Have no fear of the zipper! This lined zipper pouch tutorial will show you just how easy it is to sew a zip-bag to store your goodies. When you don’t need to carry everything with you, replace your purse with a simple zipper clutch and store your keys, cards, and cash! When you are done, you can use this same method to create a zipper pouch in various sizes based on your needs.
Table of Contents
What do you need to make a zipper pouch?
– 2 fat quarters (18”x22”) of cotton quilting fabric — buy it here
– 9″ zipper — buy it here
– Sewing machine with a zipper foot — buy it here
– Optional: medium-weight fusible interfacing — buy it here
Also, make sure to check out my new tutorial > Reversible Sewing Machine Cover
Zipper pouch Finished Size
9-1/2″ long x 6-1/2″ tall
All seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise noted.
Cutting
From outer fabric, cut (2) rectangles 10″ x 7″ and (2) zipper tabs 1-1/2” x 3”.
From lining fabric, cut (2) rectangles 10″ x 7″.
Assembly
Fold zipper tabs in half widthwise to make a square shape. On the right side of the zipper, position the fold of one zipper tab so it just overlaps the metal end of the zipper—Center and pin in place.
Position the other folded zipper tab, so the fold just overlaps the edge of the zipper pull. Again, center and pin in place. Note: Turn the sewing machine slowly with your hand when sewing close to metal parts so as not to break a needle.
Using the zipper foot, stitch zipper tabs in place with a horizontal line along the folded edge, about 1/8” from the fold. Avoid metal parts as you sew. Test zipper to make sure tabs do not interfere with zipping.
Your zipper should look like this with both of the tags attached.
Center zipper edge to pouch front, so right sides of pouch and zipper are facing. Pin edge of the zipper to the raw edge of the top flap.
With the zipper on top, stitch 1/4” from the pinned edge.
Stack the clutch back on the clutch front, right sides facing, and pin the raw edge of the clutch back to the free edge of the zipper and repeat stitching.
This is what your pouch front should look like when opened.
Now, it’s time to attach the lining!
Layout the zipper pouch with the fabric wrong side up. (In the picture above, one outer fabric panel is folded back.) With the wrong side of the lining facing up, pin the right side of the lining to the exposed zipper edge, as pictured.
When you fold back the lining, you should see: the right side of the lining fabric. Stitch 1/4” from pinned edge to attach the first lining panel.
Now, repeat this process to attach the second lining panel to the exposed zipper edge. Pin the lining right side down against the raw edge of the zipper, and then stitch 1/4″ from the edge.
This is what the lining panels will look like when they are sewn. You should see the back of the zipper and the right sides of both lining panels.
Leave zipper unzipped, and pin together with the right sides of the clutch body, making sure to align the top strips. Pin together the right sides of the lining pieces.
Stitch 1/4” around the perimeter of both body and lining, leaving 4” open at the bottom of lining for turning.
Through the opening you left earlier, carefully turn the bag inside out. Push the lining inside of the bag and smooth out the corners. Press the pouch and hand-stitch the lining closed.
Enjoy your new lined zipper pouch! Wasn’t that easy? If you make this pattern, we’d love to see it on Facebook
Once you are comfortable with this simple zippered pouch, try out the quilted version: e-Reader Sleeves: iPad or Kindle Cover Pattern.
