A basic zipper pouch is a staple in just about anyone’s life. They can be used as makeup bags, pencil pouches, purse catch-alls, travel organizers, or emergency bags stuffed with all the random things you might need at any moment and kept in your car. Whatever the use, zipper pouches are always welcome gifts — and they’re quick and easy to make with almost any fabric you have on hand.
Our zipper pouch pattern doesn’t set out to break any barriers or win any design awards. Honestly, you don’t even need the pattern. You can draw out a rectangle using the fabric you already have and follow along from there. We’re teaching you how to fish here — once you learn the steps, the possibilities are endless.
What I do love about this beginner-friendly sewing project is that it includes so many of the basic skills you need to start sewing with confidence. You’ll use or draft a simple pattern, sew a zipper, add a lining, and topstitch. When I teach one-on-one sewing classes, this is the project we make because it’s such a great confidence builder.
And if you’re already an experienced sewist? Skip the learning curve, grab the pattern, and get to making. These little bags are one of my favorite handmade items to gift.
Before we get started, you can download the free Slow Selvedge Zipper Pouch PDF pattern here: [FREE Pattern]. The PDF includes two pouch sizes and printable instructions, but you can also follow along with the tutorial below using whatever fabric scraps, discarded denim, or secondhand textiles you already have. If you are interested in some instructions that you can or save for later, download the pattern and use the instructions <3
Materials Needed
To get started with our pattern, you’ll need:
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
- Pins or clips
- Enough fabric for at least four rectangles measuring 9” x 8”
- One zipper, 8” or shorter
- Optional fabric for a small pocket and strap
You can use quilting cotton, canvas, linen, denim, old clothing, or scrap fabric from previous projects. This is a great project for using what you already have.
Tips Before Sewing
Make sure you’re sewing with the correct needle for the fabric you’re using. A universal needle will work for many lightweight and medium-weight fabrics, but if you’re sewing with denim or thicker upcycled materials, you may want to use a denim needle.
Sew carefully at each step and check your seams as you go. It’s much easier to fix small mistakes along the way than to discover them after you’ve turned your bag right side out.
Take the time to topstitch around the zipper for attractive stitching and a cleaner finish.
For a more professional look, add fabric tabs to the ends of your zipper. This also helps you avoid sewing directly over the zipper teeth when sewing the bag together.
Once you have your fabric cut, your zipper ready, and your machine threaded, we’re ready to start sewing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut out fabric for the outer shell and lining, two 1"x2" rectangles for the zipper tabs, and the pocket and/or strap, both optional. Gather Supplies. **If you aren't using our pattern measure a rectangle 9"x8" and cut four out, along with a 1"x1" square at two bottom corners.
2. If you are adding the tabs on the side of the zippers, make sure first that your zipper is 1" shorter then your pattern pieces then cut two 2"x1" rectangles. Fold them hot dog, iron, open and fold the outer edge to the inside crease, fold again and iron. You should have two thin rectangles that you will sandwhich one end of the zipper in and sew, of both sides. In the end your zipper should look like this..
2a. If you are adding a pocket, fold under one edge of the pocket twice, press and sew. Then pin the pocket onto the lining, and sew.
2b. If you are adding a strap you can sew it into place on the linging now, or wait and sandwich it in the layer later. I prefer to sew it in so it doesn't move when I'm sewing thick layers.
3. Place the zipper face down on the exterior fabric with right sides together. Layer the lining fabric on top to sandwich the zipper between both pieces, then pin or clip in place and sew.
4. Open the pieces and turn right side out, so the zipper is facing you and top stitch along the zipper, sewing all the layers together.
5. Repeat Steps 3-4 with the remaining lining and outer piece.
6. Move the zipper pull to the center. Match the outer fabrics together and the lining fabrics together, then pin and sew around all four sides, leaving a 4” opening in the bottom of the lining. If you added the fabric zipper tabs, make sure there is a 1/2” space between the tab and the edge of your pouch at each end to avoid sewing over the fabric tab.
7. Pull the corners open, bring the seams together to meet and sew along the edge. This will box the corners. Sew all four corners.
8. Next, reach into the pouch through the opening in the lining, push the zipper all the way open and turn the pouch right side out. Tuck the raw edges in and close the opening, pin and sew
Last step is pretty natural, Flip the lining inside the outer shell, zip and enjoy!
I hope you found this pattern useful! I’ve had so many versions of these pouches come and go throughout my life, and I’m thrilled to share this project with you. Let me know if you make one by sharing it in the comments or tagging us on social media — I’d love to see what you create.
Happy Mending!
Lauren
