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You are here: Home / creativity / sewing / How to sew a zippered pouch.

How to sew a zippered pouch.

January 13, 2011 · 112 Comments
Filed Under: sewing, tutorial/DIY

Join Elise Cripe in her newest sewing course, Sewing Isn’t Scary!

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* * *

Two years ago I was learning how to sew in a zipper to make a pouch and I was failing! failing! failing! at understanding how to do it. If you know me in real life {hi, mom!}, you can probably guess I was thinking to myself “why?”, “where?”, and “…what?!” the entire time. Thank goodness I had 30 library books to help me understand how to sew in a zipper.

And that number is not an exaggeration.

Anyways :] I thought it would be fun {and helpful} to do a tutorial post on installing a zipper, which coincidentally includes how to sew a zipped pouch.

Let’s get started!

MATERIALS:
* front & back outside pieces of fabric {mine are 9″ x 5″}
* front & back inside pieces of fabric {9″ x 5″}
* two pieces of interfacing or felt {9″ x 5″}
* a 10″ zipper
* sewing machine
* coordinating thread, to match your outside fabric
* scissors
* optional: embellishment for your zippered pouch

INSTRUCTIONS:
The first step is to lay flat the front outside piece of fabric {with a pouch, you’ll have front & back outside pieces and front & back inside pieces}. If you want your pouch to unzip from left to right, lay your zipper as shown below. Make sure you place the zipper far enough down so that you have some excess fabric extending over the top edge of the zipper.

*Yes, it’s OK to sew over your zipper {sew slowly so you don’t break your needle} and to cut your zipper if it needs to be shortened. Just be careful you don’t cut the zipper pull off! ;)

Next, lay your front inside piece of fabric on top of the front outside piece of fabric. This piece should also extend over the zipper.

Carefully pick up all the layers {outside fabric, zipper, inside fabric}, and align your needle next to the zipper teeth so it pierces all 3 layers. Use the teeth of the zipper as a guide for sewing your zipper in straight. {Note: I don’t use a zipper foot when installing a zipper. And I never have. Amen.} One thing that’s helpful about using a brightly-colored zipper and a light-colored lining is that you can see the zipper and use it as a visual guide.

Look closely at the photo below — can you see the zipper underneath the cream fabric?

When you’re finished sewing the zipper in it will look like this ~

This is the view when you separate the fabrics away from the zipper ~

Fold your inside piece {lining} so it lays against your outside piece. Make sure you pull them taut from the zipper.

The next step is a little tricky {sometimes having a print for your inside fabric helps to learn this step more quickly}… First, place your back inside piece on top of your front inside piece. I’ve pulled the back inside piece down so you can see what I’m talking about ~

Tip: Be sure and align all four layers of fabric before you start sewing. This will help later when you’re getting ready to sew the pouch up as you’ll retain the original measurements. If your layers aren’t perfectly stacked you’ll end up with a smaller-than-planned pouch.

Photo 1 shows you what the next step is, and photo 2 is a more-detailed example. Make sure you can recognize all four layers and the order they are placed “around” the zipper {The four layers: front & back outside layers, front & back inside layers}.

Remember to use the teeth on the zipper as a guide for a straight line of stitches ~

*See my thumb in photo 2? I typically pinch that area of the fabric, holding tight to all the layers as I sew. I’ve found that cutting a perfectly straight line and holding the fabric taut helps to sew a super straight line of stitches. (wow that was a lot of s’s)

Laying directly on the table are the inside pieces — do you see them? Take a second to really study these images ~

You’re almost done!! :]

The last two steps are super easy: simply sew the three edges together, shown here:

Once you have the 3 edges sewn, turn the pouch right-side out, gather the fabric opening {the lining} and press the raw edges together to create a finished edge. Click here to see a photo of the lining, see the raw edges that have been pressed inward? Sew alongside the finished edge and tuck inside the zippered pouch. Don’t forget to back stitch when you start and stop!

All done!

* * *

Join Elise Cripe in her newest sewing course, Sewing Isn’t Scary!

Thirteen lessons, six tutorials, and 100% self-paced.

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112 Comments
Filed Under: sewing, tutorial/DIY

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Comments

  1. Abby says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Thank you for sharing this tutorial! It seems like something even a beginner could try (aka me!). I looks like I have a fun project for my next day off. ;]

    Reply
  2. Piper says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Love that AMH woodcut fabric in the background!

