How to make a zipper pouch

1. Materials & tools

Materials (pencil-case size)

• Main fabric (cotton, canvas or laminate) — about 25 × 40 cm (10 × 16 in)
• Optional lining — about 25 × 40 cm (10 × 16 in)
• 1 zipper, roughly the finished width (e.g. 20 cm / 8 in)

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Bags” → “Zipper pouch” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
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3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the cut line and seam line onto the wrong side of the fabric. Align the grain with the grainline.
2. Cut
   Cut 2 (front and back). Cut the same in lining if you are lining the pouch.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the side and bottom edges to stop fraying.

4. Sewing

4-1. Attach the zipper to the front

1. Place the zipper face down along the top edge of the front piece, right sides together, and pin.
2. Using a zipper foot, sew along the top edge close to the zipper teeth.

4-2. Attach the zipper to the back

1. Place the other long edge of the zipper along the top edge of the back piece, right sides together, and sew the same way.
2. Open the pieces out flat and topstitch alongside the zipper on both sides for a crisp finish.

4-3. Sew up the sides and base

1. Open the zipper halfway first (so you can turn the pouch later). Fold the pouch right sides together, matching front and back.
2. Sew around the two sides and the bottom with the seam allowance, backstitching over the zipper ends.
3. Trim the corners, turn right side out through the open zipper, and push the corners out.

5. Tips & variations

• Always open the zipper before sewing the sides — otherwise you can't turn the pouch right side out.
• Add a gusset: box the base corners for a stand-up pouch that holds more.
• Add a tab: fold a short strip and catch it in the side seam by the zipper for an easy-to-grab pull.