This beginner-friendly sewing class will show you how to make 2 sizes of zipper pouch while learning how to work from a pattern, interface fabric, and install zippers and linings. Students should be comfortable setting up their machine and sewing straight (-ish) lines. These practical pouches make great gifts and are handy for storing everything from sewing supplies to legos to travel accessories.
Equipment Needed: sewing machine with straight stitch, zig-zag stitch and a ZIPPER FOOT; iron, ironing board, press cloth. A press cloth protects your iron and board from the interfacing glue - you can purchase one or use a washed piece of woven cotton or muslin around 12” x 18”.
Supply List:
Box Zip Bags paper pattern by Sew L.A.
Paper scissors
Main Fabric* - 44” or 58” wide: 1/2 yard for the larger or smaller bag
Lining Fabric* - 44” or 58” wide: 1/2 yard for the larger or smaller bag
Woven Fusible Interfacing (20 - 22” wide): 3/4 yard for larger bag OR 1/2 yard for smaller bag (try the SF 101)
12” non-separating zipper, nylon or polyester (please no metal zippers)
Optional for pull tabs: 1/4 yard of 1” wide twill tape or ribbon
Thread to match main fabric
Zipper foot for your sewing machine
90/12 sewing machine needles - universals or microtex
Empty bobbin for your machine
Basic Sewing Kit: sharp fabric shears, 2 x 18” clear ruler, tape measure, glass head pins, tailor’s chalk, seam ripper.
*Fabric notes: For the outer fabric, you can pick quilt-weight or a heavier fabric called ‘bottom weight’. Canvas, denim, twill, linen/cotton canvas - all excellent choices for a durable bag. For the lining choose a quilt-weight cotton! All fabric should be woven fabrics. Contact Amelia or myself with any questions. No need to pre-wash fabric, but please do make sure it is not too wrinkly before class begins.
Skills learned: reading pattern envelope, cutting pattern, fabric anatomy and sewing terms, cutting layouts, pinning & cutting fabric, fusing interfacing, seam allowances, sewing & pressing seams, sewing with a zipper foot, edge-stitching.