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Zipper Pouch Tutorial: How to Sew a Simple Pouch from Scraps

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a collection of fabric scraps cluttering up your sewing space. Instead of letting these remnants gather dust, why not transform them into something practical and beautiful? A zipper pouch is a perfect way to use those little bits of fabric, and they make fantastic gifts or handy storage solutions. In this tutorial, we’ll go through the process of creating a simple zipped pouch, ideal for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their sewing skills.

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the sewing process, let’s gather our materials. For this project, you will need:

• Fabric scraps: Ideally, 2-3 coordinating fabrics for the outer and lining pieces.
• Zipper: A standard nylon zipper (7-10 inches works well).
• Interfacing (optional): Fusible interfacing can provide extra stability if desired.
• Sewing machine: With a zipper foot attachment.
• Scissors: Fabric scissors and pinking shears (if you have them).
• Pins or clips: To hold your fabric in place.
• Iron: For pressing seams.
• Measuring tape: To ensure accurate cutting.

Step 1: Cutting Your Fabric

Start by cutting your fabric scraps into rectangles. The size of your pouch is up to you; a common size is 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall.

• Outer fabric: You will need two rectangles measuring 8” x 5”.
• Lining fabric: Cut two rectangles the same size (8” x 5”).
• If using interfacing, cut two additional rectangles of interfacing to fuse to the outer fabric for added sturdiness.

Once cut, you may wish to use pinking shears on the edges to prevent fraying, particularly if you’re working with fabric that frays easily.

Step 2: Preparing the Zipper

Next, we need to prepare the zipper. If your zipper is longer than your pouch opening:

1. Start by sewing a simple stitch at the end of the zipper to prevent it from pulling apart.
2. Lay one of the outer fabric rectangles right side up. Align the zipper face down along one edge, pinning it in place.
3. Pin the lining fabric (the first piece) right sides together with the outer fabric and zipper.

Step 3: Sewing the Zipper

Using your zipper foot, sew along the edge where the zipper and fabric are pinned, taking care to go slowly as you approach the zipper pull. This will help ensure a neat finish.

Once you’ve sewn along this side, you can topstitch to secure everything in place:

1. Flip the fabric pieces away from the zipper and press with an iron.
2. Topstitch along the edge of the zipper, about 1/8” away from the zipper teeth to create a clean look.

Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper, attaching the second outer piece and lining piece in the same manner.

Step 4: Assembling the Pouch

Once your zipper is in place, it’s time to sew up the rest of the pouch.

1. With the outer fabric pieces right sides together, and the lining pieces also right sides together, pin all around the edges.
2. Leave a gap in the lining (approximately 4 inches) for turning the pouch later.
3. Sew all the way around the pouch, using a 1/4” seam allowance, ensuring to backstitch at the beginning and end for durability.

Step 5: Turning and Finishing

Now for the magic! Turn the entire pouch right side out through the opening you left in the lining. Once turned, use your fingers to push out the corners for a crisp finish.

After the pouch is turned, close the gap in the lining with a small, neat hand stitch or machine stitch, then tuck the lining inside the pouch.

Step 6: Enjoy Your New Zipper Pouch

Congratulations! You’ve created a lovely zipper pouch using your fabric scraps. Not only is it a practical accessory, but it also showcases your creativity and resourcefulness. Feel free to make additional pouches in various sizes—and why stop there? Experiment with fun fabrics, and perhaps even add embellishments such as appliqué or embroidery to personalise each pouch to reflect your unique style.

This Zipper Pouch Tutorial from Suzy Quilts is just one of many ways to repurpose your fabric scraps into something functional and beautiful. Happy sewing!

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