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This tutorial is for an easy zippered pouch with a nautical theme – it is perfect to carry your essentials during the summer! You can use it as a makeup bag or as a wristlet to carry your sunglasses, sunblock, lip-gloss, keys, phone, and other small items.
For the nautical theme I used a navy blue and white stripes and red fabric for the lining and applique. To compliment the nautical look, I used red zipper with matching anchor pull. The nautical theme pouch kit is available at My Handmade Space Store.
You can also add a long strap to turn the pouch into a crossbody bag!
If you want to receive a pdf copy of this tutorial, click on the button included at the end of the tutorial.
I included instructions in how to prepare and attach the applique – enter your email in the form included in this post to receive the applique templates. This technique can also be used on the double zipper pouch.
I’ll also show you how to install the D-ring tabs using rivets.
You’ll Need
Exterior Fabric: fat quarter (cotton, home decor fabric, or canvas)
Lining Fabric: fat quarter
small piece of vinyl (optional)
Fusible Fleece: 1/3 yd
small piece of peltex
Woven Interfacing SF101: 1/2 yd
small piece of Fusible Iron On Adhesive
9″ Nylon Coil Zipper
Two 1/2″ D-Rings
Two 8-9 mm rivets
Instructions
Seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise specified.
Cutting – Cut the pieces listed in this table
| Piece | Exterior Fabric | SF101 | Lining | Fusible Fleece | Heat n Bond
(fusible iron on adhesive) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior | (2) 8″ x 10″ | (2) 8″ x 10″ | (2) 8″ x 10″ | (2) 7 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | 4″ x 4″ |
| Applique | (1) 4″ x 5″ | (1) 4 x 5″ | |||
| Zipper Tabs | (1) 1 1/4″ x 4″
(1) 2″ x 4″ |
(1) 1 1/4″ x 4″ |
In addition, cut a 7 1/2″ x 2″ piece of peltex for the bottom of the bag.
If using a strap, cut 14″ x 2″ piece of vinyl.
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 zipper tabs
- Cut the 1 1/4″ x 4 piece in half to have 2 pieces that are 1 1/4″ x 2″
- Fold each tab wrong sides together, matching the short side. Open and fold the short edges to the middle and press
Prepare the zippers
Cut your zipper exactly 8.5″ long.
- Insert the anchor zipper pull before attaching the zipper tabs.
- Place the Zipper in the zipper tab piece and sew across the zipper tape.
- Repeat for the other side of the zipper
Prepare the Applique
- Draw your applique on the fusible iron adhesive (I used Heat n Bond)
- Fuse the Heat n Bond (or similar) to the fabric (I used the same fabric that I used for the lining)
- Cut the applique carefully
- Peel off the Heat n’ Bond backing paper (you’ll see a shiny layer on your fabric)
- Place your applique on the exterior front piece
- To secure, sew around the applique, you can use matching or contrasting thread. I used matching thread to camouflage imperfections.
Bag Exterior
- Place the exterior pieces RST (if using stripes, match the stripes)
- Sew across the bottom
- Place the peltex and fuse in place (there should be 1 1/4″ on each side of the peltex)
- Topstitch along the bottom seam around 1/8″ form the seam
Attach the zipper
- Center your zipper over the Exterior Fabric, RS down, aligning top edges and leaving 3/4′ on each side of the zipper (we will need that space to install the D-ring tabs)
- Make sure the zipper closes to the left side of the bag.
- Baste the zipper to the exterior front pocket using around 1/8″ SA.
- Place the lining piece 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 your sewing machine 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 using 3.5 mm stitch (If using a different color for the lining, you might want to change your bobbin thread).
- Repeat for the other side of the zipper
Assemble the Bag
- Open your zipper half way
- Pull the 2 lining pieces RS together, and pull the 2 exterior pieces RS together.
- Sew the long sides of the exterior side making sure not to sew over the zipper tabs.
- Sew around the lining using 1/2″ seam allowance. This will give you a tighter lining.
- Leave 4″ opening on the lining side to turn the bag
- To square the bottom of the bag, fold the corner forming a triangle, and sew close to the peltex (about 1″ from the corner)
- Repeat on the other corner and on the lining corners.
- 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.
Prepare the D-Ring tabs
- Fold the 2″ x 4″ piece wrong sides together, matching the long side. Open and fold the short edges to the middle and press
- Topstitch along the long sides (firs the open side, then the other side)
- Cut the piece in half (you’ll have 2 pieces that are 2″ x 2″)
- Thread a 1/2″ D ring and stitch on the bottom to secure. Repeat for the other piece
- Use a hole punch (or an awl) to make rivet holes on the zipper tabs and on the D-Ring tabs
- Insert the D-ring tap through the zipper tab and align the rivet holes
- Insert 8-9 mm rivets from the bag interior catching the D-ring and zipper tabs. Use a rivet press to secure the rivets
You can add a strap to use this little pouch as a wristlet or a long strap for a crossbody bag!
If you want to receive a pdf copy of this tutorial, signup below.
I hope you find this tutorial useful.
Happy Sewing,
Anabelle
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