Beginner Quilting Tutorial: How to Sew a Zippered Pouch Using a Mini Charm Pack

Beginner Quilting Tutorial: How to Sew a Zippered Pouch Using a Mini Charm Pack

It’s here!  I’ve received several requests for this tutorial and I finally have perfected the dimensions of this pouch and am ready to share it with you!!

So, if you’re looking for a fun and quick beginner-friendly quilting project that’s as functional as it is adorable, a zippered pouch (or 2 or 5!) is just what you need! And what better way to make one than by using those cute mini charm packs you’ve been saving? In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to sew your very own zippered pouch with a mini charm pack. Whether you're new to zippers or just love a fast finish, this project is perfect for quilters of all skill levels.

Let’s dive in and learn how to sew a zippered pouch together!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 mini charm pack (42 pack of 2.5” squares)
• 1 fat quarter for lining fabric, or fabric scraps – Cut into (2) 8” x 10” rectangles
• 2 batting scraps measuring 10” x 12” rectangles
• 1 zipper or zipper tape and zipper pull – Cut to 9.5”
• Basic sewing supplies (thread, scissors, ruler, pins/clips, iron)

Step 1: Arrange Your Mini Charm Pack

First things first: time to choose the mini charm squares for your pouch! One of the best things about using a charm pack is the variety of prints you get to play with. For this pouch, you’ll need all 42 squares from the pack.  Select 2 squares for the zipper and set them aside.

Next, lay out the remaining 40 squares to create two panels.  Lay them out in a 5 x 4 arrangement for both the front and back panels. Play around with the layout until you find a combination you love! You can mix and match the prints for a scrappy look or create more of a color gradient—whatever suits your style.

Step 2: Sew Your Panels

Now that you’ve arranged your squares, it’s time to sew them together. Use a ¼" seam allowance to join the squares in rows of five. Press the seams to one side or open, depending on your preference. Once you have all your rows, sew the rows together to complete the front and back panels.

Give the panels a good press, making sure everything is nice and flat.

Step 3: Quilt Your Panels

To give your pouch a bit of structure and padding, you’ll want to quilts your panels using the batting scraps.  Use your creativity to quilt the panels as you desire.  I like to use a simple grid quilting, by using a straight stitch approximately ¼” on both sides of each seam.

Once quilted, trim your panels to 8” x 10” rectangles.

Step 4: Prepare Your Zipper

Grab your zipper and let’s get ready to install it! If your zipper is longer than 9.5”, don’t worry—you can trim it down.

Then, take the 2 squares you set aside for the zipper and fold in half and press. Next, unfold and fold each side towards the middle and then fold back in half and press.  

Place each end of the zipper into the folded fabric piece and sew onto the zipper.  Then, trim off the excess fabric so your tab is flush with the zipper.

Step 5: Attach the Zipper to the First Panel

Lay your zipper right side down along the top edge of one of your pouch panels (the front panel). The zipper teeth should be facing the right side of the fabric. Pin or clip it in place.

Now, take one of your lining pieces and lay it right side down on top of the zipper, aligning the edges with your pouch panel. The zipper will be sandwiched between the lining and the outer fabric. Pin or clip everything in place.

Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew along the edge, securing the zipper between the layers. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step 6: Attach the Zipper to the Other Panel

Repeat the same process for the other pouch panel. Lay the second outer panel right side up, place the zipper right side down along the top edge, and then sandwich the zipper with the second lining piece. Clip or pin, and sew using the zipper foot.

Step 7: Topstitch Along the Zipper

Once your zipper is installed, press both sides of the fabric away from the zipper. Topstitch along the edge of the zipper to give it a clean, professional finish and keep the fabric from getting caught in the zipper.

Step 8: Sew the Pouch Together

Now that the zipper is in place, it’s time to sew the pouch together.

First, unzip the zipper halfway (this is important—you’ll need it open to turn the pouch right-side out later!). Then, match up the two outer panels right sides together, and the two lining pieces right sides together. Pin or clip all the way around the edges, leaving a 3” opening at the bottom of the lining for turning.

Sew around the entire perimeter of the pouch, using a ¼” seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. When you reach the zipper, make sure the zipper teeth are pointing toward the lining and carefully sew over the zipper.

Step 9: Box the Corners

Using a ruler, mark a 1 ½” square on all four corners and cut out. 

Then, expand the pouch and line up the two sides of one of the boxy corner openings.  Pinch together and sew closed, using a 1/8” seam, backstitching at the beginning and end.  Repeat with the remaining three corners.

Step 10: Turn the Pouch Right-Side Out & Close the Lining

Once you’ve sewn all the way around, and boxed the corners.  Reach through the opening in the lining and carefully turn the pouch right-side out. Use your fingers or a point-turner to push out the corners.

To close the opening in the lining, fold the raw edges in, press them flat, and stitch the opening closed either by hand or with your machine.

Step 11: Give It a Final Press & Congratulations!!

Now that your pouch is fully turned and the lining is closed, give the entire pouch a final press. Zip it up, and you’re done!

You’ve just made your very own zippered pouch using a mini charm pack! Now you have the perfect little accessory to use as a makeup bag, pencil case, or even a small project bag for sewing notions.

The best part? You can use this same tutorial with different sizes of fabric squares or experiment with different prints and colors to make pouches for every occasion. These make great gifts too!  I love making these pouches for my son’s teachers as a thank you gift!

So, what’s next on your sewing list? I’d love to see your finished pouches, so be sure to share them with me on social media and tag @NollieBean! Happy sewing!