I’ve been staring at my Geo Pop canvas fabric for months. I love CANVAS fabric and the the bold, modern prints designed by Emmie K and from Robert Kaufman Fabrics are right up my alley. The fabric has been sitting under my monitor and I’ve had a gazillion ideas on what I should sew. I finally decided to make a versatile clutch / make-up pouch.
The details are in the fabric.. This is a pretty basic clutch, but the fabric and a contrast zipper make it pop. Plus, I really love the curve along the top edge!
The pattern is now available for purchase in my online store.
Materials:
- Canvas fabric for exterior
- Cotton fabric for lining
- Interfacing – try Pellon SF101
- 12″ or 14″ metal zipper – try Ziptit on Etsy. They have a great selection of affordable metal zippers.
- Disappearing fabric pen
- Pressing ham – optional
- Sewing machine and supplies
- Iron and ironing board
- Paper and pen for template
A couple things to consider before we get started:
- The top curve of the pouch is is a little tricky, so the zipper will be sewn in a little differently than my other zipper tutorials.
- Metal zippers can be difficult to work with. I suggest lengthening the stitch length and then sewing slowly.
- Create a hard paper template for ironing the top curve. To make the template, print 2 paper patterns and tape along the CF. Follow along the curve in the steps below.
- This pouch has a tab at only one end I love this feature, as it makes for a really wide pouch opening.
Cut your pieces:
- Outside – Fuse the SF101 Interfacing to the wrong side of the cotton canvas. Cut 2 pieces.
- Lining – Cut 2 pieces. Note – if you want an extra sturdy pouch, fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the lining as well.
- Zipper tab – Cut 1 rectangle measuring 3″L x 2″W.
Let’s go:
Step 1 – Use your ruler, disappearing fabric ink pen and template and mark a dashed line along the top curve 1/2″ from the top edge. Turn and fold the top edge under 1/2″ / fold under at the dashed line. Press. The template helps make sure that the top edge and side seams are even and match. Lay the 2 pieces on top of each other and make sure everything matches, especially where they meet at side seams. Re-press and adjust if needed. Repeat for the lining pieces.
Step 2 – Prepare the zipper – Cut the zipper to measure 12 1/4″. Cut the bottom portion off, as you will add a tab to cover the bottom zipper stop. Fold the zipper tab rectangle in half along the center, fold each end inwards to meet at the center fold. Press with an iron. Insert the zipper tab over the raw edge of the zipper end. Lengthen the stitch length on your machine. Place into your sewing machine and stitch the zipper down. Sew very slowly over the teeth or you can break a needle. Set zipper aside.
Step 3 – On the outside pouch piece, measure inwards 1/2″ from the top edge/side seam and make a mark. Measure inwards another 1/8″ and make another mark. Repeat for the other side.
Step 4 – Start at the top of the zipper. Place the top metal stop at the 5/8″ mark and pin the zipper in place along the top edge. The zipper tab should end at the other 5/8″ mark. Turn and fold under the zipper tape at the top stop. Pin the zipper tape in place.
Step 5 – Place into your sewing aching and topstitch the zipper down with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Start stitching at the 1/2″ pen mark and stop at the other side- 1/2″ pen mark. Repeat for the other piece. Note – You do not need change to your zipper foot. Press. Use your pressing ham and press the zipper curve in place. The sewing ham helps set a nice, smooth curve.
Step 6 – Repeat and now sew both lining pieces into the pouch. Place the lining piece, wrong sides facing on the back of the pouch piece. Pin along the top edge. Place into your sewing machine and edgestitch in place with a scant 1/8″ seam allowance. You want to catch both the outside and lining fabric with this seam.
Step 7 – Sew the pouch together – Open your zipper and fold in half. Fold along the zipper and also fold the zipper tab in half. Place outside pieces right side together and lining pieces right side together. Pin along the outside edge. Place into your sewing machine and first stitch the outside side seams and bottom seam together. Use a 1/2″ seam allowance. Repeat and stitch the lining side seams and bottom seam together with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Leave a small 2″ – 3″ opening along the bottom lining seam. Press.
Step 8 – Create the corners – For one corner, twist the side seam and bottom seam to lay on top of each other. Finger press to lay flat and match at the seams. Open seam allowance. Pin. Place into your sewing machine and stitch together with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Repeat for all corners.
