Today, we're looking into the world of DIY crafts with a focus on creating your own zipper pouch with tabs. The zipper tabs give the pouch a much neater finish. For inspiration, have a look at these: Handmade Make Up Bags
At Watership Down Crafts, we believe in the beauty of handmade products that are both stunning and sustainable. So, grab your fabric and sewing supplies, and let's dive into this creative journey!
Materials Needed
Fabric (preferably eco-friendly, such as upcycled or organic) I’m using denim from old jeans for the outer fabric and old lightweight curtain fabric for the lining.
- Zipper
- Coordinating thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle for hand sewing
- Pins or clips
Step-by-Step Guide
- Design and Measure:
- Decide on the desired size and shape of your zipper pouch. Mine is approximately 6 x 10 inches.
- Measure and mark the dimensions on two outer and and two lining fabrics, including about ½ inch seam allowance.
- Cut the Fabric:
- Using scissors, carefully cut along the marked lines to create two equal-sized outer fabric pieces for the main body of the pouch and two pieces the same size from the lining fabric.
- Cut four smaller rectangular pieces of fabric for the tabs. These should be the width of the zipper and about 2 inches (5 cm) in height.
- Now is the time to add your label or any embellishments, ribbon, or braid etc. - I just added my label.
- Attach Tabs to the Zipper:
- Hand stich the end of the zipper closed. It doesn’t need to be too neat because it will be hidden under the tab, but it will ensure that you don’t end up with a gap at the end of your zipper.
- Line up the end of the zipper with the edge of the zipper tab and sandwich the zipper between the two pieces of fabric. Right sides should be facing one another. Clip or pin in place.
- Repeat for the other tab piece on the opposite end of the zipper tape.
- Sew a straight stitch across the end of each tab to secure them to the zipper, using about ¼ inch seam. Go slowly over the zipper so that you don’t break your needle.
- Fold the tabs back and top stich close to the end of the zipper.
4. Attach the Zipper:
- Place one fabric piece right side up, aligning one edge with the zipper tape. The zipper should be facing down towards the fabric. Check that your zipper opens in the direction you want it to - generally left to right.
- Add the lining to the other side of the zipper making sure the edges are aligned with the edges of the outer fabric. Right sides of the fabric should be facing one another with the zipper sandwiched between. make sure that your zipper lines up with the top edge of the fabric.
- Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine or by hand sewing, stitch along the pinned/clipped edge to attach the zipper securely.
- Repeat the process for the other fabric piece, aligning it with the opposite side of the zipper tape.
- Open the two pieces and press the edges away from the zipper and top stich to prevent the fabric from getting caught in the zipper and to give a neater finish.
5. Sew the Sides:
- With the zipper partially open, (don’t forget to open the zipper to about halfway!) place the fabric pieces right sides together, aligning the sides.
- Pin or clip the sides together, ensuring that you push the zipper tabs towards the lining and align the two side seams.
- Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the four pinned sides, leaving a small opening at the bottom of the lining for turning. Make sure that you backstitch at the start and finish.
6. Trim & Finish
- Trim any excess fabric and clip the corners to reduce bulk.
- Turn the pouch right side out through the opening.
- Use a blunt tool, I use a chopstick, or your fingers to push out the corners for a crisp finish.
7. Final Stitch
- Fold the seam allowance of the lining into the opening and press. Sew the small opening closed using a hidden or ladder stitch or simply close it using your machine, sewing close to the edge ensuring a neat closure, and push the lining back inside the pouch.
Enjoy Your Zipper Pouch
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Use it to organise your essentials, as a fashionable accessory, or even as a thoughtful gift. I’m keeping this one for myself to use as a pencil case 😊
Congratulations on successfully making your own zipper pouch with tabs!
By embracing DIY and incorporating sustainable practices, you've not only crafted a unique accessory but also contributed to an eco-friendlier world. Share your creations with us at Watership Down Crafts and inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys. Happy crafting!
Now that you have learnt the basics of making zipper pouches, keep your eye out for my future blogs, where I will show you how to box the corners to create a different look, like this Handmade Zipper Pouch. Keep practicing because the techniques you’re leaning while creating simple zipper pouches will all come into play as you develop your skills and confidence to make more complex bags like this Handmade Black & Grey Crossbody Bag
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments below :)
Happy Sewing!