    Reply
  3. Mandi says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Fantastic tutorial! I remember the first time I tried to sew a zipper. I was making a hobo-bag style purse from a tutorial on Craftster.org and was using a metal zipper. I sewed THROUGH the teeth of the zipper SNAPPED the needle in half and jammed up the whole machine! I thought sure I’d permanently broken it. But my cheapo little Brother sewing machine from WalMart survived just fine … new needle and picked out some of the jammed up thread and I was on my way again. Amazing the beating those things can take and keep working (Thank goodess for me ’cause I’m a craft-disaster sometimes LOL)

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      January 13, 2011 at 3:53 pm

      yeahhhhh, i’ve done that, too :]

      Reply
  4. julie says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    thanks for sharing- i have a few projects on the backburner. mainly pillows that need zippers-
    Great tutorial
    :)

    Reply
  5. Corrie says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Zippers can be soooo tricky!!! I’ve sewn a lot of zippers and still mess them up if I get in a hurry!

    Reply
  6. skye says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    wow! i think i could even do this. maybe. if you were standing over my shoulder helping me! :) nevertheless, i do love the pouch and the bright pink zipper! too cute! :)

    Reply
  7. Sarah says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing this — I’ll totally be bookmarking it since one of my New Year’s Resolution is to figure out how to do zippers on my sewing maching!!

    Reply
  8. kate says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    i LOOOOVE making pouches!!!! i used to all the time:)

    Reply
  9. Erika Lee Sears says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    SO super cute! You make it look so easy. I am all thumbs when it comes to sewing.

    Reply
  10. Megan Lane says

    January 13, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    yay!! i definitely want to try this when i have time. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Alison says

    January 13, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    That pouch is ADORABLE! I love the green and pink together.

    Reply
  12. Sandra says

    January 13, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Wow, thanks for the tutorial! I have wanted to make a coin purse for a long time but had no idea how to do the zip! Thank you so much for sharing!

    xxx

    Reply
  13. Mela Kamin says

    January 13, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    Love that Gussy pouch! I still have not tried this, though I have a lot of zippers. Turned one into a bracelet and one into a necklace, since they weren’t getting any use as notions. ;) I might just try this using your directions. I say “might” loosely. I’m not great at following directions. I know once I do it, I’ll be like “duh, that was easy – what took me so long?” Of course, it would be more fun if you just came over and showed me how. hee hee

    Reply
  14. katy reitz says

    January 13, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    I finally figured out how to do zippers. I had to just do and over come the love/hate relationship with zippers. Love them! Great tutorial.

    Reply
  15. Stephanie C. says

    January 13, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    When did you get your interfacing in there? Or did I just miss that?

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      January 13, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      it’s something i added before i started sewing. there are TONS of options so i’m leaving that part up to the sewer ;]

      Reply
  16. Debbie says

    January 13, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    Still looks hard to me (of course, I’ve never sewn a thing in my life). Do you make eyeglass cases – or will glasses fit in the pouch?

    Reply
  17. Danyell says

    January 13, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this!! I was just thinking the other day, how I wanted to learn how to do a zipper. It was going to be something I googled in the next week or so, but NOT anymore!! I cant wait to make a little pouch!! :) LOVE YOUR STUFF btw!!

    Reply
  18. AshLemieux says

    January 13, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    YESSS! THANK YOU!!!

    Reply
  19. connie says

    January 13, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    My 9 year old daughter is just learning to sew and has made a few pillow cases. We’ve been looking for a fun project for her to try so I’m excited to show this to her…she’ll be making one this weekend.

    Reply
  20. Kelly says

    January 13, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    When do you add the interfacing? Did I miss something? I am currently trying to make a t-shirt blanket out of old college shirts for my sister and the online “how to” I found said to use interfacing to steady the t-shirt fabric…I’ve never used it before…is it an iron on type thing? Great pictures for the tutorial…I am so visual, so this totally helped me to figure out what was going on. I’ll have to really do it to fully get it though I think. Any chance you’ll show us a ruffle tutorial some day? Thanks, you are the best as usual! So fun to follow. :)

    Reply
  21. Laura says

    January 13, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    This is awesome Gussy! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  22. hiyaluv says

    January 13, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    when i was teaching myself how to do this once i sewed the zipper too close to the fabric and couldn’t open it…eek. i was so sad. but oh well. okay perhaps that happened more than once but now I think I have the hang of it. What I don’t have the hang of is the pressing with the iron bit. grr.:(

    Reply
  23. Kristin says

    January 13, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    I am loving that color combo! Thanks for the tutorial! I get all cross-eyed when I’m trying to figure out which layer goes where and in what step, but maybe if I took my computer in there and followed this step by step, I could do it. Ha! And THANK YOU for mentioning that you don’t use a zipper foot. Just the thought of trying to figure out how to change my machine to one is enough to deter me from even trying. Haha!

    Reply
  24. Katie says

    January 13, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    i want to try this!!!

    Reply
  25. Jess [tenpenny splendid] says

    January 13, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Thanks for this! I’ve been dying to do something productive with my sewing machine! I made a stuffie with it as my first project and was fairly successful but the thing sort of intimidates me! : /

    Reply
  26. stephanie says

    January 13, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    Can’t wait to try this! Thanks for sharing. You make it look so easy ; )

    Reply
  27. Cindy @ The Flipping Couple says

    January 13, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I think my head just exploded. ; )

    I’ll leave the sewing to you, my dear. But I still loved the tutorial, even if I’m clueless with a sewing machine.

    Reply
  28. aliciamariel says

    January 13, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    You have totally inspired me to dust off my sewing machine! Now if only I could find some time…

    Reply
  29. Catherine says

    January 13, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    I just tried it and it worked! Two pouches in no time! Thank you Gussy! I can checked one 2011 resolution!

    Reply
  30. Valer says

    January 14, 2011 at 8:56 am

    I love making zippered pouches. They are so easy! Definitely one of my favorite things to make. Great tutorial too, by the way!

    Reply
  31. Evienlizzie says

    January 14, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    Thanks!!! You make it look SEW simple! Maybe I can get my kiddos to go down for a nap a *little* early and try it out!! ;)

    Reply
  32. Kelli says

    January 14, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Fabulous tutorial! It inspires me to try sewing a bag with a zipper again. Thank you!

    Reply
  33. Centsational Girl says

    January 14, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Fantastic Maggie, you are such a great teacher, how marvelous to learn from the best!
    xo
    Kate

    Reply
  34. julia says

    January 14, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    this is the first tutorial i’ve seen that doesn’t require i have a zipper foot!! I’m fairly certain i’ll still screw it up, but it’s worth a shot!! thanks Gussy!

    Reply
  35. Kimberly says

    January 15, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    I can wait to try my hand at one of these for an upcoming friend’s bday!!!

    Reply
  36. Kimberly says

    January 16, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    Update! I just made this today (my first sewing project EVA). The last part, sewing the pieces together and turning inside out was SUPER confusing. Took my husband and I together like an hour to figure out. So glad we did! This was a great first project for me. I loved it! I’m going to use it to hold some of my sewing tools (since I have yet to get a box). Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
    • sara says

      May 25, 2013 at 5:52 pm

      @Kimberly, I;m attempting this right now and I’m sitting here with my almost-finished-pouch re-reading and re-re-reading and looking at that photo trying to understand whaaaaaaaaaaat she means about ‘easy’ because that finally bit is so confusing!!!

      Reply
  37. Megan says

    January 20, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    Hey! LOVE the tutorial! you should see the zipper pouches that I made a few months ago. not pretty. I was wondering if you buy your zippers in bulk, if so, can you share where? I am going to see if you answer is in the FAQ too :)

    Reply
  38. Megan says

    January 20, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    Just read that you don’t disclose that info, which makes sense. Thanks for the fab tutorial anyways! :)

    Reply
  39. Bobbi says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    Thanks for the great tutorial Maggie!! I’ve been wanting to make a zippered pouch forever. I do have a question that I have been struggling in my head to figure out – if I want to make a flat bottom pouch, how much shorter would the top have to be so my sides would be straight vs. slanted?

    Reply
  40. kim davis says

    February 3, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    i’ve read this 5 times now & i’m still scared haha. crap.

    Reply
  41. Cathy says

    February 5, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Thank you for this tutorial. Can you tell me, what is the purpose of the excess fabric extending over the top edge of the zipper?
    Thanks again!

    Reply
  42. Lins says

    February 26, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Thanks for the tutorial! It took me the longest time and a lot of stitch picking to get the right sides on the zipper too when I started!

    My problem is sewing the sides together and then turning right side out, I always end up with funky zipper ends that don’t pop out correctly. Any tips on how to fix that?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  43. Virginia says

    June 28, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    I just did this as my very first ever sewing project and it turned out so well!!! Thanks for the tutorial, the instructions and pictures were the best!

    Reply
  44. ElizabethMD says

    July 10, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    What a simple yet adorable pouch tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  45. Eleanore says

    August 29, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Thanks so much for the great tutorial!! Can you tell us where you get your great tags made?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 5:39 pm

      hi eleanore! thank you so much for the comment! where i buy my tags is one of the very few things i don’t share on my blog ~ thank you so much for understanding!!

      if you know what kind of tag you want (embroidered, iron-on, side seam, etc.) you can do a quick Google search :)

      good luck! xo

      Reply
  46. Krista says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    you lost me at the end :-( I don’t understand how you sew this closed without sewing through the zipper (which is longer than the fabric). Help!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 10:13 pm

      girlfriend, girlfriend — you can totally sew over zippers! :) zippers can be cut, too.

      Reply
  47. Christa says

    September 14, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Omg! We have the same sewing machine! :D

    Reply
  48. Mandy says

    December 3, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    You totally lost me at the end. How do I sew it together so that when I turn inside out, all the edges are sticking out in the inside of the pouch? Did I miss something, or is that just the way this pouch looks?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 3, 2011 at 7:33 pm

      hey mandy! take a look at the past photo. see how the machine needle is down into the lining edge? that’s where you start sewing when I say,

        “The last two steps are super easy: simply sew the three edges together. Turn the pouch inside out, press the inside layers to get a finished edge, sew, and turn.”

      re-read the last part again and let me know if you still have questions? xo

      Reply
      • sara says

        May 25, 2013 at 5:56 pm

        @Gussy Sews, Do you have to unzip it in order to turn it back outside out? What pieces are facing each other when you sew the final bit??

        Reply
  49. Nicole says

    March 11, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    Thanks for this tutorial! I’ve already made four pouches!

    Reply
  50. Caryl says

    April 11, 2012 at 11:28 am

    hi, thank you for the clear tutorial of making this cute bag. even I understand from your directions!

    Also, as a sewing machine repair tech, I’d like to congratulate you on your choice of sewing machines!!!! when ever anyone asks me what would be a great machine for either someone starting out sewing to someone who is excellent at sewing, I always mention Kenmore machine like the one you have.! well done!

    Reply
  51. Melanie - Curious Little Bird says

    April 11, 2012 at 11:43 am

    Thanks for posting this tutorial! I would have never thought that doing a zippered pouch could be so easy!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 11, 2012 at 10:17 pm

      yay! xoxo

      Reply
  52. Jeny Rose says

    April 11, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    This is very informative! I am one of those that needs pictures. Thank you for taking the time for this tutorial and sharing. Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 11, 2012 at 10:17 pm

      hey jeny! thanks for your comment ;D

      Reply
  53. Jenna says

    April 11, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    Great photo’s explaining it! I love your machine…that was my first machine ever bought at a tag sale and I was just given another one a couple months ago. Seeing someone else use it finally makes me feel like I don’t need to go out and buy a a new one. :o)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 11, 2012 at 10:16 pm

      i loooove this machine! my husband’s mom + grandma gave it to me for christmas a few years ago, it’s been in their family for about 30 years now :)

      thanks for your comment! xoxo

      Reply
  54. NoniWV says

    April 12, 2012 at 5:47 am

    Gussy, for those who may be new to sewing, maybe you should explain about how you layered the felt and stitched those together, (there are more layers than mentioned) how you made your shirred piece on the front and explain sewing three sides only when there are four. Explain that the side left open is the bottom of the lining. And lastly, I know you see in the pic that the back outside piece is under the zipper, but it isn’t stated as such. I teach sewing so don’t mind me with the extra steps. I looked back through to see if I had missed something on these hints. I only say this because I have all adult students, some with degrees, and even the simplist instructions on sewing will have their head spinning. What I assume they should know, they don’t. Thanks for being out there to help new sewist to get involved and learn new skills. You did a great job.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 12, 2012 at 7:57 am

      hi Noni — i see what you’re saying about the layers and zipper, and i can certainly go back in and add those clarification steps in, but i’m unable to share how i ruffled the piece of fabric on the front of the pouch. that’s a major design element to my brand and to give that away would be silly :)

      thank you so much for your feedback!!!! xoxo

      Reply
  55. LeAnn says

    April 13, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I have that exact machine! I bought it with my first paycheck after a got out of college before I even bought any furniture to put it on! I still have it and it works great. I have other machines too but I always liked the small arm for sewing sleeves and things.

