Easy Zipper Pouch Pattern With 2 Sizes to Sew!

Look no further for a free and easy zipper pouch pattern perfect for holding money and credit cards, school supplies, cosmetics, and more! This pattern includes free templates to make 2 different sizes of pouches, plus a step-by-step zipper pouch tutorial. The pattern template can be used for regular-size zippers plus my favorite handbag zippers.

This lined zipper pouch pattern is extremely easy and customizable. I put small tabs on the sides of my pouches that give you something to hold when you open and close the zipper. These tabs can also hold a swivel clip, D-ring, or key ring. The tabs are optional, so you can also make a zipper pouch without it if you prefer.

And guess what??? This free sewing pattern is fat quarter friendly too! For more fun projects like this, check out all my free sewing patterns.

This blog post has been converted to an optional PDF that’s optimized for printing. Find it here. The free Zipper Pouch Pattern with 2 Sizes is included in the blog post below and is free to read, print, and sew! Just hit CTRL +P on your computer to print. The PDF download is inexpensive and optional. Did you know you can get ALL the Optimized for Printing PDF files organized in a library to access anytime you want? Check it out.

These DIY pencil, card, or cosmetic pouches are a great beginner sewing project because:

• The small size is perfect for using scraps and the larger size can be made from just 1 fat quarter.
• There is a free template that you can download now.
• You’ll learn how to use fusible fleece (used in lots of bags and pouches).
• This is the best project for learning how to sew a zipper.

Everyone needs a few zipper pouches for organizing, so they make great gifts too.

Zipper Pouch Dimensions

When finished, the small zipper pouches are approximately 4” tall and 5” wide, not including the tab. The larger zipper pouch is approximately 7” tall and 8 1/2” wide.

This free tutorial includes 2 free downloadable templates and step-by-step instructions with photos. You can choose to sew the pouches with regular dressmaking zippers that are approximately 1” wide, or with YKK size 4.5 handbag zippers that are approximately 1 1/4” wide. Further instructions for using the template with either size zipper are provided below.

This Pattern is Machine Embroidery Friendly

The large size makes a great back-to-school pencil case that you can personalize!

I made a matching set of pouches for my daughter who just started college last week (poor me!). Before assembling her larger pouch, I embroidered her monogram on it. I’ll let you know the best time to embroider on either side of the pouch if you wish to do so (machine embroidery design not included).

Tips for Choosing Fabric and Thread:

This project works best with cotton quilting fabric. It’s easy to sew with and available in so many beautiful patterns. You can make this project in a single fabric or use coordinating prints for the exterior and the lining fabrics. Or use scrappy fabrics for all the different pieces. Any combination will look fabulous.

If you want to use fat quarters, you can make one entire larger pouch from a single fat quarter, or mix and match to make two large pouches with two different fat quarters.

Polyester thread is a good choice for this project because polyester is strong and has the tiniest bit of stretch to help it endure heavy use.

What stabilizer will I need?

I used fusible fleece interfacing from HeatnBond to stabilize my outer pieces. This fusible interfacing gives my pouches great structure and makes it a great surface for machine embroidery.

So let’s get started making zipper pouches!

Materials

You will need:

• 1/4 yard or less cotton fabric or fabric scraps
• thread
• 1/4 yard 20” wide fusible fleece interfacing (such as HeatnBond fusible fleece)
• A 6” or longer zipper for the small pouch; a 10” or longer zipper for the large pouch. Any of these zipper types will work for either size zipper pouch pattern:
  • Regular nylon coil zippers (1” wide)
  • Size 4.5 or 5 handbag zippers (1 1/4” wide)
  • Zipper by the yard (1 1/4” wide)
• A swivel snap clip, d-ring, or split key ring (optional – see more information below)
• Pressing paper (very helpful)
• Fabric glue (optional – this is what I used)
• Cutting tools: scissors, rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, and cutting mat
• A sewing machine and sewing machine needle (size 90/14 suggested)
• Wonderclips or sewing pins
• A zipper foot for your sewing machine will be very helpful.
• The downloadable pattern template:

If you choose to add a tab to the side of your zipper pouch, any of these hardware pieces will make it even more useful:

• swivel snap clip
• D-ring
• split ring key ring

Make sure to measure the opening of your hardware piece so you can make a tab piece that fits it.

Cutting:

1. From cotton fabric, cut:

• 2 pieces for the exterior, using the template for the desired size
• 2 pieces for the lining, using the template for the desired size

2. For the tab piece, cut a square or rectangle that is 3” long and 4 times the width of your hardware opening.

Examples:

• The hardware piece for my smaller pouch has a 3/4” opening. I cut the tab piece 3” x 3”.
• The hardware piece for my larger pouch as a 1” opening. I cut the tab piece 3” x 4”.

Fuse the Fusible Fleece to the Exterior Zipper Pouch Pieces

1. Before cutting the fusible fleece, fuse the exterior pieces. Place the wrong side of the exterior pieces against the glue side of the fusible fleece. Cover with a piece of pressing paper to protect your iron and press gently.

2. Cut out the exterior pieces with fusible fleece on the back. Press again to ensure that they are permanently fused.

Cut the Front Exterior and Lining Pieces into Two Parts

1. Choose one of the main fabric pieces to be the front of the zipper pouch. It will be cut into two pieces to make the parts that go above and below the zipper. First cut off the top piece:

• If you are making a small pouch, the top piece should be 1 1/4” tall.
• If you are making the larger pouch, the top piece should be 1 1/2” tall.

