This small zippered pouch pattern is a quick and easy sewing project you can make in no time. You can use the pouch to store makeup, carry toiletries while traveling, keep your purse organized, or even as a casual clutch. The possibilities are endless with this cute and easy-to-sew design.
Related Video: How to Sew a Zippered Pouch
Here are the materials and supplies you’ll need to complete this project:
• Fat quarter for exterior
• Fat quarter for interior
• 1/4 yard fusible interfacing
• 9” zipper
Note: All seam allowances are 1⁄4″ throughout the pattern, except where noted.
Step 1: Cut your fabric to the following dimensions:• From the exterior fabric: cut (2) 6” x 11” pieces for exterior
• From the interior fabric: cut (2) 6” x 11” pieces for lining
• From the interior fabric: cut (2) 2” x 1” pieces for zipper tabs (iron in half)
• From interfacing: cut (2) 6” x 11” pieces for exterior
Step 2: To sew the tabs to the zipper, place the folded tabs at the edge of each zipper and topstitch along the folded tab to stitch into place. Now your zipper is extended an inch on each size, and is now 11 inches instead of 9 – the same size as your exterior panel!
Step 3: Fuse a 4” x 11” piece of interfacing to the two exterior fabric pieces.
Step 4: Now place the zipper right side down on top of the exterior piece and pin into place. Then add the lining piece face down (so the right side is facing the exterior as well). Pinch the layers near the pin, remove it, and put it back in catching the exterior, the lining, AND the zipper so all three are pinned together.
Step 5: To sew the panels to the zipper, use a zipper foot and sew an approximate ¼” seam to get all 3 layers stitched together.
TIP 1: Stitch with the fleece side up! This prevents the lining from bunching.
TIP 2: Reach under the layers and move the zipper head out of your way as you sew so you don’t have to swerve around it!
Step 6: Now you’re going to topstitch the panels. First press both the lining and the exterior away from the zipper, then topstitch down the edge of the fold near the zipper.
Step 7: Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the other exterior and lining panels and sew them to the other edge of the zipper. (Now you it’s like you have a zipper with wings!)
Step 8: Now you’re going to start sewing the pieces together. First, fold the panels over so the front right sides are together, and the lining right sides are also together. (Hint: Open the zipper halfway to get the zipper head out of the way!)
When matching the front sides together, make sure the topstitching on each side of the zipper matches perfectly. This will leave the extra zipper tape on the inside folded toward the lining side.
Step 9: Using your iron-off pen, mark a space at the bottom of your lining that will remain unsewn so you can turn the bag inside out when done sewing. Using the image as a guide, start at A and sew a ¼” seam along the edge, and stop at C. Then, start again down at B, sew a ¼” seam along that edge, again stopping at C.
TIP: When you follow the above instructions, you sew the same direction across the zipper. This makes your zipper tab lay much nicer on both sides.
Step 10: Now, pinch each corner of your lining and exterior together so the side seam and bottom seams are touching. This will form a little triangle.
Step 11: Verify that the seams are matching by sticking a pin through the stitching on one side, and see where it comes out on the back. Then pin into place so the seams stay matching.
Step 12: Now measure down the seam 1 ½” and draw a line across the little triangle. This will make a 3” gusset on the outside of your bag. (Hint: Measure down 1” to make a 2” gusset. It’s in half!) Do this for all four corners: two on the fleece and two on the lining fabric.
Step 13: Now sew right down all four lines that you drew on each pinched corner.
Step 14: This is what your bag should look like now – with little ears on each corner.
Step 15: Next, you will trim off those little ears, leaving about a ½” seam allowance on each.
Step 16: Turn the bag inside out, and use a chop stick or the eraser side of a pencil to poke the corners out. Then pull the lining out of the bag, match the hole you used for turning nicely, and pin it into place.
Step 17: Then use your zipper foot, and topstitch the hole closed.
There you have it – your cute little zippered pouch is complete! You can easily adapt the size of the finished project by simply changing the exterior and lining dimensions, as well as the gusset size. Time to make a whole fleet of bags!
Happy sewing!
Related Video: How to Sew a Zippered Pouch
Get in touch! Leave a comment or email editor@nationalsewingcircle.com.
wonder full
I have a purse with the interior middle fabric pocket that’s floppy and in the way. Is there a way to cut it out or stiffen it?
Cover a piece of plastic canvas or heavy cardboard with fabric of your choice, pillowcase style or spray glue, slide it into the center pocket to hold it upright and out of your way.
This is the clearest tutorial for zippered pouches, thank you.
I look forward to trying this project. Thankyou…..
Have learned from this-absolutely great video.
This is the first video I’ave had the pleasure of viewing – – -I have to say “WOW” – this is clear and well produced. I feel very confident that I can make this zippered pouch. Well done!
