How to make a cute Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (How to sew a Japanese-style zipper pouch)

How to make a zipper pouch using Japanese-pattern fabric. (Sew a pouch bag with zipper.) To make this pouch, simply prepare the outer fabric, inner fabric, and zipper, then sew them together in order.

The key when attaching the zipper is to sew slowly. This zipper pouch can be made using only straight stitches, so even beginners can complete it. The construction is basic and simple, but the overall look of the pouch changes depending on the fabric pattern placement and the color of the zipper.

The key to finishing a zipper pouch neatly is to work carefully. Use an iron to press the folds and seam allowances as you go. The finished size of this Japanese-pattern zipper pouch is approximately 10cm in height and 11cm in width.

How to make a cute Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (How to sew a Japanese-style zipper pouch)

Materials for a Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (Japanese-style zipper bag making materials)

For the outer fabric of the Japanese-pattern zipper pouch, prepare two pieces measuring 12cm × 13.5cm. (Seam allowances are included, and fusible interfacing is applied to the wrong side.)

Outer fabric for a Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (Zipper pouch bag making cloth)
Apply fusible interfacing to the outer fabric of the Japanese-pattern zipper pouch

Applying fusible interfacing gives the fabric more stiffness, helping the zipper pouch (zipper bag) keep its shape.

For the lining of the Japanese-pattern zipper pouch, prepare two pieces measuring 12cm × 13.5cm. (Seam allowances are included.)

Lining fabric for a Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (zipper bag)

The zipper (zipper for bag making) is a single 10cm metal zipper.

Zipper for a Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (zipper for bag making)

Fold the ends of the zipper tape – the top tape end and bottom tape end – into triangles and stitch them in place. When making a zipper pouch (pouch bag), finishing the ends of the zipper can make sewing a bit easier. It also has the advantage of giving your handmade zipper pouch a neater appearance.

Fold the ends of the zipper (Fold the top tape end and bottom tape end of the zipper tape)
Sew the edge of the zipper tape with thread to finish it (Finish the end of the zipper by hand sewing)

Fold the ends of the zipper tape (the top tape end and bottom tape end) so that they do not extend into the seam allowance of the pouch (pouch bag). If the zipper ends overlap the seam allowance, it adds bulk, making sewing more difficult and affecting the finished appearance.

Sew the zipper to the outer and lining fabrics of the Japanese-pattern pouch (How to attach the zipper to the pouch bag)

1. Sew the outer fabric of the Japanese-pattern pouch and the zipper with right sides together.

Sew the outer fabric of the Japanese-pattern pouch to the zipper

2. After that, place the lining right sides together and sew it in place.

Sew the outer and lining fabrics of the Japanese-pattern pouch with right sides together

Attaching the zipper can make or break the finished look of your pouch (bag). If you don’t know how to attach a zipper or find it tricky to sew, check out this article. It explains the steps in detail.

3. Fold back the outer and lining fabrics of the Japanese-pattern pouch, press with an iron, then stitch along the edge.

Fold back the outer and lining fabrics of the Japanese-pattern pouch
Press the folded fabric with an iron
After pressing the outer and lining fabrics of the pouch (bag) with an iron, add a topstitch

4. Sew the outer and lining fabrics to the other side of the zipper in the same way.

Attach the pouch fabric to the other side of the zipper using the same steps
The outer and lining fabrics of the Japanese-pattern pouch are now attached to both sides of the zipper

Sew the outer and lining fabrics together to finish the Japanese-pattern zipper pouch

1. Place the outer and lining fabrics right sides together and sew around the edges. (Leave an opening of about 5cm unsewn for turning.)

Place the outer and lining fabrics of the Japanese-pattern pouch right sides together
Leave an opening for turning and sew around the edges

The area with the attached zipper is thicker, so you need to be careful when sewing.

2. Cut the corners of the pouch fabric and press the seam allowances open.

Cut the corners of the pouch fabric
Press the seam allowances of the pouch fabric open

3. Turn the pouch right side out through the opening and close it. The Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (zipper bag) is now complete.

Turn right side out through the opening
Close the opening to finish the Japanese-pattern zipper pouch
The Japanese-pattern zipper pouch is finished (zipper pouch bag is finished)

Making movie is the following.

How to make a cute Japanese-pattern zipper pouch (How to sew a Japanese-style zipper pouch) – YouTube