Once you have the basics mastered in this zipper pouch tutorial you can add bows, flowers and even create patchwork zipper pouches. Have you got lots of scrap fabrics and fat quarters that you want to use? I think we all do! Well, why not learn how to sew a zipper pouch! It really is easy.

zipper pouch tutorial, how to sew a zipper pouch — How to Sew a Zipper Pouch Tutorial

Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Supplies

Fabric - I like working with quilting cotton as it is easy to sew and gives your zipper pouch a nice amount of body or stiffness. You can purchase fat quarters cheaply so you can easily mix and match fabrics without buying larger pieces.

Tips for choosing fabrics:

Search through your scrap baskets and join smaller pieces together to make a patchwork zipper pouch.
It is best to use thinner lining fabrics if you use heavy outer pieces.
If your outer fabric is thin and flimsy, use some fusible interfacing to make it a little stiffer.
For beginners, use cotton fabric as it is easier to sew than silky or slipper fabrics like polyester or silk.

Thread - Matching colors looks best and is the most forgiving for beginner sewers.
Zipper - The zipper teeth should be 1 inch (2.5cm) shorter than the width of your fabric rectangle. Most of the time this means the tape part of the zipper will be the same length as your fabric.

Tips for choosing zippers:

Zippers are measured along their teeth and not the tape. Most of the time, the zipper tape will measure the same as your fabric but I have specified a measurement along the teeth since the tape ends can vary.
If your zipper is a little longer than you need, don't waste time and run off to the store, shorten it! (Read How to shorten a zipper.)
I used metal zipper teeth in my tutorial but if you are a beginner, then plastic zippers are much easier to sew as the heads are generally much smaller.

Zipper Foot and Regular Presser Foot (Read 10 best sewing machine feet to buy)
Sewing Basics - Sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter and mat, iron and ironing board.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Cutting

Cut 4 rectangular pieces of fabric (2 for the outer fabric and 2 for the lining).

Width: 1 inch (2.5cm) longer than your zipper
Height: Your choice

I cut my four rectangles 7" x 5” (18 x 13cm) to fit a 6” (15cm) zipper. You can cut any size rectangles you like.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Video

Watch this video showing you how to sew a zipper pouch, otherwise skip to the instructions and photos below. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

Zip Pouch Tutorial VIDEO

Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Step by Step How to Make a Zipper Pouch

Step 1 - Attach the Zipper

Put the zipper right sides together on one of the OUTSIDE pieces. The head should be down and to the left. Now put a lining piece on top, right sides together.

step 1: how to sew a zipper pouch — Outside and Zipper RST and then lining RST with Outside

Stitch along the top with a zipper foot, getting as close as you can to the zipper.

SEWING TIPS: If you have bulky zipper tabs that are hard to sew past on one go, you can do this in 2 parts.

Start with the zipper closed and start sewing 2 inches(5cm) past the zipper head.
Now go back and open the zipper and sew the top part.

Step 2- Press

Press the fabric away from the zipper. Be careful not to put your iron on plastic zippers. Topstitch across the seam through both layers of fabric (lining and outside).

step 2: how to sew a zipper pouch — Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Topstitch

Step 3 - Attach Zipper to Other Side

Join the zipper to the other side of the pouch.

Put the lining underneath with the right side up. Then place your already sewn piece with the zipper right side up. Add the other outside piece last. This will be right sides together. This means you’ve sandwiched the zipper between the lining and the main outside piece!

Stitch with a zipper foot using the same method as the other side. Remember you may need to sew in 2 parts for a bulky zipper tab.

step 3: how to sew a zipper pouch — Sandwich the Zipper Piece between the Lining and Other Outside.

This is how it looks when you have sewn the zipper on both sides.

Step 4 - Topstitching

Press the seam open and topstitch along the zipper. If your lining and outside fabrics are a little out of alignment, you can trim them the same to make the next steps easier. Just be conservative and don't cut too much.

step 4: how to sew a zipper pouch — Press all Fabric Away from the Zipper

Step 5 - Pin the Outside

Undo the zipper ¾ of the way across. (very important!!) If you forget to open the zipper you will have a really hard time turning it the right way out and will end up unpicking.

Put the outside pieces right sides together and the lining right sides together.

step 5: how to sew a zipper pouch — Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Outsides Together and Lining Together

At the zipper joins, put the side of the zipper towards the lining and the seam towards the main outside fabric.

Remember – zipper towards lining and seam towards the outside fabric.

Step 6- Stitch the Seam

Stitch around with a ⅜” (1cm) seam allowance leaving a 2” (5cm) gap in the bottom of the lining. Backstitch the beginning and end.

Be careful when sewing over the thicker joins at the ends of the zipper. You might want to hand turn your wheel as it is not worth risking bending or breaking a needle.

The raw edges don't need to be finished since they will be hidden inside your zipper pouch.

step 6: how to sew a zipper pouch — Don't Forget to Leave a Gap

Step 7 - Clip and Turn

Clip the corners and the thick zipper ends. Turn the zipper pouch the right way out.

Stitch the gap in the bottom seam closed. You can hand-stitch with a ladder stitch for an invisible finish or just use your machine. I used my machine as I was in a hurry. If you use a matching color no one will notice except you.

step 7: how to sew a zipper pouch — Stitch the Gap Closed

Step 8 - Finish and Press

The final step for our zipper pouch tutorial is to push the lining back inside the outside fabric and give your pouch a good press.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial - Decoration Ideas

Here are some decoration ideas for your zipper pouches. Add bows, flowers embroidery, tassels, sequins - one at a time or all at once.

How to Sew a Wrist Strap. This tutorial will show you how to make the wrist strap pictured. This can really elevate your zipper pouch and allow you to go hands-free on your next girl's night out. If your zipper head is small, use a small ring to join the wrist strap through the hole
DIY fabric bow. I think these are a must. Look how cute my striped bow looks!
How to Make a Tassel. You can also decorate your zipper pouch with a fun bright colored tassel.
Yo-Yo Flowers - These classic flowers are made from a circle of fabric and then gathered.
Fabric flowers can add a fun pretty touch
Leather tassels look sophisticated. Use real leather or faux leather to suit your tastes and budget.
Sewing ric-rac is a cheap and cheerful decorative idea.
Embroidery - This is easy and relaxing to do. I call it a TV job. Turn the TV on and do your embroidery while watching your favorite show.

how to sew a zipper pouch, zipper pouch tutorial — Zipper Pouch Tutorial

Zipper Pouch Tutorial - In Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this zipper pouch tutorial, here are some more from my blog: