25 Zipper Pouch Sewing Patterns for Makeup, Pencils… (15 FREE)

This project is available from Suzy Quilts – FREE

Sizes: 8” / 20.3 cm. This can be changed depending on the length of your zipper.
Design: Simple rectangle shaped pouch. Zip closure. Fully lined. Perfect for using up scraps.
Fabric needed: Scraps of cotton or linen fabric are recommended. The sturdier your fabric, the stronger your pouch will be. It’s usually best to use a more structured fabric for the outer pouch and a lighter fabric for the lining. Using fusible interfacing will give more structure to the bag too.
Format: This isn’t a downloadable pattern. Cutting instructions for each pattern piece are included in the blog tutorial.
Instructions included? Yes, very comprehensive instructions with lots of helpful photos are included in the blog post here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner to try. The instructions advise using basting glue which would help a beginner sew a zipper for the first time. This would also be a good pattern for an older child who wants to sew.

Boxy pouches in 6 sizes

This project is available from Kandoupatterns via Etsy

Sizes: 6 sizes: XS – XL, and a skinny pencil case. XS is 4¼” x 3″ x 2½” (width x height x depth) / 10.8 x 7.6 x 6.35 cm. XL is 9″ x 6″ x 4″ / 22.9 x 15.3 x 10.2 cm
Design: Boxy style pouch. Zipper closure. Fully lined. Enclosed seams. Versatile size range. Wide bottom for extra storage. Tabs.
Fabric needed: Scraps of medium to heavy weight fabric for the outer. The thicker the fabric, the more structured the bag will be. Upholstery fabric, canvas or oilcloth are great. Lightweight cotton could be used for the lining.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included? Yes, full instructions are included within the digital download. Photos are included for each step.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, the designer suggests this for an improving beginner with some sewing knowledge. I think a complete beginner might struggle to insert the zipper but with some patience it’s definitely possible. A pouch like this would be a great way to practice and improve your sewing skills.

Flat zipper pouches:

Flat versions are easier to make, but they aren’t wide so they wouldn’t store big items well.

Flat quilted zipper pouch

This project is available from Purl Soho – FREE

Sizes: 14″ wide x 6″, 7″, 8″ or 9″ tall / 35.5cm wide x 15, 18, 20, or 23cm tall.
Design: Flat pouch. Zipper closure. Quilted design. French seam finish, so no raw edges are exposed. Can be made in various sizes.
Fabric needed: Scraps of light-to-medium weight fabric. For example, quilting cotton, linen, soft furnishing fabric. You will need fabric for the main pouch and lining and also batting or wadding for the quilt ‘sandwich’.
Format: This isn’t a downloadable pattern. Cutting instructions are provided within the tutorial.
Instructions included? Yes, full instructions are included within the blog post tutorial here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great project for someone who wants to try quilting for the first time. The instructions are very comprehensive with pictures throughout. The designer also has a separate tutorial on how to create quilt diamonds here which would be helpful if you’re new to quilting. Inserting the zipper could be tricky for a complete beginner, but there are some great pictures to help you.

Half-square triangle pouch

This project is available from Haberdashery Fun – FREE

Sizes: Exact sizes aren’t given, but the pouch can be made as small or large as you like depending on the size of your triangles.
Design: Flat pouch. Zipper closure. Half square, triangle patchwork design. Fully lined. Option for color blocking and being creative with different triangle patchwork designs.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. Quilting cotton would work well. I would interface the bag as well to add a bit more structure.
Format: This isn’t a downloadable pattern. Cutting instructions are provided within the tutorial.
Suitable for beginners? I think this would be a great project for a beginner with some sewing skills already. The nature of patchwork can be quite precise. That said, if you’re looking to advance your patchwork skills or learn different patchwork designs this would be a great project to start with as it won’t matter if your quilting isn’t ‘perfect’.

First aid patchwork zipper pouch (+ video)

This project is available from Sewing Illustration – $7.50

Sizes: 6’’(15cm) width x 4 1/2’’ (11.5cm) height.
Design: Flat pouch. Zipper closure. Red cross patchwork design. Fully lined. Tab and D-ring so it can clip onto your handbag.
Fabric needed: Medium weight cotton or quilting cotton in the colors you prefer. Lightweight cotton for the lining.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included? Yes, written instructions with photos are included within the digital download. There’s also a free video tutorial.
Suitable for beginners? I think this would be a great project for a beginner who already has some sewing experience. It would be a good introduction to patchwork. And the designer has a helpful YouTube video to follow.

Bags with flat bottoms:

These pouches can stand up on their own. They’re also wider, giving you more space to store wide items.

Small & large boxed zipper pouch (2 sizes)

Download the pattern from AppleGreen Cottage. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Sizes: 2 sizes. Size small is 5 1/2″ wide, 3″ tall, 2″ deep (14 x 7.5 x 5 cm). Size large is 7 1/2″ wide, 4 1/2″ tall, 2″ deep (19 x 11 x 5 cm).
The editor, Sara, has made this pattern before. She said “In my experience, I’d say the ‘small’ is more of a mini bag. It’s about the size of a large smartphone. And the ‘large’ is a more normal-sized medium-large makeup bag.”
Design: Rectangle-shaped boxy pouch. Zipper closure. Flat bottom, so it can stand on its own. Fully lined.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. For example, quilting cotton (fat quarters work well), medium weight denim, cotton canvas, or soft furnishing fabric. Lightweight cotton for the lining. Fusible fleece and interfacing to give the bag structure.
Format: PDF digital download for only the template. Online sewing instructions are in this free blog post. Or optionally, you can buy printable instructions for $3.
Suitable for beginners? The designer recommends this for intermediate-level sewists. I think an advanced beginner could have a go. The instructions are clear and there are lots of photos provided. Boxing the corners through 4 layers of fabric (+ seam allowances) can be fiddly though.

To give you context about the sizing, here’s everything that Sara (the editor) could fit inside her makeup bags:

small floral zipper pouch with makeup items around it. — This is what size “small” can store. This pouch is about the size of a large smartphone.

large blue zipper pouch with many makeup items around it. — This is what size “large” can store.

Double zipper pouch:

Flat double zipper pouch (5 sizes)

This project is available from LBGstudio via Etsy

Sizes: 5 sizes. Small is 9.5″ width x 6.25″ height (24 x 16 cm). XL is 12.5″ x 9.25″ (32 x 24 cm).
Design: Flat pouch. Zipper closure at the top and front. Inner divided slip pocket. Optional detachable strap. Decorative patch corners.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight woven fabric like quilting cotton, soft furnishing fabric, suede, canvas. The sturdier your fabric, the stronger your pouch will be. Lightweight cotton for the lining.
Format: PDF digital download. US letter, A4 paper, and A0 copy shop sizes.
Instructions included? Yes, step-by-step written instructions are included within the digital download.
Suitable for beginners? No. As the designer suggests, I think this pattern would suit an intermediate sewist due to the tricky nature of inserting multiple zips and working with multiple layers of fabric.

Double zipper box pouch (3 sizes)

This project is available from Burgio Patterns via Etsy

Sizes: 3 sizes. Size small is 7.5″ x 4″ x 3.5″ / 19 x 10 x 8.8 cm. Size large is 9.5″ x 6″ x 4.5″ / 24 x 15 x 11.5 cm.
Design: Boxy style. Flat bottom, so it stands up. Top zipper closure. Front exterior zip pocket. Interior slip pocket. Side handle. Lined.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabric. For example, cotton canvas, soft furnishing fabric, denim. The sturdier your fabric is, the stronger your pouch will be. Lightweight fabric for the lining, like cotton poplin. Medium weight fusible interfacing.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included? Yes, instructions with photos are included within the digital download.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an advanced beginner with some previous sewing knowledge. There are many sections and pockets in this pouch and 2 zippers. You’ll also be sewing through multiple thick layers.

Large zipper pouches (with flat bottoms)

Monogrammed waxed canvas travel pouch

This project is available from We All Sew – FREE

Sizes: Finished measurements are not given. I’m roughly guessing the bag will be 12” wide x 10” tall x 2” deep based on the cutting instructions.
Design: Large rectangle pouch. Long zipper closure. Flat bottom, so it can stand up. Monogram design (optional). Color block design. Fully lined.
Fabric needed: Waxed cotton fabric is recommended for the outer part of the pouch, but any heavyweight fabric could be used (eg. cotton canvas or denim). Lightweight cotton or waterproof fabric could be used for the lining.
Format: This pattern is not downloadable. Cutting measurements and instructions are given in the blog post.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would suit an advanced beginner with some sewing knowledge. Though the design of the pouch isn’t too difficult, working with waxed fabric and inserting a zipper into this fabric could prove tricky for a complete beginner. The “drop-in” lining method also requires precise topstitching skills.

Boxed patchwork zipper pouches (2 sizes)

This project is available from Sotak Co via Etsy

Sizes: 2 sizes. Size small is 6” x 5” x 2” (16cm x 12cm x 5cm). Size large is 6 1/2” x 8 1/4” x 2 1/2” (17cm x 21cm x 6cm).
Design: Boxed pouch with flat bottom. Zipper closure. Interior slip pocket. Fabric tabs on the zipper. Patchwork design (scrap friendly). Quilted.
Fabric needed: Quilting cotton is recommended for the exterior and lining. Fusible fleece and interfacing is required to give the bag structure.
Format: PDF digital download. No full-scale templates are provided, only cutting measurements and instructions.
Instructions included? Yes, written instructions are included within the digital download.
Suitable for beginners? The designer says it suits advanced beginners which I agree with. The design is fairly simple. I think this pattern would be a good introduction to patchwork and quilting.

Dopp kit toiletry bag:

Large boxy “Dopp kit” pouch

This project is available from Purl Soho – FREE

Sizes: 12.5” long x 7” wide x 3” tall / 32 x 18 x 7.6cm
Design: Rectangular-shaped pouch. Zipper closure. Carry handle. Flat bottom. Unlined. The raw edges are finished with bias binding.
Fabric needed: Heavy duck canvas is recommended, but heavyweight cotton canvas and denim should be fine too.
Format: This is not a downloadable pattern. Cutting measurements and instructions are provided in this blog post.
Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced or very adventurous beginner could have a go. The instructions are clear with lots of photos throughout. The seams inside are bias bound which could prove tricky for a complete beginner. It requires some accurate sewing to get a neat finish.

Pencil case zipper pouch:

Boxy pencil case with flat bottom

Download the PDF pattern and read the sewing instructions from Noodle Head – FREE

Sizes: 3 ¼” tall x 10 ½” wide x 1 ½” deep / 8.3 x 26.7 x 3.8 cm.
Design: Rectangular-shaped pouch. Zipper closure. Narrow height for storing pencils. Patchwork and color block design. Flat bottom. Fully lined.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabrics. For example, quilting cotton, denim, and cotton canvas. Fusible interfacing to give the bag structure.
Format: Digital download to print at home. The sewing instructions are in a blog post with good step-by-step photos.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced or adventurous beginner would suit this pattern. The design of the pouch is simple, there are no interior pockets, and the instructions are good.

