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Pleated Pouch Tutorial

gifts for friends· gifts for teachers· Gifts for women· Handmade Gifts· Sew

This pleated pouch tutorial shows you how to make the perfect home made gift.  Slip in a gift card and it would make and extra special! Once you know how to put in a zipper think of all the things you can make!


How to make a zippered Pouch

Download pattern pieces and print with no scaling selected on your printer.  Cut out two of each piece from your favorite fabric. You will also need 1 – 7 inch zipper.

Pleated Pouch Pattern Download

Mark fabric from pattern where it should be pleated. Bring one mark over to the next. Pin.

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Place outer top piece face down on pleated piece, line up edges and stitch across 1/4 inch from the edge. Open up and press. Repeat with other two pieces to make the other side.

Make a zipper sandwich. Place 1 piece of outer fabric face up, then the zipper and then the lining right side facing down. Line up the three edges.

With a zipper foot sew across the top between the edge of your zipper sandwich and the zipper teeth (closer to the zipper feet).

Bring lining and outer fabric to the same side.

Make another zipper sandwich on the other side of the zipper.

Open up and it will look like this. You can top stitch at the edge of the fabric along the zipper now, if you like (I didn’t).

Bring both pieces of lining to one side and both pieces of the outer fabric to the other side. Un-zip zipper at least halfway so you can turn it once it is stitched. If you forget to un-zip the zipper you won’t be able to turn your pouch right side out.

Pinch zipper towards outer fabric, making sure it is laying nicely as you pin.

Using 1/4 inch seam stitch all the way around the pouch leaving a two inch opening in the bottom of the lining for turning.

Turn right side out. Hand stitch (or machine stitch) opening in lining closed.

Push lining inside the pouch and it is finished!

You might also be interested in this Zippered Pouch tutorial.

It is easy to make a matching tote for your pouch with this super simple tote tutorial!

You might also like these 10 Tote Tutorials.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Becca says

    I love this pattern. If I were to try n make it and it actually turns out ( as I am not the best ) lol, would you give permission for it to be sold IF credit was given to you as the pattern maker??? ty for your time

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  18. Tia says

    I know this is an older tutorial, but I keep coming back to it all the time for zipper help, and for this pouch. Thank you for writing something so clear and simple, and for using pictures!!!!

  20. Diana says

    This is the best and clearest zipper instruction ever, and believe me, I’ve been hunting. Thanks! Your bag and your site are so cute!

  24. ann says

    what is the pattern she is using ? how can you find the measurements?
    I’ve looked every where but can’t find one that looks like hers!
    🙁

  26. Heather says

    I did it!!!!!!!!! The only part that I found confusing was when you say to do the zipper sandwich again. It seems like the lining piece is opposite of the first time…? I’m a newbie so I was so excited to have made something!!!!!!!!!!! Yay! Next time I will definitely line it with something to make it thicker tho. Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!

  28. Kath says

    Hi Cindy;
    You’re Pleated pouch looks divine! I’m really impressed with how beautifully your zipper sits at the top of the pouch. Did you use any specific technique to make it look so neat & even? I’m a little OC when it comes to little details like that 😉 and I’m not happy with the outcome of my recent effort (hence why I’m online trying to figure out how to rectify it! ) I Would appreciate any tips you could offer. Thanks 🙂

  30. Ciera says

    The sewing projects are so cute!!! To be honest I am a YOUNG sewer. The first time i saw these projects I knew it would be easy, fun, and simple.

  34. Michelle says

    great sewing project was easy enough for me to do and i did add a wristlet band….super cuteness…thank you for your great instructions and patterns!!!!

  38. Jenna Schering says

    I’ve been trying to learn how to work a zipper and found your tutorial very simple and easy to understand, while others I’ve tried have not been so easy. Thank you! Turned out super cute.

  42. Kelley says

    Couldn’t wait to try this! I just purchased several valentines fabrics and made some of these pouches to fill with goodies on Valentine’s Day. I added some lightweight fusible fleece to the band and lining pieces and it turned out great! Thanks for all the great tuts!

  44. Toni says

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! I am positively in LOVE with this pattern! Not only are the instructions Super easy to follow, but the final product is adorable!!! I added some iron-on fusible web to give it some extra body, and use mine as a cute change purse/wallet. Keep your wonderful patterns coming!!!! Thanks You!

  46. Elise says

    You just completely saved my butt! I needed some fast last minute gifts for some cousins that I wasn’t planning on having gifts for! Beautiful tutorial and great pouch! Thank you so much for posting!

  48. Liz says

    I just finished making one of these for my sons teacher for Christmas. I’ll put something inside. I hope she likes it. Thanks for the tut.
    Liz

  54. KZK says

    Thanks so much for a great tute! You may have helped me get over my fear of zippers. 🙂
    Your directions and photos were great; very easy to follow.
    I’m linking to this post in my post today; hope you don’t mind!
    KZK

  56. KZK says

    I finally followed your tute (have been meaning to for a long time) and REALLY enjoyed it! Thanks so much – you may have gotten me through my fear of zippers. LOL.
    I linked to your tute on my post; hope you don’t mind!
    KZK

  58. Ann Marie says

    Thank you for the great tutorial. My project turned out great. My first zipper ever. It turned out great. (I won’t talk about sewing it in upside down twice!! LOL). I love this small bag. I will be making several for presents this year. Love them.

