Before I jump into this – I thought you would like to know that Fat Quarter Shop has a giveaway happening right now for my Blogger’s Choice Bundle – go visit for your chance to win!

I know that there are tons of zip pouch tutorials out there, but thought my directions could be helpful, and I really wanted to introduce paper piecing to anyone looking for a simple place to begin.  I’ve had so much fun incorporating these blocks into pouches, they can be as simple or complicated as you wish, and it’s just one block!

I use EQ7 which has loads of blocks, however you can easily draw your own, or google “paper pieced blocks” for a variety of free blocks available online.  I drew this block on graph paper, which is great for small blocks.  You can also use newsprint, or copy paper, depending on what you have available and how large you would like your block to be.  This was drawn at 6″ with 1/4″ added around for seam allowance, so 6 1/2″ total.

Some blocks will need to be pieced in smaller units, strips or quarter blocks are common.

To paper piece , I like to use a little extra light.  Daytime it’s the window, but the indoor lights work at night too.  I taped it to the window in order to take a picture, that won’t be necessary for you.  Before you sew, shorten your stitch length, somewhere around 1.5 – this will help you remove the paper later without harming your stitches.  Lay your fabric face up on the front of the paper, (we are looking at the back) find your pieces for the next round of corners and lay it over the sewing line so that it overhangs by 1/4″.

And sew on the line.  I usually add an extra stitch to either side, and any seam allowances if on the edge.  Trim away any excess, give it a quick press, and continue on with the next piece of fabric.  My fabric bits were overly large, I was too lazy to bother with trimming them down, you really just need 1/4″ of excess all the way around.

Add more pieces and trim as you go.  Check your block as you go, it’s nice how perfect it can be by simply following the lines!  Once you’ve sewn all the pieces in place it’s time to trim your block.

Using your rotary cutter and ruler, trim away excess paper and fabric.  Leave the paper in for now.  If you are piecing a quilt, you would sew all your blocks together then remove the papers.

Quick admiration shot – love those prints!

To now incorporate this into a pouch, determine what size pouch you would like to make.  I wanted this to be 7″ x 9″, and I worked up the panel to 7 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ by sewing a 1″ strip to the top and a 3″ strip to one side.

Cut 3 more panels at 7 1/2″ x 9 1/2″, and 2 layers of Fusible Fleece.  I like this product in the pouches for cushion, and a bit of heft to the fabric without the stiffness that some of the heavier weight interfacings might add in this application.

Remove the paper from the back of the block, then steam the Fusible Fleece to the exterior panels.

I used a 12″ zipper, since that’s what I had on hand, if all you have is longer, quickly bar-tack it to the length that your pouch requires.   I love Lapel Stick for these next few steps, the exterior of the bag goes on the outside of the zipper, then turn over and add the lining panel in the same manner.

If you are using glue, I suggest walking away for a couple of minutes to allow it to set.  Then stitch through all the layers with your zipper foot.

After sewing, turn the fabric back, and press it away from the zipper, then top stitch in place.

Repeat with the remaining panels, on the other side of the zipper.  Matching up the edges as much as possible on both sides of the zipper.

With that done, it’s time to sew up the pouch!  Open your zipper about half way before continuing.  Matching corners and zipper edges, pin the edges leaving a 3″-4″ gap in the lining.  The zipper teeth should all face the exterior with the tape toward the lining.

Sew with 1/4″ seam, around the pouch, leaving the opening in the lining.

Clip the excess away from the corners, and zipper tape.  Then turn right side out through the opening.  Gently press the corners out, making sure everything is in place, then pin and sew the opening  in the lining shut.

Push the lining inside, and press flat with your iron.

Presto!  A super cute and functional zip pouch.  This one is keeping some electronics safe.

What do you think?  

Have you ventured into paper piecing yet?  

Or are zippers your hang up?  

Start simple and give it a try!  These are great little gifts, and so fun to make!

I hope you give it a try!

Amy

Fabrics used are Delighted! by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake