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We've been waiting for the perfect project to show off our printed felt sheets and Maker Team member Alexis of @felthappysewing found it! This Bellwether pure wool felt includes a printed finish that is soft, flexible and never sheds. With a huge selection of printed felt, we think you've got lots of zipper pouches in your future!
This pattern will show you how to make a zipper pouch with printed felt - a fun twist on a classic accessory traditionally sewn with cotton or vinyl. Designed in two versatile sizes, these pouches are perfect for organizing sewing essentials. The bold pattern and cute zipper charm add a pop of personality with the bright pink and orange plaid!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 hour each
Additional Supplies:
Sewing Machine
YKK Zipper - 9" or longer for Medium Pouch, 8" or longer for Small
Ruler
This is a measure and cut pattern, meaning that dimensions are specified and there are no pattern pieces. Instructions for two pouch sizes are provided - medium and small.
Directions:
Medium Zipper Pouch
1. Measure and cut main pouch felt to 9 x 14". For the zipper covers, measure and cut two 1 ¼ x 2” pieces for each side of the zipper. Felt may be cut to size with a rotary cutter and mat or drawn and cut with scissors.
2. Cut zipper to 8 ½" long. Take zipper to the sewing machine and, on the right side, stitch over the teeth 2-3 times to create a zipper stop. Snip threads. If purchasing zipper by the yard, repeat this step on the left side of the zipper too.
3. Fold 2" side of small felt piece in half, sandwiching the zipper inside. Clip in place. With a scant ¼" seam allowance, stitch a box around perimeter of the zipper cover. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Repeat on the opposite side. Snip threads. Move the zipper as needed while sewing to keep it out of the way. Using a zipper foot or other narrow foot with the sewing machine is helpful.
4. Center zipper atop the main pouch edge so there’s ¼" on each side. Clip in place. The zipper should be facing down with the pulling side on the left. If you’re left-handed, switch the pulling side to the right.
5. Stitch together, close to the zipper teeth, backstitching at beginning and end. Snip threads.
6. Turn zipper right side up and topstitch, catching the seam allowance as you sew. This ensures that the seam allowance doesn’t get caught when zipped and gives the pouch a clean finish.
7. Next, fold the other short edge of the main pouch towards the zipper, right sides together. Align felt with top edge of the zipper and clip in place.
8. Repeat Steps 5 and 6. For Step 6, it can be challenging to topstitch, so work slowly and maneuver the felt as needed.
9. With right sides together, clip pouch on left and right sides. Also, clip in place at the zipper covers. Stitch from top to bottom - close to the zipper cover without stitching through it. Be generous backstitching at the beginning and end. Snip threads.
10. You can leave the pouch as is or you can box in the bottom corners. Do this by inserting your hand inside the pouch to pop out each pointed edge.
Fold as shown, with side seam laid down center of fold. Measure 1 ½" from the tip along both sides. Draw a straight line. Stitch over this line, backstitching at the beginning and end. Snip threads.
11. Cut about ¼" away from stitched line using pinking shears or scissors. Turn right sides out and poke out corners and zipper covers.
Small Zipper Pouch
12. Measure and cut main pouch felt to 7 ½ x 11". For the zipper covers, measure and cut two 1 x 1 ¼" pieces for each side of the zipper.
13. Cut zipper to 6 ½" long. Take zipper to the sewing machine and, on the right side, stitch over the teeth 2-3 times to create a zipper stop. Snip threads. If purchasing zipper by the yard, repeat this step on the left side of the zipper too.
14. Fold 1" side of small felt piece in half, sandwiching the zipper inside. Clip in place. With a scant ¼" seam allowance, stitch a box around perimeter of the zipper cover. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Repeat on the opposite side. Snip threads. Move the zipper as needed while sewing to keep it out of the way. Using a zipper foot or other narrow foot with the sewing machine is helpful.
15. Center zipper atop the main pouch edge so there’s ½" on each side. Clip in place. The zipper should be facing down with the pulling side on the left. If you’re left-handed, switch the pulling side to the right.
16. Repeat steps 5-9 from the Medium Zipper Pouch instructions.
17. Box in the bottom corners of pouch by inserting your hand inside the pouch to pop out each pointed edge. Fold as in Step 10, with side seam laid down center of fold. Measure ¾" from the tip along both sides. Draw a straight line. Stitch over this line, backstitching at the beginning and end. Snip threads.
18. Cut about ¼" away from stitched line using pinking shears or scissors. Turn right sides out and poke out all corners and zipper covers.
You finished! Just add a coordinating zipper pull to customize and accessorize!
Now that you've mastered the process, which printed felt will you pick for your next pouch? We want one of each!
Thanks to Alexis for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @felthappysewing and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
