Simple Lined Zipper Pouch Tutorial (Bag)

This tutorial by Needlepointers.com will show you how to make a simple lined zipper pouch.

Even if you have never put in a zipper, you can do this!  This zipper is easy.  This pouch is completely lined with no raw seams exposed. 

Pouches and bags can be used for many purposes - like holding makeup and personal items in your purse. To use to stuff household items.

Watch the video and read the instructions to learn how to this bag.

WHAT YOUR WILL NEED for the lined zipper pouch

• Zipper
• Two Coordinating Fabrics
• Thread
• Sewing Machine

Showing the inside of the lined pouch.  No raw seams are showing inside.

INSTRUCTIONS for a simple lined zipper pouch

STEP 1: CUTTING FABRIC

Cut two pieces of fabric for the outside of the pouch and two pieces of fabric for the lining. The size of the fabric will be determined by the size of the zipper. The width of the fabrics should be the exact length of the zipper tape. The length of the fabric will be whatever length you want but add 3/4" to the measurement.

For the video demonstration, the zipper tape measured 8 1/2" and I wanted a pouch about 5" in length. So, I cut my fabric 8 1/2" x 5 3/4".

STEP 2: SANDWICH THE FABRICS AND ZIPPER

Sandwich the outer fabric, zipper, and lining fabric, by placing one outer fabric right side up.

Unzip the zipper a little and align and pin the zipper, with pull side down, around the raw edge of the outer fabric.

Place one lining fabric, right side down, aligning along the same edge as the outer fabric and zipper. Pin in place.

STEP 3: SEWING SANDWICHED FABRIC

Attach the zipper foot to the sewing machine.

Line up the edge of the presser foot with the edge of the fabric, straight stitch close to the zipper edge, backtacking at the beginning.

When you get close to the zipper pull, with the needle in the down position, lift the presser foot, zip the zipper closed, and continue sewing, backtacking at the end.

STEP 4: REPEAT STEPS 2 AND 3 For other side of zipper

Sandwich other outer fabric, zipper, and lining fabric in the same manner as steps 2 & 3. You can sew the sandwiched fabric together in either direction.

 STEP 5: IRON AND TOPSTITCH 

Iron outer fabric and lining fabric away from the zipper. Do not touch nylon or polyester zippers while ironing because zippers may melt.

Topstitch fabric on either side of the zipper close to the fabric edge.

If you are cutting off your zipper, check out our tutorials, How to Shorten a Zipper by Hand Sewing or How to Shorten a Zipper by Machine. for instructions on stitching new zipper stops.

STEP 6: MATCHING OUTER FABRIC AND LINING

Open zipper about 3/4 of the way.

NOTE: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. If you do not open the zipper, you will not be able to turn the pouch right side out.

Start with outer fabric, place right sides together, and pin.

When you get to the zipper, match the outer fabric at the zipper and fold the zipper teeth toward the lining.

Continue with pinning the lining fabrics together.

The pinned bag is ready to be sewn.

STEP 7: SEWING Lined Zipper POUCH

Sew around the fabrics using a 1/2" seam allowance leaving an opening at the bottom of the lining.

The opening should be large enough to insert your hand.

STEP 8: TURN RIGHT SIDE OUT & STITCH OPENING

Before turning the pouch right side out, clip corners.

Insert your hand into opening and turn the pouch right side out.

Push out corners with a point-turner.

Fold in the seams of the unfinished lining edge. Topstitch the opening closed.

 Push lining inside the pouch and your pouch is finished.

These pouches are so quick and easy to make, you can sew a bunch in an hour or so.  These make wonderful gifts!

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make this zipper pouch. 

Butterfly Zipper Pouch (2023 update)

I recently needed a butterfly-themed gift for a gift basket and this lined zipper pouch was the perfect item to add to the basket.  I had some butterfly fabric and a matching blue zipper.

Using our lined zipper pouch tutorial in this post, I quickly created a cute pouch. Below shows the zipper.

The pink flower fabric on the inside of the bag was a perfect complimentary fabric!

The open zipper is shown below and the topstitching along the edge of the zipper.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this update and the butterfly zipper bag I created!

Some other easy sewing projects are below.

• Snack Wrapper Zipper Bag Pouch - Collect up some cookie, candy, or snack wrappers and make them into a fun zipper bag.  This is a simple beginner sewing project.
• How to make a tote bag is another easy beginner sewing project.  
• Recycled T-Shirt Tote Bag - Convert an old t-shirt into a tote bag with our quick and easy tutorial.  There is only one seam to sew!
• Fabric Chapstick Holder - Never lose your lip balm again!
• Bandana Drawstring Bag - This handy DIY bandana bag is a perfect beginner-friendly sewing project.