Super Easy Zipper Pouch with the MiniPress

My good friend mentioned she needs a new change purse. When she showed me what she wanted, it was a simple zipper pouch. I’d been wanting to try one so since her birthday is coming up, I’m going to give it a try. Let me show you how to make a Super Easy Zipper Pouch with the MiniPress

Pick Some Fabric for the Zipper Pouch

So you can be creative with the outer layer by using a strip of fabric across the top to add extra pizzazz, work one into the middle, make it patchwork or simply one fabric.

The size you cut depends on the length of your zipper. You will want the width of the piece to be exactly the same length as your zipper. Decide what size you want your pouch to be then add 3/4”  to that amount.

I have a 6” zipper, but want my pouch to only be  6 x 4” when it’s finished. Let me show you how to make this zipper shorter!

Pick your length and place it under the presser foot centered. Set the stitch width to the widest setting and take a few stitches very slowly hitting on each side of the zipper.

Reverse stitch the same amount out stitches. Repeat this until you have a good stop for the zipper.

Clip the zipper off 3/4” from the stop. Certainly this only works for plastic zippers! You might not want to use the good fabric scissors for this also. Grab some that will cut through the plastic and not matter what it does to the sharpness.

Alright so it’s time to sew in the zipper. Place one of the outside pieces of fabric right side up Unzip the zipper slightly and placing it right side down on the edge of the piece of fabric.

Now place the lining right side down sandwiching the zipper between the two pieces of fabric.

With the zipper foot on your machine, place the fabric at the edge of the foot. Lock your stitch with a few back stitches  Continue stitching past the open part of the zipper. Turn the needle down into the fabric and lift the presser foot and zip  the zipper closed. then stitch across ending with a few back stitches to lock them.

Repeat with the other pieces of fabric on the other side of the zipper. Open the pouch out and press the fabric. Top stitch on each side of the zipper.

Open the zipper about 3/4 of the way.

Now match The outer fabrics and the lining. Turn the zipper toward the lining side of the pouch. Match the fabrics at the zipper on each side.

Using 1/2” seam allowance, begin stitching at the bottom of the lining. Stitch entirely around the pouch leaving an opening big enough to turn it right side out. Clip the corners.

Turn the pouch right side out. Probably best to use a poker to get those corner turned out.

Hold the lining together and top stitch the hole closed. Also push the lining into the pouch.

Finally, I cut the words ‘Spare Change’ out of everyday iron on and used the MiniPress to apply it for fear the Easy Press might melt the zipper or be too bulky to use easily. Certainly the MiniPress did great!

So zip that beauty up and there you go! This is the perfect size for a coin purse. It was so easy, I made some bigger ones to give as gift someday too. These things are super easy and useful. What do you think? What would you use one for? Are you going to give one a try? Please share any photos and thoughts in the comments below.