    Reply
  56. Zipper supplier says

    April 15, 2012 at 11:15 am

    I’m going to make a few of these. So cute and looks easy.

    Reply
  57. Mel says

    May 1, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    I just found this on pinterest – Oh my goodness thanks so much for posting this I think my kids are going to get a “few” pencil cases while I practice :)

    Reply
  58. Jamie says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    ok, I’m new to sewing, so I can’t tell if the finished product ends up with the fabric edges hanging out into the inside of the pouch. Does that make any sense? I can’t tell from the pictures, and i can’t visualize how that would work when finishing up the pouch

    Reply
  59. Mallory says

    June 16, 2012 at 11:38 am

    Makes me happy to know that someone out there doesn’t use a zipper foot when installing a zipper!

    Reply
  60. Erin Nikitin says

    July 12, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Thank you got helping me sew in my first zipper. I too was creating a pouch only without a lining since I covered my fabric with vinyl first. I am happy to say that your pictures helped me a ton! Thank you bunches!!!

    Reply
  61. Alida says

    July 19, 2012 at 6:49 am

    I wouldn’t have figured this technique out by myself and I’ve been sewing for years! Very clever. Thanks!

    Reply
  62. Lisa says

    August 11, 2013 at 12:47 am

    So, wait, I’m confused… You can sew through the teeth of the zipper if you’re going slowly, or will it just snap the needle??? I am a beginner, and when I was in sewing classes my teacher snapped my needle when she was showing me how to do the zipper on MY sewing machine! I’ve been terrified of using zippers ever since ahah!

    Reply
  63. Kiah Geleynse says

    March 11, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Question, when you sew the outer fabric together and the lining fabric together is the zipper supposed to fold in half?

    Thanks!

    Reply
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  75. emma says

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    I work with a community project in Mt Pleasant in South Australia, called Recreate.
    http://www.mpnrc.org.au

    We have a little shop where we sell hand made crafts using recycled and up cycled gear. We sell DIY info sheets on projects for folk to try at home. We would love to add your ‘How to sew a Zippered pouch” instructions to our collection of info sheets.

    Would you mind? We’ll credit you of corse!

    Thanks in advance
    Emma

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      October 25, 2014 at 5:09 pm

      I don’t mind at all! xo

      Reply
  76. smriti says

    December 30, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Very informative tutorial. I am gonna make this one :)
    merci !

    Reply
  77. Elyse says

    July 22, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    The simplicity of making a zipper bag inspired me to make my own! I also have a blog, and I’m posting about the pencil bag I made following this tutorial. Would it be a bother if I linked this post in mine? I don’t want to do a full on tutorial like this, that’s what this post you made is for! I just want to show off the bag I made and link your tutorial that I used. Please consider!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      July 22, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      That would be great — thanks for linking back :)

      Reply
  78. Deedra B. Lutes says

    October 23, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    I love making zipper pouches, but I’m a bit hit and miss with how well they turn out. I’m keen to try your tips. Thanks for sharing, I’ll give your tutorial a go soon.

    Reply
  79. Emma G says

    March 23, 2016 at 4:18 am

    SO super cute! You make it look so easy. I can wait to try my hand at one of these ;)

    Reply
  80. Savannah says

    March 29, 2016 at 5:07 am

    So love your blog! Just caught up on some amazing posts!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Stuff I read this week in cyperspace — A Familiar Path says:
    January 15, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    […] How to sew a zippered pouch by Gussy. Still on my list of things to learn. […]

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  2. the tension is killing me! « fourteen24 says:
    January 16, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    […] trying so hard to make this bag and the tension on my sewing machine just will not work with me. Either its too loose and jamming […]

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  3. My First Sewing Project | Gator Bride - A Florida Gator Themed Wedding Blog says:
    January 18, 2011 at 6:20 am

    […] I finally got started on my first project: a little zipper pouch (following Gussy Sew’s tutorial). Funny I follow a tutorial I found online rather than one in my new sewing […]

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  4. i love the sense of accomplishment :] « says:
    February 9, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    […] when I was having ridiculous issues with the tension on my sewing machine while trying to make this bag? Well, guess who was a silly goof? I was threading the bobbin wrong all along and it was giving me […]