  60. Katie says

    Loved the tutorial! thanks so much! I made myself a makeup bag, and also made a bag for my stepmom…and she loves it. 🙂

  62. teresa says

    Copying down what I need for this Cindy!
    Thanks for encouraging me as a SEAMSTRESS in the making!
    Hugs from Bainbridge!
    xo

  68. Janets House says

    Thanks so much for the pattern and tutorial. Love your color selections. Can’t wait to make the pouch and tote. Planning ahead for Christmas, but of course will probably end up waiting til November to really begin!

  70. Vanilla says

    Thanks for this wonderful tutorial.
    I made already a pouch for my daughter and one for me and they look so cute!!!

  74. Stephanie says

    This looks great. I have been making mine today, fantastic way to use up some extra quilting fabric I have.
    I have been sewing for many years, but I’m afraid I didn’t understand the way you put the lining in?
    I did it another way, but I’m sure your way would be easier. I just don’t quite understand when the lining is being added. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks

  80. Liz Barlow says

    I printed your pattern so that both pages print on one page and made an adorable coin purse – which also fits credit cards if you just want to go out with a minimal purse!

  82. dorothy carbone says

    Thanks for sharing.
    so many great patterns.
    MY GD’s will like this as well as myself.

  84. amanda says

    I did it! I have been holding on to this pattern for months now and I finally got it done. Thanks so much for sharing!

  86. Beth says

    I’ve always shyed away from zippers but this project was perfect for beginners, I made 3 in one night! Easy directions to follow and a great little gift to give!!

  88. Annie says

    Many thanks for this excellent tutorial. I needed a purse to take on holiday and adapted your pattern (-1″ all round). It turned out really well and I’ll be putting my euros and bank card in for our trip to France and Spain tomorrow.

  90. Louise says

    I agree, great tutorial! I made three right away and I intend to make more. I’ll share the three I’ve already made on my blog. Thanks for sharing. Louise

  92. Theresa says

    I love this tutorial! just cut out all the fabric and will start sewing tomorrow. i am really excited! thank you so much!!!

  94. Suzette says

    I tried to save your pattern (Pleated Pouch Pattern Download), but I’m unable to – it looks like an Adobe Acrobat file, but when I download it, it says it’s a PDF – I can print it, but not save it.

  96. Tausendschön says

    uuuuuuuuuuuuh…what a beauty!
    oooh thanks sooo much your angel…here in germany they have just the same bags but not for free 🙁 thanks thanks thanks
    tomorrow i will have a new little bag 🙂
    much love
    silke

  98. Katie from Sew Woodsy says

    I’ve been wanting to tackle this pleated pouch for a while now! I’ve never sewn a zipper before and felt this would be a great beginners project! Although I had a few mishaps along the way (I’m horrible at reading directions–lol)! My first one came out great! I wanted to make these for Christmas gifts but never had any free time! I’ll definitely be making a few for birthday gifts this year! I’ll be blogging about this! Thanks for such an awesome pattern and tutorial!

  102. Its Me Again! says

    I was just wondering…where can I buy this fabric from? It looks great and seems easy to sew with. By the way … these tutorials are fantastic!

  108. Gina says

    How do you get the zipper to come out so clean at the corners? I always struggle with this!! It comes out kind of wonky just at the corners and I end up unpicking and painstainkingly hand stitching that part back in. I MUST be doing something wrong, any tips?? ^^;;

  110. Violeta Petrova says

    A BIG THANKS for this tutorial and pattern!!!!!! I made some great Christmas gifts using it :)))))

  112. Susan says

    Thank you so much for this project — it turned out to be my very first sewing project! I just received my very first sewing machine yesterday — and I finished this project in one evening. It was straightforward and easy to follow — but the finished piece looks so complex. Looking forward to trying some of your other projects.

  118. Amy says

    Thanks so much for all the great ideas on your website. I just found it a few weeks ago, and can’t get enough!

  122. Sandra :) says

    Thanks for such a sweet project – I made my first one today (and posted it to my blog) – it’s totally adorable!! I already have more planned 😀

  126. Kris says

    I love this little bag. I received an Amy Butler pattern as a gift. The bad has no inside pockets. This is the perfect answer!!! Thank you so much for sharing!

  138. wendy says

    Love it! I was looking for a cute simple purse to make one of my sisters, and I think this is going to be it! Great tutorial!!

  140. dorry says

    I just finished this bag to go with my floppy summer tote that I am currently using as my purse. This will be a great makeup/accessories bag! It worked beautifully. I found that I may make more and to save money on ink I traced the pattern onto waxed freezer paper and cut it out and ironed and pinned each piece to my fabric stacks. I have added the pattern to my growing stack of patterns I will use with frequency.

