A zip pouch is a small lined bag closed by a zip along the top. Sew it flat for pencils or cables, or with boxed corners for a make-up or wash bag that stands up. It is the classic first zip project: the zip goes in along a straight edge, sandwiched between the outer fabric and the lining, with no seam to match. Sewly draws the pattern to the size you enter and works out the zip length.
Zip pouch options
- Width: from 12 to 40 cm (4 3/4 to 15 3/4 in), 22 cm (8 3/4 in) by default.
- Height: from 8 to 30 cm (3 1/4 to 12 in), 15 cm (6 in) by default.
- Depth (boxed corners): from 0 to 12 cm (0 to 4 3/4 in), 5 cm (2 in) by default. At 0 the pouch is flat.
No body measurements are needed. A flat pouch around 22 × 12 cm (8 3/4 × 4 3/4 in) suits pencils; a boxed pouch with 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) of depth makes a roomy wash bag.
Best fabrics for a zip pouch
For the outside, a firm woven: canvas, quilting cotton, waxed cotton or cork fabric. For the lining, quilting cotton, or laminated cotton for a wash bag that wipes clean. Fusible fleece on the outer pieces gives a soft, padded pouch; fusible interfacing gives a crisper one. Pouches are good for using up remnants: a fat quarter of each fabric covers the default size.
How hard is it to sew?
An advanced beginner project, mainly because of the zip. With a zipper foot it goes smoothly; our post on presser feet shows what each foot is for. Allow about an hour for a first pouch, less once you know the steps.
What's in the pattern
- Outer, cut twice, with the boxed corners cut out when there is depth
- Lining, cut twice, the same shape
- Two zip tabs, given as cutting dimensions
Notions: a zip slightly longer than the top of the pouch (the guide gives the length) and fusible fleece or interfacing. The tabs cover the zip ends, so a standard zip trimmed to length works.
How to sew a zip pouch
- Interface the outer pieces.
- Fold and sew the tabs over the ends of the zip.
- Sew the zip between one outer piece and one lining piece, then repeat on the other side.
- With the zip half open, sew the sides and bottom of the outer and the lining, leaving a gap in the lining.
- Box the corners if your pouch has depth.
- Turn the pouch through the gap, close it and press.
Edgestitch along the zip for a neat finish that keeps the fabric away from the teeth.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a zip pouch?
At the default size, about 25 to 35 cm (1/4 to 3/8 yd) of outer fabric and the same of lining; a fat quarter of each is enough. The largest sizes need up to about 50 cm (5/8 yd) of each. Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
What zip do I need for a pouch?
A standard nylon coil zip a little longer than the top of the pouch; the guide gives the length for your size. The tabs cover the ends, so you can cut a longer zip to length.
Do I need a zipper foot?
It helps a lot. A zipper foot lets the needle sew close to the teeth without riding over them. Most machines include one.
Can I make a waterproof wash bag?
Use laminated cotton for the lining and waxed cotton or canvas outside. Sew laminated fabric with clips rather than pins, since pin holes stay in the coating.