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  5. DIY Roundup « LEXoxo says:
    March 14, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    […] 6. How To Sew A Zippered Pouch […]

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  6. a knitting pocket « Crummy Knitting says:
    July 11, 2011 at 6:57 am

    […] projects around) as a birthday present for a friend of mine. I really liked the method that I found here on gussysews.com. This may very well be the most commonly accepted method for sewing a zippered […]

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  7. Quaint Crafting Delight « says:
    July 21, 2011 at 12:34 am

    […] Ruffle Zipper Pouches.  […]

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  8. Travel Handmade [Travel Sewing Bags] | The Sewing Summit says:
    August 23, 2011 at 10:23 am

    […] makes you a little nervous, or you just want to refresh your zipper skills, then check out this great tutorial from Gussy Sews.  This tutorial offers great step by step instructions and pictures, we are sure […]

    Reply
  9. How to sew a zippered pouch via Gussy Sews | says:
    October 5, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    […] Gussy!} She is based in Minneapolis, MN 55403, but is worldwide via her online store {A.K.A. website}. Be sure to check her out & tell her Cuppy Cakes by Crystal Brewster sent you. You will fall […]

    Reply
  10. Sharon (slbenter) | Pearltrees says:
    January 24, 2012 at 10:22 am

    […] {tutorial: how to sew a zippered pouch} – StumbleUpon Fold your lining piece so it lays against your outside piece. Make sure you pull them taut from the zipper. […]

    Reply
  11. My Favorite Online Tutorials! « SuperStayAtHomeMommy! says:
    March 19, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    […] Zippered Pouch Tutorial via Gussy Sews- These make great little cosmetics pouches, or holders for your kids crayons, snacks, etc. These can be difficult, but her tutorial makes it easy! […]

    Reply
  12. ellenmarie | Pearltrees says:
    April 15, 2012 at 3:14 am

    […] {tutorial: how to sew a zippered pouch} […]

    Reply
  13. Heather’s Big List of Zipper Pouch Tutorials | Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild says:
    May 18, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    […] Let’s Make Dumplings! Free Zip Pouch Tutorial Swim, Bike, Quilt! The XOXO Zippered Pouch Gussy Sews – Tutorial: How to sew a zippered pouch. The Adventures of Bluegirlxo – Zipper Purse Tutorial So Sew Something! Lined Zipper Pouch […]

    Reply
  14. Recent DIYs « E. Caroline Walters says:
    August 18, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    […] store and I found this amazing skull print and fell in love right away. The tutorial I used was this one and I decided to use the three pouches I made to organize my […]

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  15. {Hello, 2013.} says:
    January 2, 2013 at 3:00 am

    […] 1. Tutorial: how to sew a zippered pouch […]

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  16. 15 Fabulous DIY Purses for Fall says:
    April 20, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    […] Fully Lined Zippered Pouch Box: Pattern and Tutorial 3. The Pleated Pouch Tutorial with Pattern 4. Tutorial: How to Sew a Zippered Pouch 5. Cut-Out Vinyl Pouch 6. Pop-Open Little Purse 7. Book Bag Craft 8. P.S. I Made This…Clutch […]

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  17. Buxob Blog says:
    July 25, 2016 at 5:02 am

    Nine West Mallory Zipper Clutch

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  18. Twenty “20-minute crafts” you must try! says:
    July 25, 2016 at 7:44 am

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  19. Travel Gift Ideas - The 2019 Gift Guide for World Travelers - Beyond Yellow Brick Blog says:
    December 2, 2019 at 8:40 am

    […] you’re at all crafty and own a sewing machine these pouches are dead simple to make. I used this tutorial to teach myself how to make them. Now I churn them out whenever I need another one or need a gift for someone with upcoming […]

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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recent posts:

  • On writing regular letters. January 19, 2021
  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
  • Merry Christmas! Plus, adding a little warmth to my home. December 21, 2020
  • Life around here! December 15, 2020
  • 10 “field trips” ideas for your homeschoolers (Detroit & beyond) September 2, 2020
  • 7 books we are reading aloud this year August 19, 2020
  • A fall-themed homeschool resource! August 12, 2020
  • Studying the Bible July 30, 2020

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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” challenge. Many stayed in Michigan, but mail was also sent to Colorado, Texas, California, Indiana, and Arizona. I loved this personal exercise! I have just one question: who will be my pen-pal for 2021? ✏️💌
We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
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devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
on Simplicity

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