Hey everyone, today we're making a handy zip pouch that keeps your sewing tools tidy and travels anywhere.
Here we go. Let's talk fabric first.
This is Flock Together Wavy Stripe Multi Cotton, from In The Beginning Fabrics. The designer is Jason Yenter. It is 100% cotton, and the width of fabric is 44"/45". That's what the product listing tells us, plain and simple.
The print is a wavy stripe. The tags call it striped and wavy, with a multi color story. So those soft waves carry lots of color as they move across the fabric.
I like a wavy stripe here. It feels relaxed and fun. Just like that, a simple pouch gets lots of personality.
Why this fabric suits a zip pouch
A zip pouch is a small, simple shape. That is perfect here. You get to see the waves travel across the front. Nothing gets lost in tiny piecing or lots of seams.
The multi color story helps, too. It plays nicely with fabrics you already have. Use a solid for the lining, or another print. Completely up to you.
My preference is to run the waves across the width of the pouch. That way they wrap around nice and easy. But you can turn them up and down if you like that look better. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
What you'll need
- 1/2 yard of Flock Together Wavy Stripe Multi Cotton, 44"/45" wide, 100% cotton — plenty for two pouches
- 1/2 yard of lining fabric in a solid or small print you like
- 1/2 yard of lightweight fusible interfacing for the outer pieces
- One 9" nylon zipper — a little longer is fine, you will trim it
- Matching all-purpose thread for construction
- Your usual basics: rotary cutter or scissors, ruler, pins or clips, marking tool, zipper foot, and a size 80/12 needle
- An iron for pressing — pressing really matters on this one
This makes one pouch, about 9" wide by 6" tall. That fits pens, small scissors, clips, and a spool or two.
Here is the cutting math. Cut two outer pieces 10" by 7". Cut two lining pieces 10" by 7". Then cut two interfacing pieces 10" by 7". That is it. Nice and simple.
Brief steps
First, press your fabric. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of both outer pieces. Let them cool. A flat start makes everything easier.
Second, build the zipper sandwich. Lay one lining piece right side up. Lay the zipper on the top edge, right side up. Lay one outer piece right side down on top. Pin or clip.
Third, stitch that edge with your zipper foot. Use a 1/4" seam and about 8 to 10 stitches per inch. You want to be close to the zipper teeth, but not on top of them.
Fourth, flip those pieces back. Press them away from the zipper. Then topstitch about 1/8" from the fold. That keeps the lining out of the zipper. I learned that the hard way, y'all.
Fifth, repeat on the other side. Sandwich the free zipper edge between the other outer and lining pieces. Stitch, flip, press, and topstitch just like before. Now open the zipper at least halfway. This part is important.
Sixth, sew the pouch together. Pin outer to outer, right sides together. Pin lining to lining, right sides together. Stitch all the way around with a 1/4" seam. Leave a 3" opening in the bottom of the lining for turning.
Seventh, clip the corners. Turn the pouch right side out through that opening. Poke the corners out gently. Press well. Stitch the lining opening closed. Just like that, you're done.
My tips from the sewing room
Tip one: test your zipper seam on a scrap first. I've skipped that test before. I've also picked out that seam before. Two minutes now saves real time later.
Tip two: slow down at the zipper pull. When you get close to it, stop with the needle down. Lift the foot, slide the pull past, then keep going. Rush it and your seam will wobble.
Tip three: leave the zipper open before that final seam. If you forget, you cannot turn the pouch. I have done it. Oh my goodness, it is not fun to fix. Double-check before you stitch.
Tip four: it doesn't have to be perfect. If a wave sits a little crooked, leave it. You're your own worst critic. Folks will just see a super duper cute and useful pouch.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Make one for you. Make one to gift.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Flock Together Wavy Stripe Multi Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
