Sewing

a zippered pouch never hurt

Well, I think this might be my last regular post for 2018, but I couldn’t help but share these little zippered pouches. Whenever I’m feeling a little off or stuck creatively, it always seems to help me by taking it back to the basics. This year has been hectic and full and fun. So sewing up these zippered pouches at the end feels like a bit of a calming effect. These are the small size of my infamous Open Wide Zippered Pouch. Back when I wrote the tutorial I remember thinking that I wanted to keep it all to myself and make a million pouches. They were just so fun and rewarding feeling. But of course I can’t keep all the fun to myself, so the tutorial was shared and I think enjoyed by many (or so I’ve seen). 😉

As I was making these I used one of my favorite tools – a glue pen. Glue basting isn’t new, but I really enjoy using the Sewline glue pen. I feel like it’s very user-friendly and comes in really handy for inserting zippers. Pins are great and in just about everyone’s sewing kit, but if you feel like trying out a glue pen, you might find that it makes things pretty enjoyable! I feel like I can get better alignment and be more accurate with my seam allowance. Win win! Of course anything like zippers takes a bit of practice, so don’t get down on yourself if your first few don’t turn out as perfect as you had hoped. Practice and trial and error are the greatest teachers. I love learning from my mistakes (which are many!).

This duo of pouches are heading to a couple of teachers, we’ll fill them with some candy before gifting of course. My daughter Emily decided they’d like pouches and after some fabric indecision, we arrived on these and I think they’re beautiful.

Pattern: Open Wide Pouch Tutorial (size small, modified the corner seams to be 3″ instead of 3.5″ just because I felt like it – see chart here)

Fabrics: Arroyo Cotton & Flax (Erin Dollar), Me + You Batik (X’s in Denim)

Zippers: 10″ (for small pouch), 12″ (medium), 14″ (large)

15 thoughts on “a zippered pouch never hurt

  1. Amy P says:

    I love this pattern and these fabric choices! I need to make a couple more…but probably not before Christmas 😉

  2. Sarah says:

    Love these! Which fabric did you use for the bottom of the pouch?

  3. Susan says:

    Thank you very much for posting your pattern! I have made several of these. LOVE them!!

  4. Sophie says:

    They are beautiful ! I’ve just finished one from your pattern. I see you didn’t use fabric to make the tab at zipper end. Is it made from leather?

  5. Rike says:

    I love this gluepen, too! But I never used it for zippers. For them I love my Clover Wonder Clips. Since I have them, it’s really rarebusing needles to pin.
    I love you pouches and since I know them, I always put the zippers into pouches like this. Thanks for sharing the tutorial!
    For you and your family I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New year!
    Greetings from Germany
    Rike

    1. Lyd says:

      Rike – Clover Wonder Clips – amazing product – just bought 100 and I’m now ready to do zippered everything – thanks for the hint!

  6. Anne Beange says:

    Loved making these pouches, thank you for the very clear instructions.

  7. Natasha says:

    Your Open Wide Zipper Pouch was one of the first things I ever sewed. I love that pattern. I had no idea when I made it that I should be “afraid” of sewing in a zipper. They turned out just fine (not perfect by any means)! I’m glad you decided to share this with the world. Thank you.

  8. janequiltsslowly says:

    Those are perfectly lovely zippered pouches! I have used your tutorial (bookmarked) SO many times and enjoy it every time. I can make something fast, adorable and useful. Thanks for sharing it!
    Happy Holidays to you and yours!

  9. Anna, I also made several of these pouches as well as many gathered clutches. I am very grateful that you shared both with us. Your versions are always superb and I wouldn’t mind being the lucky recipient of one of your makes. Have a great Christmas and happy new year

  10. Denise Fletcher says:

    Love these! Do you sell them? If so can you give me a price?

  11. Nina says:

    I made two of these as Christmas presents for younger cousins, plus another for my grandmother, and they went down really well. Thank you again, Anna, for the great tutorial! I also tend to make the corners smaller – about 2.25″ on the small size.

  12. Kathryn says:

    Thank you so very much for this pattern. Just what I’m looking for – as i also hate rummaging around, which pocket did I put my phone in, where’s my pen etc.
    I’m going to give it a go. Your sewing instructions will be an enormous help.
    Bless you – Kathy

  13. Darnell says:

    What is your favorite interfacing for these bags? Love all your patterns. Thanks,

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Hi Darnell, Pellon SF101 works great for me!

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