Good job,nice video. Thanks u.
Fleece isn’t mentioned in the materials list but the directions, on Step 5, Tip 1 says to place the fleece side up to stitch to keep the lining from bunching. Where does the come in?
Hi, Jan! It is referencing the fusible interfacing. You would need to put the fleece side of the fusible interfacing, the fleece side up. Happy sewing!
Thanks so much-anxious to make a zipper pouch. Looks so good 😊 and easy for me.
Thank you so much for this tutorial, it is easy to follow. Thank you for sharing.
Love your tutorial. Is there a way to make one of these using a see – through vinyl of some sort.?? I have been trying to figure out how to make one.
Hi, Sandie! If you go to your local sewing and crafts store. We found some at JoAnn Fabrics.
I’ve seen one other tutorial on making a zipper pouch which I have done, but this one looks like it would be much easier. Can’t wait to try today!!!
Love this tutorial! This is the best description, step-by-step, I’ve seen. Now I understand why the zipper tabs on the end are a great idea. Now, I’d love to see this technique while adding a flap and shoulder straps for a neat, small cross body pouch. How about it National Ladies? Thanks for teaching us how to do it all.
thanks so much Aurora..your directions were just great..Easy to understand and making putting in a zipper not so daunting:)
.I used a 7 inch zipper and my little pouch came out so cute…. I will be making many more in different sizes…..
Thanks again
Love this, what are the finished dimensions?
Hi!
This pouch is 10″ at the top and 9″ at the bottom (because of the corner gussets) and stands up approximately 3 1/2″ depending on how flat you press the sides, the more loft to the pouch sides the shorter it is.
Thanks!
Error with pictures loading and the video won’t play, Like most videos, it keeps stopping (premium member)
Hi Cat. We have sent some troubleshooting suggestions to your email address. If you are still experiencing trouble viewing Premium content, please let us know
I am having the same problem. I emailed before and a tech replied with a link but he didn’t read my saying which challenge..so sent me link to quilt challenge instead of the oh sew fun.
I appreciate this simple zippered pouch. I am taking the instructions to my 10 yr. old granddaughter so she can make them for her Christmas gifts.
Love the bag, but the video kept stopping. I am going to make one today. Thanks.
Hi Charlene. I am sorry you are having trouble viewing the video. If you are still having problems please give our customer service team a call at 1-855-208-7187 and we will be happy to assist you with this.
I can only see part of the video, why is this? How can I see the whole thing????
Love this pouch. This make a great cosmetic bag and wonderful personalized gifts
i LIKE this project.. I am part kangaroo I like pouches…
I would like to join
Hi, Rhonda. Thank you for your interested. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187.
Fantastic ! Have always wondered how to do this ! I made mine smaller ( because I only had a 4″ zipper !) and out of vinyl- came out great !
I love the easy zipper bag
Will definitely try making this pouch
I like illustrations which make even the biginners to understand the content.
Dankie kan nie wag om temaak nie
Want to try some, thanks!
What type of fusible fleece did you use for your zipper pouch
Your video is terrific. I am new to sewing and found it very helpful and encouraging. Your teaching style is super. I am so glad I joined the circle. Can’t wait to do my first pouch. Thank you!
I welcome these instructions because if there is one thing I have difficulty do it’s making small bags with a gussets…thanks so much…
Excellent tutorial!
Beautiful instructions very well done now I am inspired todo more sewing,I love these mini class.to get me pushed.thank you .
Great tutorial, I have made this before but now I would like to add handles. Would you have a tutorial on that. I can probably figure it out but a tutorial would help!
I like the handle idea. I will be trying that. They will have to be put in when you are attaching the fabric and the zipper.
What if you do not have fat quarters?
Hello Customer,
Thank you for contacting us.
A fat quarter is an 18″ x 24″ rectangle of fabric, so even if you don’t have a fat quarter, if you have roughly that much fabric, you should be fine.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Nice tutorial. Wish it came with a downloadable printout. Thanks!
Can’t wait to try it!
Thank you for the Free pattern & Idea really EASY.
Thank you for the Pattern
Is there a printable version of this pattern? My granddaughter wants to make a bag and I think this would be a great place to start!
Hi Sue. I am sorry there is not a printable pattern for this. But the tutorial does give good step by step instructions.
Thanks
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Thanks
Very nice and simple to follow directions
Nice pattern! Worked out well.
Great tutorial! Thanks
Thank you for this looks so easy pattern and instructions.
I used to make these as a class project, but used a sorter zipper and squared off the tops like the bottom corners. The students loved it.
This is a generous idea. I am trying to gather practical items for the women’s sewing group that are learning to sew in the women’s prison in Tasmania. If you listen to the ABC podcast interview it explains it all. It is a great idea so that the women are learning skills that are and will help them.
Looks good.