This is the easiest zipper pouch tutorial, great for beginners and experienced alike. And the best part about these adorable bags is that you can make them in less than 10 minutes!
These zipper pouches are customizable, so they can be made in any size — just make sure the zipper and fabric length match up!
If you’re new to sewing, or a little intimidated by projects that require zippers, dive in! This tutorial will walk you through every step.
- 1. Supplies needed to make the zipper pouch
- 2. Cut fabric
- 3. Fabric alignment and placement
- 4. Zipper Sandwich: Part 1
- 5. Flip the fabric (side A)
- 6. Zipper Sandwich: Part 2
- 6. Flip the fabric (sides A & B)
- 7. Stack layers
- 8. Sew along outer edge
- 9. Clean up edges and clip corners before flipping
1. Supplies needed to make the zipper pouch
- Fabric
- Two 5×9” cuts for outer layer
- If you want easy, these precut fabric squares are what I’ve been stocking up on. You get a good variety at a reasonable price — and depending on the size of your bag, you don’t have to cut them much!
- Two 5×9” cuts for lining
- 9” zipper (or larger) — much cheaper to buy online!
- Zipper foot
- Two 5×9” cuts for outer layer
- Other Helpful Tools
- Rotary cutter and mat
- pins and/or clips (these little “extra hands” have been a great recent discovery!)
- Tailors chalk
2. Cut fabric
If you’re following this particular example, measure out four 5×9″ rectangles. Your 4 layers are two outer and two inner. I also have a zipper pull that measures the same length as the long edge of the fabric.
Using either fabric scissors or a rotary cutter (my preferred method), cut out your four fabric pieces.
My X-Large rotary and cutting board set were game changers for me! But if you prefer scissors, that is perfectly fine!
The size of your bag is not important — but it is important that the length of your zipper is the same as the length (at least) as the fabric that you will be sewing it to.
3. Fabric alignment and placement
Now that we’ve cut our fabric, we need to get it ready for some zipper fun — sewing!
To do this, you’ll want to match the outer layer with the inner liner layer (right sides together).
Take your outer layer and leave it facing upward, toward the ceiling. Then take your inner layer and place it directly over the outer layer. Your right sides MUST be together — or it won’t look so purdy in the end.
4. Zipper Sandwich: Part 1
It’s time to start working on the zipper! This is not a difficult task, so don’t let it feel daunting if you’re just starting out!
Now would be a good time to go ahead and change the foot of your sewing machine to the zipper foot.
It does not matter which side the zipper itself is on, but I prefer to sew with it out of the way when I start out so I always try to point it opposite of where I’ll begin the sewing.
Now fold back one of your inner liner layers — pink in my case. Lay the zipper strip ,facing down, so that the edges are flush (see photo). **Your zipper will be facing down, toward the outer layer **
I highly recommend using your sewing clips or pins to keep the zipper in place, since you’ll be adding another layer to this.
Now you’re ready to place the inner layer on top, (right side facing down) — making a zipper sandwich. Be sure all of your edges are flush.
Sew along the edge (see photo below) with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end!
Sometimes I have to play with my zipper a little bit so I can get around it. It isn’t a big deal if you come out just a tad.
5. Flip the fabric (side A)
Flip your fabrics so that wrong side is together and the right side is facing outward. Half of your zipper pouch is now finished!
I usually iron over the pieces before going further, just so the fabric is easier to work with and doesn’t bunch up. With your right side still on the outside, it’s time for the next zipper sandwich.
6. Zipper Sandwich: Part 2
Grab the other two pieces of fabric and be sure they are still assembled correctly — right sides together.
Like before, pull back the inner lining layer so you’re left with the outer layer (colorful in my case) facing up. Create another zipper sandwich by placing the not-yet-sewn side of the zipper over your outer layer.
You can clip or pin here if you feel like you need to, but since it’s heavier you may be okay without.
Complete the sandwich by placing the inner liner facing down on top. Double check for flush edges.
flip the zipperso it is facing downward, just like earlier 
make sure all of your edges are somewhat flush (we will trim excess later)
Sew along edge just like you did before. Don’t forget to backstitch at the start and finish!
6. Flip the fabric (sides A & B)
Now is when you get to take a looksies at your BEAUTIFUL zipper pouch! Flip your fabric so both outer layers are facing up (as is the zipper). I recommend ironing before preceding, but not required.
If your edges aren’t perfect, as mine were not– clearly — no worries. We will clean them up shortly.
7. Stack layers
With your pouch still on the mat facing upward, HALFWAY UNZIP your zipper. Then stack by flipping one side (both 1 inner layer and 1 outer layer) of the pouch.
You should be looking at only your outer layer and the stack should be: inner, outer, zipper, outer, inner.
You can choose to press here if you’d like.
don’t forget to open your zipper halfway!!! 
place clips along edges
8. Sew along outer edge
Sew along the three outer edges, (beginning at the top right, with a 1/4” seam allowance.
9. Clean up edges and clip corners before flipping
Before you flip the pouch right side out, you’ll want clip the corners (don’t cut into your seam!!), and trip the fabric pieces in the seam allowance.
Now reach through the zipper and turn the zipper pouch so the layers are right side out.
Use a chopstick or end of a paintbrush to poke the corners out.
And there you have it! A super quick and easy zipper pouch tutorial! Please comment below if you have any questions, or would like to share your experience with this zipper bag! Also, tag me on instagram so I can see your projects!!!
