How to sew a striped zipper pouch with handles (sewing pattern is not necessary)

Today’s handmade item (DIY tutorial) is a stripes zipper pouch with handles (with lining and a gusset). Since this zipper pouch has handles, it is convenient to carry.

The finished size is about 13cm x 14cm, with a gusset length of about 6cm. This zipper pouch is lined (the lining is unbleached twill fabric) and a 20cm zipper is used.

striped pouch with handles

It may take a little time to attach the zipper, but if you follow the instructions carefully, you will be able to complete the project. I think it’s a good size zipper pouch for daily use.

Materials

Outer fabrics are 2 pieces of 18cm x 23cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included. Attach fusible interlining on the back.)

outer fabrics
attach interfacing

Fusible interfacing gives fabric firmness and keeps the shape of the pouch.

Lining fabrics are also 2 pieces of 18cm x 23cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included)

inner fabrics

Patch fabrics are 2 pieces of 4cm x 23cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included)

patch fabrics

Handles are 2 pieces of 2.5cm x 27cm. Handles can be made by using any fabrics of your choice. Acrylic webbing tape is recommended from craft shop. (It is easy to make.)

handles

20cm zipper is 1 piece.

zipper

Fold both ends of the zip tape, and stitch together.

fold the zip tape and sew

Fold the end of zipper so that it doesn’t cover the seam allowances of pouch. It the edge overlap seam allowances, the thickness will increase and be difficult to sew. It will affect the appearance when finished.

How to make the outer side of the zipper pouch

1. Sew the outer fabric and handle together.

sew the outer fabric and handle

2. Place a 1cm crease on the top of patch fabric.

fold and press

When making creases, it is recommended to use a hot hemmer. The folds are neat, and the finishing is nice.

3. Attach a masking tape 5cm above the outer fabric. (Since the tape is peeled off after sewing the patch fabric, use a weak adhesive type of tape. Strong adhesiveness can damage the fabric.)

put a masking tape on outer fabric

4. Place the patch fabric with right side along the edge of the tape, then sew. (Right side means the front sides of the fabric are lined up with each other.)

sew

5. Fold the patch fabric, and iron. Then stitch the edges.

stitch the edges

6. Repeat the same steps for the other outer fabric.

other outer fabric do the same way

How to sew the zipper (attach the zipper)

1. Sew the outer fabric and zipper with right side together. Pin the zipper with marking pins no to slip the zipper when you sew.

sew the outer fabric and zipper

2. Then sew the outer and lining with right side together.

sew the outer and inner

Sew the zipper that affects the appearance of pouch. If you don’t know how to sew a zipper or aren’t good at sewing a zipper, please read this article which explains the procedure concretely.

3. Fold the outer fabric, and iron. Then stitch the edge.

stitch

4. Sew the other side of zipper and do the same way.

sew the other side of zipper

How to make the zipper pouch with handles (finishing the pouch)

1. Place the outer and lining fabric with right sides facing each other and sew around the edge. (Leaving 7cm gap for turning. Keep the zipper half open.)

lay the fabric with right side
sew around

The part with the zipper became thick, so be careful when you sew.

2. Cut off extra corner cloths, and press seam allowances open.

cut off extra cloths
press seam allowances open

3. Make gusset, and sew. (Gusset adds depth to the pouch and bag.)

sew
gusset

4. Turn inside out from the gap, and sew the gap. The striped zipper pouch with handles is done.

turn inside out
 sew the edge
striped pouch with handles

Following is the video for how-to.

How to sew a striped zipper pouch with handles (sewing pattern is not necessary) – YouTube