zip pouch tutorial

Just in case you might fancy snuggling up with a bit of stitching this weekend, here's a quick and easy tutorial to make a zip pouch that can be employed in so many different guises - to house your stitchy kit/make-up or as a kids pencil case for those with more pens than they can currently handle.  I chose to make my two a christmas pencil case each so they can while away the school day dreaming of snowier times.  I made a simple patchwork for the front but you could use just one fabric if you wish.

You will need:-

a cup of tea, thirsty work this.

2 pieces of fabric, 10"x5.5"each for the front and back pieces.

2 pieces of lining fabric, 10"x5.5"each.

10" zipper.

Basic sewing kit.

 

Take one of your lining pieces and lay it wrong side up, top with your front fabric piece. right side up.  It is a super sensible idea to sew the two together by stitching a line of stitches an eighth of an inch from the top edge.  I skipped this bit cause I'm lazy but I'd advise it. 

Fold over your top edge by a quarter of an inch.

 

Place this folded edge along one side of your zipper and sew in place using (super surprises) your zipper foot (or by hand if that pleases you).

Prepare the back piece and lining in the same way and sew this along the other side of the zipper, until it looks like this......

 

 

Fold in half with wrong side on the outside. 

VERY IMPORTANT!  Undo your zip a little or you won't be able to open it in a minute to turn it the right way around!!!!

 

If you have one attatch on overlocker /zipper foot to your machine.  You will need to stitch and overlock/zigzag a quarter of an inch all the way around the sides and bottom of your pouch.  My machine does this in one action but you could stitch your seam first and then go around again with the zigzag all around the side and bottom edges.

 

Your pouch will look sort of like this (if you used a plain lining and yellow zipper)

Matching snowman pincushion is optional.

 

Turn right side out.  Present to your offspring, who if they are anything like mine will say they are just putting it in the drawer until it's actually nearly christmas.

Now you've made one................ooh think of all the gifts you could make from this one turorial!!!

 

So what do you think???  good tutorial, bad ????  too easy?  too hard?  Just right in the middle!!

Let me know, I may have more up my sleeve!!!!!!!

Happy crafting!

 

I've been busy!!!   MOre sOon !!!!!

Comments

[mailie]

Those look easy, I think I can cope with that!
Love the look of your new patchwork. Quilt?

[Amber]

This was a great tutorial - and such a good idea!!

[leah]

I agree, I didn't realise a zipper pouch was so easy. Cute too!!

[Jan]

I am new to your blog and I love it! We seem to have alot of the same interests. I was wondering what kind of sewing machine you use for your quilting? Looks like you have a cute new project underway. I can't wait to see it!
~Jan

[Merete]

It seems easy, I will try to make one soon. Have a lot of zippers lying around:o)

[Gigi]

Great tutorial. Nice and easy, which makes it so inspiring. I was fighting with pouches a few years ago and now I am inspired by your easy method. Hmmm, where did I put all that stuff?

[tasha]

Aneela! I love it all! The tutorial looks so fun and easy...i've never done a zipper before...and the quilt at the end looks so fabulously delicious!!!! i can't wait to see the rest! i think i'll go work on my binding for mine now. thanks for the inspiration! :) have a great sewing crafting designing gift making day!!

[KarenN]

I think I might make one to try and get over my aversion of sewing with zippers. Looks like a great project to start with. Thanks for the tutorial.

[chris]

perfect little weekend project for me. thank you!

[Kelly]

Wonderful tutorial, love it. Speaking of love, what is that gorgeous sewing machine of yours? I love the needleplate and that it overlocks, sounds like a great machine. :-)

[Donna]

Zippers are scary!! You make it seem so easy. I will give it a try.

[vintagerockchick]

Lovely straightforward tutorial - and beautiful fabric! Thanks

[kate]

Perfect tutorial!! have a few of these to make for Chrissy x

[jacquie]

i could knock out a bunch of christmas gifts in a day. this is soo cute!

[Lorraine]

yes .... looks just the thing for some quick gifts .
thanks Aneela !!
love the look of the quilty thing .

[Nina - Tabiboo]

A fab tutorial and one that I will certainly give ago. But I am bad, bad, bad at sewing zips in - I'll let you know how I get on.

[Amy]

Great Tutorial, I liked seeing how to use those feet.

[Claudia]

Aneela, I can't wait to try to make a pouch on my own - it's seems so much less intimidating with your instructions. Thanks!

[alisonb2]

Spot on! I hope you have big sleeves!!!!!

[anencourager.blogspot.com]

It is funny that I came across your blog today, because just yesterday I told my girlfriend, "I am done with zippers!" I think I just changed my mind! :)

[michelle]

What a fabulous tutorial :0) I'm also LOVING the christmas theme. Lovely blog too. M x

[upstatelisa]

great fabrics!

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Great, versatile tutorial!! Love the fabrics you chose - lucky offspring!

[Rachel]

Cute and easy, I love this! Thanks so much, I'll be linking. Zip on!

[Jennifer]

Thank you very much for this tutorial! I loves ones like these that I actually have a shot at being able to make! I would love to see more! :)

[Sandra]

Once did a zippered pouched all hand sewn... I will try another one using your tutorial soon. Thanks!

[random Cindy]

Cute! Now where can I get some of that adorable ice skater fabric? Is it flannel?

[dthneece]

What a fantastic tutorial! Thank you for your generosity! :D

[kmckenzie]

this is a great tutorial ... im a beginner sewer & this is something i can see myself making & gifting our using for myself!! thank you and keep the tutorials coming!!!

[Cristina]

Hi Aneela
I noticed you have a Pfaff; I have one too and you are using the zipper foot wrong. It's the other way around so you can use the IDT system.
Cristina

[Caca]

I like the size of 10 inches zipper bag. Thanks for sharing your tutorial.