There are various techniques for sewing zippered pouches, but I believe many of us began by sewing a basic pouch similar to the ones below. The difference between these pouches lies in the technique used for inserting the zipper, which impacts the finishing of the pouch.
Which one is your favorite?
This is the quickest version you could sew (tutorial soon).
This pouch features my favorite way to insert the zipper – tutorial here:
But maybe you like the pouch below, with tabs attached to the zipper; it is an elegant way to insert the zipper. If you don’t know how to sew a pouch like this, follow the instructions below.
You need:
- two exterior and two lining panels: 7” x 10”
- zipper: 8¾” long
- two tabs 1¼” (width of zipper) x 2”.
The zipper must be 1¼” shorter than the top edge of your panels.
Attach the tabs to the zipper’s ends as shown (sew at 3/8” from the end of the zipper – see the red marking line).
Add double-sided adhesive tape along the top edges of all the panels, on the right side of the pieces. Remove the paper backing.
Center the zipper along the top edge of one of the exterior panels, right sides together.
Place the lining panel on top, keeping aligned all the edges.
Sew at 1/4” from the top edges.
Bring the pieces right sides together, and keep all the edges aligned.
Topstitch close to the top edge (see the green marking line).
Repeat these steps and sew the other side of the zipper to the remaining panels.
Your piece should look like this.
OPEN the zipper at least halfway.
Separate the exterior panels from the lining panels. Pin the panels right sides together, keeping all the edges aligned.
Sew at 3/8” from the edges, leaving a gap in the lining.
Clip the seam allowances at corners as shown.
Turn the piece right side up through the gap in the lining. Close the gap in the lining. The pouch is finished.
I hope you will give this technique a try!
Here are my latest projects!
Tiffany Bag and Audrey Pouch patterns here, if you want to make your own versions.
Happy sewing!
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