  144. Becky says

    Ha! I made 6 of these. Awesome directions, especially for the zipper/lining. A couple of them are going to be teachers gifts with a gift card to a book store inside. They are kind of addicting to make. ~ lol

  148. jo says

    thank u so very much for such a detailed and amazing tutorial.
    i’ve always wanted to make a zippered pouch, but a bit daunted by the lining part.
    but with ur tutorial, i finally gathered enuf courage..and made my 1st (and 2nd) zippered pouches… 😀

    my 1st pouch using japanese cotton:
    http://pearandthebabes.blogspot.com/2010/05/eeeee-i-just-made-my-1st-pouch.html

    2nd pouch using upholstery fabric by Ikea:
    http://pearandthebabes.blogspot.com/2010/05/omg-my-2nd-zippered-pouch-o.html

    Lots of thanks from Malaysia 🙂

  152. Missy says

    I am a beginner and made this pouch. I ran from the computer to the sewing machine a few times. It was very enjoyable and turned out pretty good considering I’ve never really sewn much less installed a zipper. Thank you so very much!

  156. Marissa says

    This is great, thanks! I just made one to go with the nursing cover for my sister-in-law, great for tucking little nursing necessities in a purse…

  158. Pauline says

    Thank you for sharing your pattern … I made 10 pouches for Mother’s Day using my stash of material and zippers!!! Your instructions were very clear and this was SO doable.

  164. Joan says

    Thank you for sharing! It was quick and easy. I made 5 of them as gifts for my now ex-colleagues.

  168. Korby says

    Thank You SO MUCH for sharing the pattern. I made 3 yesterday unti I ran out of zippers. My kids teachers are going to LOVE them.

  172. Jody says

    Thank you for this beautifull poutch …

    Claire tu as le patron de la trousse que tu dois imprimer cela te donne les dimensions !!! Prévois les ourlets en plus.

    Jody

  176. Amy says

    Thanks for the cute pattern and tutorial. I made one for my daughter’s teacher and it turned out great!

  184. Tabitha says

    I just made one and I love it. Its going to be my regular purse for this year. I added two pockets on the inside so that I could separate my cards from the coins, and it works a treat.

  186. Claire says

    J ‘essaie de traduire votre tuto et je suis étonnée de n’avoir aucune dimension. Comment faire ?
    J’aimerais beaucoup réaliser cette pochette car je la trouve fort jolie.
    Cordialement,

  188. Sue at nobaddays says

    Love this – thank you for the pattern and tutorial. I’m going to start making these as birthday gifts for girls in my son’s class … with a small gift card in them.

  190. Jennifer says

    WOW… I gotta try this. As a beginner seamstress…i really need to work on zippers so this is great practice! Plus I need me a new make-up bag lol. I wonder how it would look with some oilcloth…hmmmm

  192. Danaou says

    Merci pour ces explications ! Voulez-vous me donner le schéma car le PDF s’arrête ?
    Amicales pensées de l’Abeille du Jardinoux !
    Danaou

  194. Barbara says

    Thank you so much for the downloadable pdf – that is so very useful on my computer and very thoughtful on your part – much appreciated !

  202. Alice says

    This tutorial is really great! I was looking for something like this to make pouches out of my scrap cloth! Thanks! =D

  204. Kathy says

    Thank you for the clear instructions, and such a cute pouch! You can see the one up stitched up for my daughter on my blog. Thanks for sharing!

  206. jillshum says

    I clicked on the link and it says the pattern is corupt and can’t be repaired. I would love to have it. I bought everything so it will match my checkbook and notebook cover for my purse.

  210. Elizabeth Marques says

    Many thanks! This is really a gorgeous gift to say thank you to a friend!
    i wil try one right now!

  214. Ingrid says

    This is super duper sweet and simple. I would love to get one of these….in fact I think I will make one tomorrow 🙂 tfs!!

  216. Judy says

    That is a really cool pouch! Thank you for putting the pattern online. I like your fabric choices. This is definitely a project I need to do. I can see that it would be a great gift, and the fabric used could reflect the personality of the recipient!

  222. Alice says

    I have struggled with putting in zippers for so long that I finally gave up sewing anything that needed one. This is a Godsend for me and I think I can also adapt it to other projects needing a zipper like dresses for my grandaughters. Thank you so much.

  224. Tidy Brown Wren says

    Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. I’ve been starring at a pile of zippers left over from upcycling skirts into aprons. I didn’t want to throw away the zippers, but didn’t know what to do with such small ones. Now I know! Thanks again.

  232. Lisa says

    Wow have you ever mastered the pattern tutorials! As much as I enjoy the “made by you mondays”. I have to say I enjoy learning, and you sharing your family ideas from you the most so there!

  234. Mandy says

    Super cute tutorial! I am always scared of zippers, but this makes me want to try some of these for Mother’s Day~ Thanks!

  250. Sandy says

    This is a GREAT tutorial! Thank you for sharing!! I just sewed my first zipper the other day, so I think I need to try this out!

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