CHEZVIES: flat zipper pouch DIY

A few months ago me and my MIL visited one furnishing shop near my house. We went to get a few things for the home, as I looked around I saw a pile of fabrics, the sales person said those are fabric samples that are no longer in stock! And they sell it quite cheap. Well, just like when I got the faux leather in my previous post, I could not pass this "good opportunity". Before I knew it, I started choosing fabrics and the shop keeper offered me samples books! And just like that I came home with 6 fabric sample books and more.

I mean if you make bags and pouches, these upholstery fabrics are really good.

I particularly love the sample books! Some of them came with same sample sizes, some came with different sizes of sample pieces. Tearing the book apart is another story! I managed to dismantle 2 books so far.

The smaller book like the one above, has fabrics size 8" x 11" roughly. After tearing out the paper backing, I checked whether the holes from the pins are repairable or not. If not, I put them aside for another future projects. In one book there are more than 20 pieces of samples. And some has less.

Upcycled Double Zipper Pouches

From the small sample book, the size is just perfect for the double zipper bag. I used Doitrei Pouch Pattern. The height is just a tad smaller, so I adjusted the lining pieces. The finished size is approximately 7" W x 5" H. Some bags are 4.5" H.

You can see my process in the short video below:

I also made simple flat pouches from the sample book. These flat pouches size are about the same size 7" W x 5" H.

Flat Pouches

From the jacquard book samples, so far I only made these flat pouches. This particular sample book has really beautiful color of jacquard and embroidered fabrics! I am so overwhelmed with ideas right now. I can't decide what to make next! Maybe I will make table runner with the smaller cuts. Hmm that sounds like a good idea, right?

Jacquard Flat Pouches 9" W x 7" H

These pouches will make a great gift or even bridesmaid gifts! If you look for one, you can message me on my Etsy shop. I have more gorgeous fabric samples to make plenty of bags! We can't have enough pouches, right?!

Everyone loves handmade gifts and this gifting season let's make something for your loved ones. This flat pouch is my go-to project when I need a small gift to make. It's super easy to make. You can even make this from scrap fabrics and other supplies.

What you need:

1. Exterior fabrics - 9" W x 6.5" H (cut 2)

2. Lining Fabrics - 9" W x 6.5" H (cut 2)

3. Pocket Fabrics - 5" W x 6.5" H (cut 1)

4. All Purpose Interfacing - 9" W x 6.5" H ( cut 2)

5. #5 Zipper - 9" Long and zipper pull

6. Cotton Batting 10" x 7.5" (Optional)

7. 3/8" D-ring and 3/8" wide fabric ribbon (Optional)

8. Fabric Zipper Tab 1.5" x 2"

Fabrics & Interfacing:

Regarding fabric, in the video, I used lightweight Indian block print cotton fabric for the exterior and poplin cotton for the lining. Since poplin is thick-ish, I don't use interfacing for the lining as well as for the pocket.

If you're using thicker fabric such as denim, you can change the interfacing to a lightweight one or omit the interfacing if it's stiff thick denim or canvas. Although I personally will still use lightweight non-woven interfacing to give a more structured finish.

For this flat pouch, we're going to use All-Purpose interfacing which is fused on the wrong side of the exterior fabric. This interfacing is best to use for padded pouch or bag as well as no-padded ones.

For this project, I am using cotton batting scraps from my quilts, because the pouch is intended to store mobile phone. You can make without batting or wadding, to make a floppy pouch.

This flat zipper pouch is very handy. You can use it to keep a cell phone, a face mask, and a few cards or cash. Now, let's start making. If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I'll help as much as I can.

If you like the tutorial, don't forget to share it with your fellow crafters. And if you make one, please use hashtag #chezviespatterns on your social media post or tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.