Hey everyone. Today we're making a handy zip pouch, so this teal aqua batik can corral all your small sewing bits.
Here we go. The star is the Essence Grunge Texture-Multi Teal Aqua Batik from Lumin Fabrics. It is 100% cotton batik. It runs 44"/45" wide. It comes per yard, in the Essence collection.
The pattern is Grunge Texture. Soft, mottled, and blended. No hard print to match up. The color is Multi Teal Aqua. Teals and aquas move together. Deep in one spot, lighter in the next. Like clear water shifting in the light.
For a small pouch, that matters, y'all. A zip pouch is all surface. You see every inch you cut. And because the texture is all-over, no motif gets lost.
The project: a 9" by 6" zip pouch
We are making one lined zip pouch. It finishes about 9" wide by 6" tall. That is a great size for notions. It holds scissors, clips, and markers. It also works for cords or cards. Completely up to you.
Why this fabric suits it? A pouch gets handled a lot. It gets opened, closed, and tossed in a tote. Batik cotton presses crisp and holds its shape well for a project like this. And that grunge texture means no directional fuss. Cut it, turn it, it still reads right.
Materials list
- 1/2 yard of Essence Grunge Texture-Multi Teal Aqua Batik, enough for the outside and the lining, with fabric left for a second pouch
- One 9" or longer nylon zipper, in teal, aqua, or a neutral you like
- A piece of fusible fleece or light batting, about 10" by 13", optional for a softer, padded feel
- 50-weight thread to match for seams and topstitching
- An 80/12 needle, a zipper foot, rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pins or clips, and an iron
Brief steps
First, press your fabric well. Then cut your pieces. Cut two outer pieces at 10" by 7". Cut two lining pieces at 10" by 7". That extra 1" gives you room for 1/2" seams. If you are using fleece, cut two pieces the same size and fuse one to each outer piece.
Second, place the zipper. Lay one outer piece face up. Line the zipper face down along the top edge. Lay one lining piece face down on top. Pin or clip that sandwich. Stitch close to the teeth with your zipper foot, at a 2.5 stitch length. Press both fabrics away from the zipper.
Third, repeat on the other side. Line up the free zipper edge with the second outer piece. Add the second lining piece on top. Stitch it the same way. Press away from the zipper again. Topstitch along both sides of the zipper, about 1/8" from the fold. That keeps the lining from catching in the teeth.
Fourth, sew the pouch closed. Open the zipper at least halfway first. If you skip that, you cannot turn the pouch. I have learned that one the hard way. Pin the outer pieces face to face. Pin the lining pieces face to face. Stitch all the way around with a 1/2" seam. Leave a 3" opening in the bottom of the lining. Slow down at the zipper ends, or the needle can snap on a thick spot.
Fifth, box the corners if you like. A flat pouch is just fine. For a little base, pinch each corner into a triangle 1" deep. Stitch across it and trim. Then turn the pouch right side out through that lining opening. Push the corners out gently. Stitch the opening closed, push the lining inside, and press. Just like that, you are done.
My honest tips
Use a zipper that is a little long. A 12" zipper is easier to sew than an exact 9" one. Trim the extra after the sides are sewn. Just keep your needle clear of any metal stops.
Let the fabric be the design. This texture does not need applique or trim. A clean pouch shows it off best. If you want a pull tab, use a 4" strip of the same batik, folded and stitched. Super duper easy.
And here is your permission beat. Your zipper does not have to sit perfect. You are your own worst critic here. A tiny wobble no one else notices will not change how handy it is. It does not have to be perfect. It just has to get used and loved. Take your time. It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. One pretty batik, one zipper, and an afternoon. Alrighty, go make one for your tote.
Thanks for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Essence Grunge Texture-Multi Teal Aqua Batik 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
