Double Zipper Pouch Tutorial

This double zipper pouch tutorial is for a lined pouch that you can use as a pencil case, cosmetics bag, or as a clutch.

The finished measurements are approximately 10″ wide x 5 1/2 tall.

This is a good project to use your fabric scraps and to feature your favorite fabric.

If you want to receive a pdf copy of this tutorial, click on the button included at the end of the tutorial.

Exterior Fabric: 1/3 yd of waterproof canvas

Featured Fabric: 1/3 yd

Lining Fabric: 1/3 yd

Woven Interfacing SP101: 1 yd

2 – 9″ Zippers (I used Nylon Metallic Zippers)

Seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise specified.

Cutting – Cut the pieces listed in this table

Piece	Exterior Fabric	Featured Fabric	Lining	Fusible Fleece	SF101
Front Top	2″ x 10 1/2″
Small Pocket		(1) 4 1/4″ x 10 1/2″	(1) 4 1/4 x 10 1/2″ (1) 5 1/4 x 10 1/2″	(1) 4 1/4″ x 10 1/2″	(1) 4 1/4 x 10 1/2″ (1) 4 3/4 x 10 1/2″
Large Pocket	(1) 6 1/4″ x 10 1/2″		(2) 6 1/4″ x 10 1/2″		(2) 6 1/4″ x 10 1/2″
Zipper Tabs	(4) 1 1/4″ x 2″

Fusing Interfacing

Iron to the fusible fleece and SF101 interfacing to the wrong side of the corresponding fabric pieces using the manufacturer’s directions.

Prepare the zippers

You’ll need two (2) zippers that are exactly 9″ long. The zipper tabs are attached differently.

Insert the zipper pulls before attaching the zipper tabs.

Note: Zipper tabs are oversize

Small Pocket Zipper

Place the Zipper tab piece on the zipper end (RST) and sew across the zipper tape.
Finger press the zipper tab and topstitch 1/8″ from the edge.
Repeat for the other side of the zipper

Large Pocket Zipper

Place the Zipper tab piece on the zipper end (RST) and sew across the zipper tape.
Finger press the zipper tab and fold to wrap around the bottom side of the zipper leaving around 1/2″ of zipper tab. If you are using waterproof canvas, to avoid bulk leave the bottom part raw.
Topstitch from the front side 1/8″ from the edge catching the bottom side. Cut the excess from the bottom side.
Repeat for the other side of the zipper

Assemble the Small Pocket

Attach the zipper to the small pocket

Center your zipper over the Featured Fabric (4 1/4″ x 10 1/2″), RS down, aligning top edges, and make sure the zipper pull closes to the left.
Baste the zipper to the exterior front pocket using around 1/8″ SA.
Trim the zipper tabs excess.

Place the lining piece (4 1/4″ x 10 1/2″) on top of the small pocket RST aligning the top edges (the zipper will be sandwiched between both layers)
Sew accurately across the top – To ensure even spacing along the zipper, place the left side of the standard feet against the zipper coil. (about 3/8″)
Pull the layers back away from the zipper and press. Use a wooden clapper to crisp the seam
Topstich 1/8″ from the edge

Place the Front top piece (2″ x 10 1/2″) of the front pocket RST aligning the top edge.
Baste the Top Front piece to the top of the zipper using around 1/8″ SA.

Place the Lining piece (5 1/4″ x 10 1/2″) RST sandwiching the zipper
Sew accurately using the left side of the standard foot against the zipper coil. (around 3/8″)
Pull the layers back away from the zipper and press.
Topstich 1/8″ from the edge
Trim the lining excess

Assemble the Large Pocket

Attach the zipper to the large pocket

Center your zipper over the front piece you just made, face down, aligning top edges, and make sure the zipper pull closes to the left. (This time the zipper is smaller than the pocket to allow for the seam allowances)
Baste the zipper to the front pocket using around 1/8″ SA.
Place one of the lining pieces (6 1/4″ x 10 1/2″) on top of the Exterior pocket RST aligning the top edges (the zipper will be sandwiched between both layers)

Sew accurately across the top using the left side of the standard foot against the zipper coil. (about 3/8″)
Pull the layers back away from the zipper and press.
Topstich 1/8″ from the edge

Place the Exterior piece (6 1/4 x 10 1/2″) on top of these RST aligning the top edges.

Baste the exterior piece to the top of the zipper using around 1/8″ SA.
Place the other Lining piece (6 1/4″ x 10 1/2″) RST aligning the top edges (the zipper will be sandwiched between both layers)
Sew accurately using the left side of the standard foot against the zipper coil. (around 3/8″)
Pull the layers back away from the zipper and press.
Topstich 1/8″ from the edge

Assemble the Bag

Open your large pocket zipper all of the way, and your small pocket zipper half way.
Pull the 2 lining pieces together so that they are RS together, and pull the 2 exterior pieces together so that they are RS together. Pin around all sides, matching seams together.
Sew around the outside edge, making sure not to sew over the zipper tabs.
Leave a small opening in the lining side for turning.

On the lining, use 1/2″ seam allowance. This will give you a tighter lining inside the pocket.

Trim the corners and zipper tabs seam allowances. This will reduce bulk and your pouch will look better.
Turn the bag right side out through the opening.
Gently push out all the corners with a point turner.
Pull the lining out and stitch the opening close to the edge.
Push the lining in and press.