutorials about printing on fabric
For printing on fabric I use and recommend EQ Printables Inkjet Fabric Sheets or EQ Printables Inkjet Fabric on a Roll
