August 5, 2025 • Updated December 30, 2025

How to Make a Zipper Pouch

Zipper pouches require only a little bit of skill and a fat quarter of fabric, but they go a long way in showing off your personal style! Whether you go functional or decorative, these make an easy (and fun!) way to get organized. Pick your favorite design, learn how to install a zipper and you’ll be ready to make your own pencil case or any size zipper pouch you can dream of!

Spoonflower-Fun-and-Fancy-Zipper-Pouches-4-edited

Whether you want to make a pencil case or a pouch to keep your chargers contained in your backpack, this tutorial is so versatile for any of your needs! Once you learn to make a lined zippered bag, you will be dreaming up all of the possibilities– from coin purses to large zippered tote bags! Beyond making the cutest pouch, this tutorial will also teach you how to install a zipper. Even if you are a little nervous about installing a zipper, these bags sew up fast and easy! If you are a little apprehensive, we promise you will still end up with an adorable bag.

6a00e5523f5f4d8834019aff193d3d970c-800wi

6a00e5523f5f4d8834019aff198015970d-800wi

This tutorial will show you how to make a square pouch from scratch, but we also offer cut-and-sew sewing projects. You can find a pre-made design you like, order it on the fabric size required, and you have all the fabric you need to make a pouch! The photos above are of the School Bus Pencil Pouch on our Linen Cotton Canvas.

Shop Cut-and-Sew Designs

https://www.youtube.com/embed/dhadqUbksxg?feature=oembed

How to Sew a Lined Zipper Pouch

Featured designs: Outside Fabric: bebe_kitten, lining fabric: Bebe_kitten_black Skill Level: Beginner

Materials for a Lined Zipper Pouch

2 fat quarters of fabric – we recommend Lightweight Cotton Twill, Recycled Canvas and Dogwood Denim®
Straight pins
One 9″ zipper
Fabric scissors
Ruler
Sewing machine
Iron
Matching thread

Shop our featured fabric collections

Steps to Make a Zipper Pouch

Step 1. Cut Our Your Pieces

Cut our two 10″ x 7″ rectangles from each of your fat quarters. Two will be used as the outer fabric and two will be used for the lining.

Spoonflower-DIY-Zipper-Pouch

Step 2. Sandwich the Zipper

Lay one one of the outer fabric piece right side up (design side up) on your work surface. With the zipper face down (wrong side of the zipper facing you), align it with the top raw edge of the fabric. On top of the zipper, place one of your lining pieces of fabric wrong side up (white side), sandwiching the zipper in between the outer fabric and the lining fabric. Pin the pieces so they stay lined up while you sew!

Step 3. Sew the Zipper

Stitch the zipper into place with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Don’t sew too close! It is better to stitch a little farther away at first and go back and re-stitch than to have to pick out stitches when your zipper won’t open! This can be a little tricky — don’t worry if it takes a few tries.

Step 4. Repeat

Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining two pieces of outer and lining fabric. Attach the other side of your zipper.

Step 5. Open Your Fabric

Open your fabric so the two pieces of outer fabrics are together and the two pieces of the lining fabrics are together. The design side of each should be touching and you should be looking at a very boring, white square (image below). Check to see if your zipper is working. Take a breath – the hardest part is over!

The Perfect Zipper Pouch in 9 Easy Steps - leave a 3" gap in your lining | Spoonflower Blog

Step 6. Pin the Fabric

Using pins, carefully pin around the rectangles making sure to match the outer fabrics at the open ends of the zipper. Leave a 3″ gap at the bottom of your lining for turning / birthing / flipping inside out.

Step 7. Sew the Edges

Stitch all the way around the edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the 3″ gap at the bottom of your lining! Trim any excess fabric at the corners. Press the seams with an iron to keep it all crisp.

Step 8. Turn your Bag

Using the 3″ gap you left in the lining, turn your pouch right-side out. It will be tricky, but it can be done! Use a point turner, chopstick or large, blunt knitting needle to gently push the corners out.

The Perfect Zipper Pouch in 9 Easy Steps - edgestitch the lining closed | Spoonflower Blog

Step 9. Sew the Gap Closed

Pin the gap in your lining fabrics closed by tucking the raw edges neatly toward the wrong side of the pouch. Edgestitch into place. Tuck your lining into your outer fabric, and press to finish. Zip, zip hooray! You did it!

WHY SPOONFLOWER?