Simple Quilted Zip Pouch

A Tutorial: How to make a Simple Quilted Zip Pouch!

This Simple Quilted Zip Pouch is quick to make, uses minimal materials, and is a great project for practicing simple straight-line quilting and French Seams! Let's get started!



Materials List:

Step 1. Preparing the Pouch Pieces:

Start by placing one inner pouch fabric piece with the wrong side facing up on a flat work surface. Next, center onto that one cut of the cotton batting. Finally, center the outer fabric right side facing up onto the batting. Repeat this step with the other pouch fabrics and batting and be sure all layers of both pouch sides are smooth and free of wrinkles. You can use spray to baste these layers together or pin baste after the next step.



Use a Hera Marker or water-soluble pen and the ruler to mark the right side of the outer fabric to create diagonal diamonds 1.5 - 2 inches apart from one another (your choice). Begin by lining up your cutting ruler from the top left corner to the bottom right corner and use the Hera Marker or pen to mark a diagonal line across the right side of the ruler. Mark the next line, parallel to the first, 1 or 2 inches to the right. Continue to mark parallel lines every inch or two across the right side of the outer fabric. Then, using your first marked line as a guide, repeat for the left side. Now place the ruler from the top right corner to the bottom left and repeat marking lines in this new direction just as you did previously.



Step 2. Quilt the Pouch Pieces:

If you prefer to pin baste, this is the time to pin baste the layers together before quilting. You can also attach the walking foot to your machine before quilting the layers together. Now with the straight stitch length set at 4.0 begin quilting by first stitching lines going in one direction, starting in the center and moving out, following the marked lines. Then quilt over all of the perpendicular lines in the same manner.



Once both pouch pieces are completely quilted, press well, and trim away access batting and fabric to measure two pieces measure 7" x 9."





Prepare the two binding pieces measuring 2.5" x 9" by folding them in half and set the fold by pressing them with an iron. Align the open edge of one binding piece along the top edge of one quilted pouch piece. Pin in place and attach by sewing 1/4" from the outer edge, moving the pins as you go. Fold the binding over to cover the raw edge and attach by sewing in the ditch along the binding edge, catching the folded edge on the back side. Repeat this step with the second pouch piece.



Step 3. Attach the Zipper:

Attach a zipper foot for this step if you prefer to use one. Place the bound top edge of one pouch piece right side up onto the zipper. Begin by backstitching at the pull end of the zipper and top stitch just inside the bound edge, catching the zipper edge underneath, stopping at the zipper’s end and backstitch again.





Next sew the remaining pouch piece to the other side of the zipper in the same manner, backstitching at the beginning and end.



Step 4. Finish with French Seams:

With the pouch still right sides out, zip it closed, and align the edges of the pouch pieces. Pin or clip together the sides and bottom of the pouch so they are perfectly aligned.



Sew the three sides closed with a scant 1/8-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam, and removing the pins or clips as you sew. Be careful when sewing at the pouch ends near the zipper. Clip away a tiny piece of both corners, on the outside of the seam, to remove some bulk.



Unzip the pouch enough to turn the entire piece inside out. Poke out the corners and press flat.



Now create the french seam by topstitching along the three sides with a 1/4"-3/8-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seams.



Turn the pouch right side out, making sure to work the corners out. Zip it closed and press it flat one last time.



Add a cord, ribbon, or twine zipper pull and you’re all done!



I hope you enjoy this tutorial!