Simple Lined Zippered Pouch Tutorial


A lined zippered pouch is simple to make. This tutorial walks you through how to do it. Don't let zippers intimidate you.  Once you figure out how to use your zipper foot, it is smooth sailing.


 You can make your pouch in any size you would like/need.  You are only limited by your zipper size. 
First, cut two pieces of outer fabric and two pieces of lining fabric.  The width needs to be the same length as your zipper.  The length can be whatever you would like.  My pieces were about 7 inches by 4 inches. (My zipper is actually a 5 inch zipper, but you need to include the entire length of the zipper tape when measuring the width of your fabric for these pouches.)


Second, lay your lining fabric down, right side up.  Then lay your zipper down on the lining fabric, right side up, lining up the edges.


Next, lay your outer fabric down wrong side up.  Line up the edge with the edges of your zipper and lining fabric.  It would probably be a good idea to pin these together to prevent shifting when sewing.  I hate pinning and avoid it if I can, so I didn't pin these.  I just made sure that I held them together well, so if you are confident you can do this. skip the pinning, if not, put three of four pins along the edge.


Put your zipper foot on your machine and move the needle over to the furthest left position.  Stitch as close to the zipper teeth as possible, all along the edge.


 Now, flip the  fabric to the other side of the zipper and you will see that you have attached your lining and outer fabric to the zipper in a nice finished way.  Repeat with your other piece of lining fabric and outer fabric on the other side of the zipper. (Lining fabric right side up, then zipper right side up, the outer fabric right side down and stitch as close to the zipper teeth as possible.)  Now some people would tell you to press the pouch at this point and top stitch along the edge of the fabric, next to the zipper.  I skip this step, but feel free to do it, if you would like.


Next, open the zipper at least part way.  This is important if you ever want to be able to turn your pouch right side out again after stitching it all together.


Now, flip the fabrics so the outer fabrics are right sides together and the lining fabrics are right sides together.  Pin your fabrics in place, paying special attention to where they meet up at the zipper. Replace your zipper foot with your standard foot.  Begin stitiching an inch or two in from the corner of the bottom of your lining fabric.  I backstitch as I am beginning this seam.  Use a 5/8 inch seam.  Zippers are designed for clothing, and clothing is constructed with 5/8 inch seams, so you need to use this size seam in order for this pouch to work out properly around the zipper.   Now stitch all the way around the square of fabrics.  Make sure you stop stitching about 3 inches before meeting where you began stitching at the bottom of the lining fabric and backstitch.  This will give you an opening for turning.  Clip your corners and turn the lining right side out.  Work your corners out and then press the bottom or the lining fabrics, so that the opening is pressed in and looks finished.


Then stitch the opening closed as close to the edge as you can.


Finish turning the pouch right side out, working out the corners.  Then push the lining back inside.  Press nicely and Voila!  A cute zippered pouch in no time!!!


This one is going to be used as a gift bag for my sisters birthday present!

A cute homemade zippered bag is easier than you think.


If you are going to make many of these, I have ordered a set of 5" zippers from Amazon a couple of times.  It is much cheaper to buy them that way, than individually.  I am including an affiliate link to the set I have purchased in the past.