Super Easy Zippered Pouch

This is a seriously easy zippered pouch which can be used as a makeup case or as a club purse by adding a wrist strap. Really, really simple zipper application and you don't even need a zipper foot! Using both interfacing and some low loft quilt batting gives it some structure while still being soft and friendly. It doesn't take a whole lot of material and sews up pretty fast. It also makes a great and inexpensive Chistmas gift - and what woman doesn't need another little bag for odds and ends? Make a bunch and wow your friends!

You will need:

1/4 yard of fabric for the outside

1/4 yard of fabric for the lining

1/4 yard of fusible interfacing

1/4 yard of low loft quilt batting

9" zipper to match outside fabric

Sewing thread to match

Cutting:

Cut two 8.5"x4.5" rectangles from each of the fabrics and the batting, cut four rectangles from the fusible interfacing.

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong sides of each of the lining and outside fabrics following the manufacturer's instructions.

Lay the zipper on the outside fabric right sides together and with the edge of the zipper on the edge of the fabric. Lay the lining fabric right side down on top of the zipper and then the batting on top of that. Make sure all the edges are even and pin if necessary.

You should have a kind of sandwich with the zipper in the middle.

Sew along the long edge as close to the zipper teeth as possible, or if you are using a zipper foot, about a 1/4" in from the edge. Fold the fabric back from the zipper and press.

Do the same for the other side.

With the zipper closed, fold the bag right sides together and sew down each edge. You want to just miss the metal stops on the zipper. Sew the side with the bottom edge of the zipper first. Then with the zipper still closed, pin the other side, open the zipper a few inches and sew. Trim the seams and finish with a zigzzg stitch or serge.

Sew the bottom seam, leaving a 3" opening in the center. Trim and finish as before.

Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the bottom seam. Sew that opening closed either by hand with a slip stitch, or by machine with an edge stitch.