One of the first projects that is often recommended for a beginner is the zipper pouch. It seems like an easy enough project. Well, that is until your finished project looks like this:
See how messy that zipper end looks? A few NOT well-kept secrets, will prevent you from falling into this conundrum. More importantly, you won’t be tempted to avoid zippers, and just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, zippers are in clothes, bags, purses, slings, and even wallets so they are kinda unavoidable. So how do you get that zipper to look good? With zipper tabs of course!
What a beautiful zipper end!
Later in this post, I link two videos that provides detailed instructions on this very important technique.
The required steps to make a zipper pouch are exactly the same regardless of size or its intended use. What makes a zipper pouch unique are the techniques, fabrics, and of course, dimensions the bag-maker chooses. Anyone can sew on a zipper, but will it look good? Professional? Or off to the scrap bin.
The zipper pouch is one of the most elementary and best, first projects for an aspiring bag maker. Don’t let that “elementary” word fool you. This is a project that is not only very easy and quick, but it is so useful. More importantly, you will learn a zipper technique that will be used in almost every bag you make.
So if a zipper pouch is so basic, and basic implies that it’s so simple a caveman can do it, why am I posting about it? BECAUSE! The above picture is the result of most beginner’s first attempt at a basic zipper pouch! It was mine too. The picture above was MY very first sewing project. I was so disappointed at that messy mess for a zipper because no zip tabs.
At the end of this post are two awesome YouTube videos of two different bag makers. These are two independent designers demonstrating their chosen techniques for making their versions of a zipper pouch. Disclaimer: Neither designer/YouTuber have anything to do with the DonnaK website or Facebook page nor do I have anything to do with their Youtube channels.
I am providing these links so you can see two proven, universal techniques using zipper tabs. Pay close attention to their differing styles for the zipper tabs. You choose which method works for you as they provide the exact same result: a nice-looking zipper end.
You can make these using the dimensions they provide OR any dimensions you choose including the ones I posted below.
My pencil pouch has a finished size of approximately 8 ¾ inches long X 4 inches high
Supplies Needed for my version of the pencil pouch:
Cut 2 Outer Fabric – 9 inches (width) by 4 ¾ inches (height)
Cut 2 Lining Fabric – 9 inches (width) by 4 ¾ inches (height)
Cut 2 Interfacing* – 9 inches (width by 4 ¾ inches (height)
Cut 1 zipper tabs – 1.5 inches X 6 inches – Cut in two so you have two 1.5 X 3 inch pieces. (You can cut these using the dimensions in the video below rather than use mine)
3 zipper by the yard or dress zipper NO metal zippers – Put the zipper pull on the zipper tape BEFORE cutting one piece 7 ¾” long
Double-sided tape (my preference) or a glue stick
Wonder clips
Air erasing fabric marker
Fabric marker that can be used in seam allowance
Sharp fabric scissors
Rotary blade
Polyester all-purpose sewing thread (cotton thread is not recommended for bag making)
Stiletto
4” X 1” ruler
I recommend Profuse Flexible Fusible Woven Cotton Interfacing but Pellon SF101 is also acceptable. I do not recommend nonwoven interfacing as the outside of the pouch will wrinkle when birthing in a way that is almost impossible to iron out.
I NEVER recommend metal zippers in bag making as we frequently sew over the zipper teeth, and sewing over metal zipper teeth will break your needle. You can purchase zippers with plastic teeth almost anywhere including Walmart and Amazon.
If you are using #3 or #5 dress zippers you will need to slide the zipper pull to the middle of the zipper, and then cut off the metal ends on each side of the zipper. After cutting these off, measure the zipper.
Finished Size: 8 ¾ inches X 4 inches
My Favorite Way to make a zipper pouch video by Jan Howell
Here is an alternative method by Rosie’s Art Studio to make a zipper pouch. The end result is exactly the same in both methods. This is not one of my favorite ways to make a zipper pouch. However, I am including it as there are many people who do prefer this option.