DIY Mini Zipper Pouch

If sewing a zipper makes you a little nervous or scared, you are not alone. A lot of beginner sewists avoid them and won't create sewing projects because of them.

But the truth is, zippers are much easier than they look. This DIY mini zipper pouch is a great place to start.

This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend. I do make a portion off any you may purchase. See full disclosure here.

This little pouch will keep all those small items from getting lost at the bottom of your purse, backpack or car. Coins, chapstick, hand sanitizer, earbuds...anything that needs a new home.

I actually started making mini zipper pouches after finding five loose lip balms at the bottom of my bag. One was melted, one had no cap and one had somehow collected so much hair and crumbs it was not great.

The best part? This project is quick, beginner friendly, and perfect for practicing sewing a zipper without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, you just need scrap fabrics and a small zipper.

VIDEO: How to Sew a Mini Box Pouch

-----

Mini Zipper Pouch Tutorial

Materials Needed

(2) 5.5" x 4" Cotton Main Fabric
(2) 5.5" x 4" Cotton Main Fabric
4" x 1.5" Cotton Tab or Ribbon (use pinking shears to cut out of cotton fabric)
Optional: Fusible Interfacing
8" zipper
Matching Thread

Finished Measurements

3" x 2" x 1.5"

Step 1

Place the lining fabric right side up. Place the zipper along the top of the raw edge. Place the main fabric wrong side up over the other layers. Line up all the layers together along the top edge.

Stitch along the top edge, sewing all the layers together.

Repeat with the other lining and main fabric piece on other opposite side of the zipper.

Step 2

Open up the two layers on either side of the zipper so they lay flat. Press.

Topstitch across the two layers close to the zipper.

Step 3

Open the layer again and place the two lining sides together and the two main fabric sides together.

Mark a 1" opening in the center of the lining piece. Stitch across the bottom edge of the main fabric and stitch across the lining, leaving the marked opening unstitched. Press.

Step 4

Open up the pouch so that the zipper runs down the center of the bag. The bottom seam from the above step should lay on top of the zipper.

If this is confusing, make sure to check out the video in the post.

Step 5

Fold the 4" tab in half. Place over the zipper between the two layers of the main fabric. Unzip the zipper about 1". Pin in place.

Step 6

Stitch 1/4" along the straight edge over each side of the zipper.

Step 7

Cut off the extra edge of the zipper and tab.

Turn right side out through the opening in the lining. Press.

Step 8

Stitch the opening in the lining closed by hand sewing using a slipstitch or use your machine.

Step 9

Open the corners of the boxy pouch and lay them flat to make a triangle shape. Measure down 1/2" from the corner and mark.

Stitch down across this marking. Repeat this all the corners.

Step 10

You should have 4 matching corners. Trim the triangles down. Finish using pinking shears, zig zag stitch or cover with bias tape.

Step 11

Turn bag right side out and enjoy!

And just like that, you’ve sewn a zipper!

This mini pouch is quick, useful, and a great way to build confidence. Once you make one, you might find yourself making a few more for gifts, for organizing, or just because they’re so fun to sew.