Step 9 – Turn right side out through the lining opening. Press all seams.
Step 10 – Pin the opening at the bottom seam. Place into your sewing machine and sew opening closed.
Thats it! Fun right? Emmie K and Robert Kaufman just launched Geo Pop Canvas 2.. so many modern canvas options now.
Thank you for your support and patience. The pattern is now available in my shop. Please let me know if you plan to sew a curvy zipper pouch. I love hearing from you all and look forward to seeing your finished projects.
Happy Sewing – Marni
I would love the pattern.
I love the pattern but dont understand the measurements and cutting
Hi There,
You can purchase the pattern in my online store. Here is the link:
For cutting instructions:
Outside fabric = cut 2 pieces
Lining fabric = cut 2 pieces
Interfacing = cut 2 pieces [ and iron to the outside fabric wrong side ]
That’s it! Hope this helps.
Marni
Hey. Your tutorial is great ! Can you please share the pattern.
Thanks
Gouri
Nice tutorial.Can you Please share me the pattern from Curvy Zipper Pouch?
Hi – thanks for stopping by. I hope to have it up in the next 2 weeks š
Marni
I would like the pattern. Thanks!
I would love the pattern too.
HI…would love this pattern!
Thanks
I would like the pattern as well! thank you!
I would love the pattern if you have it… or otherwise the approximate sizes
Love this!! Would like to have the pattern.
Thanks!!
I w ou le lire the pattern too. Thanks!
Please share the pattern, would love to have it
I would love to have the pattern as well. Thank you!
I would like the pattern as well. Thank you!
Is the pattern available – would love to make this thanks
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the comment. Pattern will be up next week š
Marni
Love, love, love this bag using canvas fabric! I would like to make these for christmas gifts for my sisters!
Has this pattern been released? I love the size and shape of this bag and would love to make some for my sisters. Could I please have you email this pattern to me? Thanks!
Hi Lisa,
Should be going out this week. I will email for sure. Thanks for leaving a comment š – Marni
I would love to have this pattern. I love the looks of it and especially the curved top. Thank you.
Hi Bonnie,
This is no longer available as a free pattern. You can now find it in my online shop – https://haberdasheryfun.myshopify.com/products/curvy-zipper-pouch
Thanks
Marni
Yes plesse I would love the pattern I also adore your fabric. Many thanks maria
So cute! Could i get the pattern please?
Hi Kat- the pattern is ready and I released it yesterday. I just didn’t update the post. You can find it here.. let me know how it goes š
http://haberdasheryfun.com/diy-projects/curvy-zipper-pouch-pattern-available
Marni
Marni, I forgot to ask. Do you have a tutorial for putting in a zipper for the bag? Can you believe I used to, make suits, coats, bridal gowns, etc.? And then my car and I were hit by a train. lol It’s sad but true. So, here I am at just a wee bit past square one and moving forward at a snail’s pace.
Hi again. I am so sorry to hear about your accident.. I hope you are on the mend. I just had corrective surgery on my bladder and ureter, thru my c section incision, so I understand to some degree about moving at a very slow pace..
I don’t have the exact zipper tutorial, but you could try a few of these…
http://haberdasheryfun.com/diy-projects/turn-a-shopping-tote-into-a-zipper-pouch
http://haberdasheryfun.com/diy-projects/sew-a-colorful-printed-pouch
http://www.momtastic.com/diy/415383-zipper-pouch-bags/
Let me know how it goes š
Marni
Can get the pattern please. I thought I had downloaded on October but can’t find it. Thanks Kwilty.pleasures@tmail.com
HI Kathy,
Thanks for the request. I plan to start selling the sewing pattern in the new year. Happy Holidays. Marni
Hi
I just bought your pattern and tried to follow the tutorial but I must be a horrible sewer cause I just don’t get some parts. Did you by any CHANCE make a MORE in depth tutorial? Please help. It just seems like some steps are missing i hate to think I paid 4.00 for nothing š
Hi Debra,
I apologize for the delay on answering your question/email as it only came thru to my email now. Did you figure this out out? I have an updated post as below. I am also working on written instructions and can send you a copy when they are finished
http://haberdasheryfun.com/diy-projects/tips-on-sewing-the-curvy-zipper-pouch
Marni
I cut my zipper too short. Should the measurement be 13 1/2 inches instead of 12 1/2 inches? Thnaks!