How to Sew a Zipper Coin Pouch – Sewing Tutorial

If you're anything like me, you probably have a pile of leftover fabric from previous sewing projects that you just can't bring yourself to throw away. Especially those lovely quilted scraps that took ages to make! I have a whole stash of them sitting on my shelf, like my Ophelia laptop case or toiletry bags.

So today, I have a very quick and easy sewing project for you to use them up! We're making a small zipper coin pouch using leftover fabric, and the best part is that you don't need to buy a sewing pattern.

This is completely free sewing tutorial, and I'll share all the measurements and instructions right here in this article. Although I call it a coin pouch, I actually use mine for something a little different too. But I'll tell you more about that below!

What You'll Need to Make this Zipper Coin Pouch

This is a small project, so you really don't need much fabric. Check your scrap pile first, you might find something there! You can use quilted scraps, cotton, denim, corduroy or pretty much any medium-weight fabric.

For my version, I used a gorgeous blue satin fabric, which I quilted myself, and for the other some leftover pink velour from my Daphne makeup bag project.

You will need to cut:

• Main fabric: 2 rectangles measuring 14 × 10 cm (5½ × 4 in) each
• Lining fabric: 2 rectangles measuring 14 × 10 cm (5½ × 4 in) each
• Zipper: Approximately 15 cm (6 in), or slightly longer
• Optional side tab: Approximately 6 cm (2⅜ in) of lace trim or fabric

You'll also need matching thread, scissors, pins or clips, and your sewing machine.

A little tip about the zipper: I recommend using a zipper that's slightly longer than the top edge of your pouch. This way, the zipper pull won't get in the way while you're sewing, and you won't need to keep lifting your presser foot to move it.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

For this project, I decided to use this gorgeous blue satin fabric. I thought I'd quilt it using decorative stitches to give it a slightly whimsical look. Of course, quilting is completely optional!

 If you're using a fabric that already has a lovely texture or pattern, you can skip this step and go straight to making the pouch. If you'd like to quilt your own fabric, I find it easier to work with one larger rectangle rather than two small pieces.

For two panels measuring 14 × 10 cm (5½ × 4 in), start with a rectangle measuring 28 × 10 cm (11 × 4 in), or cut it slightly larger if you expect the fabric to shrink during quilting. Quilt it using your favourite decorative stitches, then cut it into two equal pieces.

For quilting, you'll also need a suitable layer of batting between the fabric layers. I like using leftover batting from previous projects, so nothing goes to waste!

Once your main fabric pieces are ready, cut your two lining pieces to the same size.

Step 2: How to Sew a Zipper into a Pouch

Now that all our pieces are ready, let's attach the zipper. This is a very straightforward way to sew a zipper into a lined pouch, and it's a great technique to learn if you're fairly new to sewing.

Take one piece of your main fabric and place it with the right side facing up. Next, position your zipper along the top edge, with the zipper teeth facing down towards the main fabric.

Then place one lining piece on top, with its wrong side facing up. Your zipper should now be sandwiched between the main fabric and lining, with their right sides facing together.

Pin everything in place and sew along the top edge using a 0.5 cm (approximately ¼ in) seam allowance. I actually used my regular sewing machine foot for this project rather than changing to a zipper foot. Since I wasn't sewing too close to the zipper teeth, it worked perfectly well for me.

Once you've sewn the first side, repeat exactly the same process with the remaining main fabric and lining pieces on the other side of the zipper. Now open everything out and lay the fabric flat.

Step 3: Topstitch Along the Zipper

Before we move on, I like to add a little topstitching along both sides of the zipper. This is a very simple step, but I definitely recommend it.

Topstitching helps keep the main fabric and lining away from the zipper teeth, so the fabric doesn't get caught when you open and close the pouch.

Simply flatten the fabric away from the zipper and stitch close to the folded edge on both sides. Once that's done, test your zipper to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.

Step 4: Add a Little Side Tab

I wanted to add a small decorative detail to my pouch, so I decided to use a piece of lace trim that I already had. I cut approximately 6 cm (2⅜ in) of lace, folded it in half and used it to create a small loop on the side.

 You can do exactly the same thing using a narrow strip of matching fabric, ribbon or any other trim you have at home.

Just position the folded tab on one side of the main fabric, with the loop pointing towards the inside of the pouch and the raw ends aligned with the side edge.

Pin it in place so it stays where you want it while sewing. It's such a tiny detail, but I think it makes the finished pouch look really cute.

Step 5: Sew the Pouch Together

Now we're getting to the final part! First, open your zipper at least halfway.This is important because we'll need that opening to turn the pouch right side out later. Arrange your fabric so that the two main fabric pieces are right sides together, and the two lining pieces are right sides together.

Make sure the zipper is tucked neatly inside and the side tab is positioned between the main fabric layers.

If you're using a zipper that's longer than your pouch, move the zipper pull inside the pouch opening, secure the ends as needed and carefully trim away the excess.

Be particularly careful when working near the zipper teeth. Match the edges, pin everything together and sew around the pouch using a 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance.

Remember to leave a small opening along the bottom of the lining. We'll use this opening to turn the entire pouch right side out.Once everything is sewn, carefully trim the corners and reduce any bulky seam allowances, without cutting into your stitching.

Step 6: Turn the Pouch Right Side Out

Now comes my favourite part, when everything finally starts looking like an actual pouch! Reach through the opening you left in the lining and gently pull the pouch right side out through the open zipper.

Take your time when pushing out the corners so they look nice and neat. Next, close the opening in the lining.

You can do this with a small row of machine stitching close to the edge or use a ladder stitch if you prefer an almost invisible finish.

Finally, push the lining inside the pouch, smooth out the corners and give everything a little press if your fabric allows it. And that's your little zipper coin pouch finished!

What Can You Use Your Little Zipper Pouch For?

Of course, you can use your pouch for coins, keys or other little things that always seem to disappear at the bottom of your bag.

But here's what I actually love using mine for: fabric swatches!

You know when you're working on a sewing project and realise you need a matching zipper, lining or thread? Then you go to the fabric shop and suddenly can't remember the exact colour of your fabric?

Well, I like keeping little fabric swatches in my pouch so I can take them with me whenever I visit a fabric store.

That way, I can check colours against the actual fabric instead of trying to remember whether I needed cream, ivory or something in between!

It's such a simple idea, but surprisingly useful.

A Little Project That Uses Up Your Fabric Scraps

I hope you enjoyed this little free sewing tutorial! I know it's tempting to throw away small fabric scraps, especially after finishing a bigger project, but sometimes there's still enough material left to make something useful.

And I particularly love finding ways to use leftover quilted fabric, because after spending all that time quilting it, it feels like such a shame to waste even the smallest piece.

You don't need to print a sewing pattern or buy any special materials for this project. Just cut your rectangles, find a zipper and have a little fun with it. And if you make your own, I'd love to see what fabrics you decide to use!

 Happy sewing,

Karolina