oh my gosh…it’s my first! let me know what you think. I should also warn you all that I do NOT pin most things, so if you are trying to show someone a great technique, it’s not here, hahaha!

You will need…

2 pcs for outside
2 pcs for lining
zipper
bit of twill tape
bit of trim

Trim both fabrics to same size. Slightly larger than your zipper length (the toothy part) if your zipper is small, but since we will trim the ends off the zipper, you can also use a zipper that’s way too long for the fabric you might be using.

Put the zipper foot on your sewing machine.

Line up the edge of the fabrics with the end of the zipper. I like to utilize the metal stopper so I leave a little room for that or you can make it so that is inside the seam, it’s up to you.

Make a sandwich of exterior fabric, zipper and lining fabric. Right side of zipper (the side with the pull) should be facing right side of exterior fabric and right side of lining also faces right side of exterior.

Using the zipper foot, sew close to the zipper.

When you get near the end of the zipper, stop with the needle still IN the fabric, raise the presser foot and carefully pull the zipper open. This might be a little tricky at first, but have patience and soon you won’t even think twice.

Pull the exterior and lining fabrics away from the zipper to expose the other half and repeat on the other side.

PRESS the two halves away from the zipper, one exterior and one lining on each side. Yes, I said PRESS it. I may not be much for pins, but I am ALL ABOUT the iron. Pressing locks your stitches in and helps close the needle holes for a finished look

Optional here, but I am also ALL ABOUT some topstitching, especially contrast. Here I chose a bright green embroidery thread to accent the black of the zipper. Use your zipper foot and you can get super close to the edge.

Now I like to add some bits of ric rac or lace…or you could put a cute tiny applique or iron on in the corner…whatever you like. This is the part that is going to make this really fun and it’s a great way to use tiny bits of trim. I’m using some bright green ric rac…be sure to move the other layers aside and just sew onto the exterior fabric.

I am so lazy, I don’t pin this either…see that extended guide on my machine…LOVE…

Now we’re ready to close up the pouch. I like to sew the exterior fabric bottom edge first. I use 1/4″ hem…Make sure the zipper is closed…

The sides…I start on the side that has the end of the zipper (when it’s closed, this is the side WITHOUT the zipper pull)

As you reach the zipper, simply fold it in half and push the exterior fabric down on both side (top and bottom). Just sew right over the zipper…

One side finished…

Open the zipper now

And start sewing down the other side. Stop just before the zipper…now you will need your tab of twill tape

You could have also made a little handle or something and put it in right here if you want…fold it in half and tuck it into the seam…

Match up the zipper halves, fold them as if they were closed and sew over.

Now the bottom of the lining…leave an opening here to turn the pouch.

Trim the ends of the zipper

Trim the corners

Turn the pouch right side out through the opening you left in the lining. Use a chopstick to make sure the corners and around the zipper are really pushed out.

Stitch the opening in the lining…this is where I put a label in…

I PRESS here too…then tuck the lining into the pouch, turning as you go

Press again…I told you I like the pressing and voila!

Now make a whole bunch! I’ll show you how to make the flat bottomed style next time…