Square zipper pouch:

Square zipper pouch with inside pocket (+ video)

BUY PATTERN

This pattern is available from Sewing Illustration. Watch the video tutorial on Youtube – $7.50

Sizes: 5 3/4’’(14.6cm) wide x 5 3/4’’ (14.6cm) high.
Design: Square-shaped with curved corners. Zipper closure around a curve. Quilted. Fully lined. Interior pocket. Optional label detail.
Fabric needed: Quilting cotton is recommended for the exterior and interior of the pouch. Batting for the quilting process.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included? Yes, written instructions are included within the digital download. There’s also an instructional YouTube video.
Suitable for beginners? The designer recommends it for a confident beginner. I agree. Sewing a zip along a curved seam, adding an interior pocket, and quilting makes this a more involved project.

Half-moon circle zipper pouches

These are curved at the top.

Steep half-moon pouch

Download the pattern from The Folk Art Factory. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Sizes: Finished measurements are not given. Based on photos, it looks like it’s the size of a hand, so a medium sized bag perhaps.
Design: Half-moon shaped pouch. Flat bottom, so it can stand on its own. Curved zipper closure. Fully lined. Zipper tab.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight woven fabric. For example, quilting cotton (fat quarters work well), linen, denim, cotton canvas, or upholstery fabric. Lighterweight cotton fabric for the lining. Wadding and foam interfacing to give the bag structure.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home. The sewing instructions are in an online blog post.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pouch would suit an advanced beginner or intermediate sewist. You’ll be sewing curves, inserting a zip on a curved seam, and sewing through thick fabric.

Half-moon pouch in 3 sizes (+ video)

Download the pattern from Sew Sweetness. Watch the video tutorial on Youtube – FREE

Sizes: 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. Size small is 7” long x 4 ¾” high x 3” deep (17.8cm x 12cm x 7.6cm). Size large is 9” long x 6 ½” high x 4” deep (22.9cm x 16.5cm x 10.1cm).
Design: Half-moon shaped. Patchwork. Quilted. Flat bottom, so it can stand on its own. Curved zipper closure. Fully lined. Zipper tab.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. For example, quilting cotton, linen, and chambray. Lighterweight fabric for the lining. Foam and interfacing to give the bag structure.
Format: PDF digital download templates. Printable instructions with photos. SVG files, projector files, and A0 copy shop files are also included. There’s a video tutorial too.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pouch would suit an advanced beginner or intermediate sewist. You’ll be sewing curves, inserting a zip on a curved seam, and sewing through multiple layers of fabric, foam, and interfacing.

Wider half-moon pouch (+ video)

Download the pattern from Sewing Time. Watch the video tutorial on Youtube – FREE

Sizes: 8″ width × 4″ height × 1⅝″ depth / 20 x 10 x 4 cm. It looks like a medium sized bag (about the size of a hand).
Design: Half-moon shape. Flat bottom. Curved zipper closure. Fully lined. Zipper tab.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. Quilting cotton is recommended in the tutorial for the outer and lining fabric. Fusible fleece.
Format: The YouTube video gives instructions on how to draw the pattern pieces and sew the pouch. Written instructions are also included in this blog post.
Suitable for beginners? I think this pouch would suit an advanced beginner or intermediate sewist. The design of the pouch is quite simple, but inserting a zip into a curved seam and sewing in the top gusset could prove tricky if you have no experience sewing zips. A beginner may also want a ready-made pattern to use, rather than drawing their own.

Large curvy zipper pouch

BUY PATTERN

Buy now from Haberdashery Fun – $5

Sizes: 11.5″ × 3.5″ × 5.5″ / 29 x 9 x 14 cm. It looks big.
Design: Half-moon shaped. Flat bottom. Curved zipper closure. Fully lined.
Fabric needed: Heavyweight fabric for the outer. For example, cotton canvas, denim, oilcloth, and linen. Medium weight fabric for the lining. Interfacing.
Format: PDF digital download for the template only. The sewing instructions are in blog post 1 and 2.
Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could give this pattern a go. The curved zipper could prove a challenge but the instructions are clear with lots of photos throughout.

Triangular “pyramid” zipper pouch:

Faux leather triangle zipper pouch (+ video)