Refer to the pattern piece to ensure that you are cutting the right amount and that you are indeed cutting the top of the piece. The rounded corners at the top have a smaller diameter than the rounded corners at the bottom of the pouch.

If you are using a regular zipper (only 1” wide), then you do not need to cut the zipper pouch front further.

2. If you are using a handbag zipper (1 1/4” wide), then you’ll need to cut 1/4” away from the top edge of the bottom piece as shown. The second line on the pattern template shows a reference for this.

There is no need to make this second cut if you are using a regular zipper.

3. Repeat this cut (or two cuts) on one of the lining fabric pieces to make top and bottom front lining pieces that match the exterior pieces.

Optional Machine Embroidery Step

If you want to add machine embroidery or any other embellishment to the front or back of your zipper pouch, now is a great time.

I hooped up some sticky stabilizer and then attached my front piece to it so that I could embroider a monogram on one of my pouches.

Sew the Zipper to the Front Pouch Pieces

Use a 1/4” seam allowance throughout the rest of this pattern.

1. Lay the zipper face down along the top straight edge of the bottom (larger) front piece. Secure with pins or wonderclips.

The zipper is at least an inch longer than the pouch at this point. Center the zipper along the top straight edge.

2. Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine. Sew the zipper to the top edge of the pouch piece with a 1/4” seam allowance.

In the photo above, I am using a regular width zipper.

Note: I know that the way I am using my zipper foot looks strange! On the smaller pouch, I found it easier to sew with the center of the zipper foot right on top of the zipper teeth. This way more fabric was over my sewing machine’s feed dogs.

Use the same 1/4” seam allowance if you are using a 1 1/4” wide handbag zipper. In the photo above I’m sewing a larger pouch with a handbag zipper. I’m also using my zipper foot in the customary way.

3. Then lay the bottom front lining piece right side down against the back of the zipper with the straight edges at the top lined up. The right sides of the exterior and the lining should be facing each other.

4. Sew with a 1/4” seam allowance.

5. Carefully press the fabric pieces away from the zipper so that the wrong sides of the lining and exterior face one another.

Topstitch on the front fabric, 1/8” below the zipper.

6. Lay the top (smaller) front exterior piece right side down against the top of edge of the zipper. The exterior pieces should be right sides together.

7. Turn the piece over so that the back of the zipper is on top. Sew with a 1/4” seam allowance.

8. Lay the top front lining piece right side down against the back of the zipper with the straight edges at the top lined up. The lining pieces should be right sides together. Sew across the top edge with a 1/4” seam allowance.

9. Carefully press the fabric pieces away from the zipper so that the wrong sides of the lining and exterior face one another.

Topstitch on the front fabric, 1/8” above the zipper.

10. Move the zipper slider to the center of the pouch. You can use a long stitch length to baste around the edges of the front piece to secure the exterior and the lining together.

Make the Swivel Clip or D-ring Tab

1. Fold the tab rectangle of fabric in half with the 3” edges together (wrong sides together) and press. Open and fold the 3” raw edges to the center and press again. Fold in half and press again to make a strip that is 3” long and the right size for your hardware piece.

Remember, before pressing the rectangle should be 4 times the width of the hardware piece opening. For example, if your hardware opening is 1” wide, the rectangle should be 3” x 4”.

2. Topstitch along both long edges, about 1/8” from the sides of the tab piece.

2. Insert the tab piece into your hardware opening and fold it in half. Place the tab over the zipper on the left side. Sew across the raw edges a scant 1/4” away from the edge of the pouch exterior.

Note: The raw edges of the tab do not have to line up with the raw edges of the front piece. Choose how far you want the tab to extend. On my large pouches, I think the tab looks nice extending about 3/4”. On my smaller pouches, I only want it to extend about 1/2”

Finish Sewing the Zipper Pouch Pattern

1. Open the zipper about three-quarters of the way. Lay the back exterior piece on top of the front exterior side of the pouch, right sides together. Pin.

2. Sew across the bottom edge only with a 1/4” seam allowance.

2. Turn the piece over. Place the back lining piece right sides together against the front lining side of the zipper pouch. Pin.

3. Sew all the way around the pouch with a 1/4” seam allowance, leaving a 2 1/2” opening at the bottom edge for turning.

4. Trim away the extra zipper tape and the ends of the tab pieces if they extend past the seam allowance.

Cut notches through all layers around the rounded edges or trim with pinking shears.

5.Pull the pouch through the opening in the lining so that only the lining shows.

Tuck the edges of the opening in the bottom of the lining to the inside. Close the opening by hand sewing or using a little bit of fabric glue.

5. Turn the zipper pouch right side out entirely, gently pressing all of the seams and corners out. Press carefully.

How many zip pouches will you make with my free zipper pouch pattern? I hope lots!

As always, I love to see what you make with my tutorials. Please post a picture to Instagram and tag me @sewcanshe or #sewcanshe so I can see!

Are you looking for more zipper pouch patterns? Check out:

• My free Pretty Box Pouch Pattern
• Back to school 3 Ring Pencil Zipper Pouch Pattern
• The Cute Long DIY Pencil Pouch Pattern

Or see this roundup of 11+ Sewing Projects to Make You More Organized.

Happy sewing,