Make a zipper bag in any size and nearly any shape. With these helpful tutorials, templates, and my tips for sewing zippers with ease, you’ll be a pro in no time! And if you’re already a pro, you’ll love the professional finishes and unique spins on these fabulous bags.
These free sewing tutorials have step-by-step instructions with detailed pictures in an easy-to-understand teaching style. You will be able to download all the necessary templates for free.
Tiny Zipper Bags from 5” Squares
This is the easiest zipper pouch tutorial on the web, and it’s absolutely perfect for beginners. Find your favorite print, and check out the Tiny Zipper Bags tutorial to get started today.
Easy Zipper Pouches in 2 Sizes
Here is another beginner-friendly Zipper Pouch Pattern in 2 sizes. In this tutorial I’ll show you how to use your zipper foot in several ways. You can customize this pouch with machine embroidery. You can also use either regular dressmaking zippers (1” wide) or larger handbag zippers (1 1/4” wide).
Boxy Zipper Pouches
This Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern just right for organizing supplies, cosmetics, or small things when traveling. Thrill any of your friends with this beautiful gift. The finished size is approximately 6’’ wide, 4 1/2’’ tall, and 3” deep.
Pro tip: If you make many projects with zippers, you will love zippers by the yard. You can cut any size zipper you need, or a little bit larger than you need so you can cut away the excess zipper later.
Zipper Pouch or A Purse!
This bigger Boxy Zipper Bag Pattern can be made with or without bag hardware. You can add handles to make a purse, or add D-rings and a strap to make a cross-body bag.
Boxy Duffle Bag
While we’re talking boxy bags, why not make a whole set with this Free Duffle Bag Sewing Pattern. It’s approximately 19” wide, 8” tall, and 8” deep, not including the handles or straps.
Tiny Zipper Pouches You Can Sew with Scraps
There are so many options when sewing this DIY zippered coin purse. You can use leftover fabrics, simplify with no extra hardware, or fussy cut a cute motif from your fabric like this pink Tula Pink raccoon pouch. This pouch has fusible interfacing to help it hold that classic shape.
Pro tip: I love all the new handbag zippers you can get on Amazon with pretty zipper pulls!
Flat Bottom Cosmetic Pouch
Learn how to make a stand-up cosmetic bag with a flat bottom.
Designer Zipper Bags
Normally, a quilted zipper bag with binding on the inside would not be something a beginner would try, but many sewists who are just starting have raved about the free Designer Zipper Bag video sewing course.
Pro Tip: Learn amazing sewing skills by watching videos. I included a list of topics below.
- How to quilt fabric and stabilizer together
- Choosing the best needle
- Putting on a zipper presser foot
- Binding the ends of zippers
- Lining up the edge of the zipper with your quilted fabric
- Binding your seams and more!
Ruffle Zipper Pouches
Make a fun and flirty zipper pouch with this amazing free tutorial from See Kate Sew. She has a creative take on all kinds of sewing projects.
Lay Flat Zipper Bags for Travel
When not being used, these storage pouches lay flat for easy storage. They are big enough for a pair of shoes, but you can put almost anything in them. This project has no side seams, and the top and bottom edges are finished with binding.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to make your own fabric binding featured in some of these tutorials! It adds a really professional touch. I’ll show you the easiest way to bind fabric edges and seams.
Dumpling Style Zipper Pouch
Here’s a fat quarter-friendly dumpling-style zipper pouch. It has a flat bottom to help it stand up. I also have a vinyl dumpling-shaped zipper pouch tutorial for you to try out.
Vinyl Zipper Pouches with Ribbon
Loads of people use the see-through zipper bags for travel and events. This free Ribbon and Vinyl Zipper Pouch Pattern is so easy, and if you haven’t already sewn on vinyl you should give it a try.
Pro Tip: The tutorial contains a great technique for using tissue paper so the vinyl will move smoothly across your sewing machine bed. You might like these Tips for Sewing on Vinyl.
See-Through Tote
Just add straps and pockets to a large vinyl zipper pouch and you’ve got a perfect bag for the airport! Check out this See-Through Tote.
Pro tip: It’s just fine to cut vinyl with your rotary cutter.
Travel Jewelry Organizer
Use just three fat quarters for this zipper jewelry organizer. I love coordinating my pouches and travel bags.
Handy Circle Pouches
Erin’s free zipper pouch pattern is easy to sew and great for holding small things like earbuds, cash, change, earrings, etc. Don’t miss the tips I shared from my experience with this pattern.
Quilted Tablet Case
Sew your own padded tablet/iPad Case to protect and even identify your stuff! The free Designer Zipper Bag video course I previously listed has very helpful tips for this project, too. In those videos, I show you how to bind the seam allowances (as you see in the picture) in great detail.
Phone Case and Card Wallet
This zipper pouch is also a cardholder, phone pouch, and wallet! Don’t miss the DIY Phone Case and Wallet Pattern.
Long Pencil Pouches
The construction techniques on this Long Pencil Pouch Pattern are different than what you might have seen before. I streamlined the number of steps by fusing craft felt to the wrong side of the pretty cotton fabric to create a stable layer that would not need a lining.
You can also use cork fabric, vinyl, or marine vinyl instead of the outer fabric and skip the felt stabilizer.
Double Sided Zips
The Double-Sided Zip Pattern is a popular lined zipper pouch tutorial. This pouch is perfect for your phone and a card or two. The seam allowances on this pouch are hidden inside the lining (not bound).
Pro tip: The topstitching on items like this helps keep the lining pieces from getting caught in the zipper teeth. Lengthen your sewing machine stitches for a pretty look.
Pillbox Pouch
The Pillbox Pouch has a flat boxy shape, but don’t let its 1” depth fool you… it can actually hold a lot of stuff! I stuffed a bunch of small Aurifil thread spools into this one.
Christmas Stocking Zipper Pouch
Holiday scraps?This little Christmas stocking zipper pouch to the rescue! It’s the right size for a handful of treats, and it also makes a great gift card holder.
3-Ring Zipper Pouch with Grommets
Here, I’ll show you how to make a 3-ring binder pencil pouch with grommets and mesh, or with vinyl and loops. Both are better than the store bought pouches!
Slide Down Pencil Pouch
Sew a Stand Up (and slide down) Pencil and Tool Pouch! This unique zipper pouch extends tall to hold pens, pencils, scissors, etc., but the top slides down for easy access when you’re ready for them.
Zola Pen Case
One thing I like about the Zola Pen Case is that it unzips all the way so you can easily see your stuff! When it is zipped, it makes a cute little rectangular box. The end of the zipper snaps to the bottom of the case to make the handle when not in use.
Triple Zipper Bag
The Triple Zipper Bag has three zippers on the outside, and another zipper on a coin pocket inside. Add tabs and a strap for bag, or leave them off for a pouch.
Easy Zipper Bag Using Fabric Strips
Sew a cute zipper bag using 2 1/2″ jelly roll strips! The size is perfect for carrying just a few essentials. I had to make a couple so every girl in my house could have one.
Sling Bag
They’re back, and as popular as ever! Sew your own cross body bag (a.k.a. fanny pack, hip bag, sling bag) with two zippered compartments using your favorite fabric and the same easy sewing techniques that I have used on my other patterns.
Clamshell Pouch
Do you want a beautiful bag or a fancy purse? With this free Clamshell Bag Pattern you can make both!
Tiny Tote
Do you know what happens when you add handles and pockets to a zipper pouch? You get the Tiny Zipper Bag! Your favorite scraps are dying to be sewn into an adorable tiny bag!
Organizing and Decorating Your Home
I’m sure you’ll love this tutorial for a boxy pouch or cosmetic case. It opens nice and wide for filling – and then you can snap down the corners to keep it secure!
Fabric and Vinyl Project Bags
This Project Pouch Pattern is a zippered bag with a vinyl front. It would make a nice handmade touch for pre-packaged projects. It is also perfect for organizing your hand-sewing work, unfinished quilt blocks, or embroidery projects to organize or take on the go. My quilted handle technique is new – you won’t find it anywhere else! .
Pretty Zippered Box Pouch
This Pretty Box Pouch beautiful and functional. I would rate this project ‘intermediate level’ for a sewist who is comfortable using the zipper foot and has hopefully applied binding before. I feel like the binding is probably the trickiest part.
Mesh Wash Bag
Bras and underwear last longer if you put them in a mesh wash bag for washing. I also use it to keep my socks together!
Sturdy Storage Tote
DIY Sturdy Storage Tote is big enough for home storage. I like to keep towels and quilts organized using these in my closet.
DIY Garment Bag
Do you have need of a pretty DIY garment bag? This is handy for traveling with hang-up clothes.
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