How to Sew a Zippered Travel Pouch

* Fabric (main fabric, lining fabric)

* Zipper (12-inch)

* Bias tape (1/2-inch wide)

* Thread

* Sewing machine

* Scissors

* Fabric marker

* Measuring tape

* Iron

* Pins

Instructions

1. Cut out the fabric pieces.

* From the main fabric, cut out one 12-inch by 15-inch rectangle.

* From the lining fabric, cut out one 12-inch by 15-inch rectangle.

2. Sew the zipper to the main fabric.

* Place the main fabric rectangle right side up on a flat surface.

* Fold one of the long edges of the rectangle under 1/4 inch and press. Fold it under another 1/4 inch and press again.

* Fold the zipper in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other.

* Pin the zipper to the folded edge of the main fabric rectangle, with the raw edges aligned.

* Sew the zipper to the main fabric, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

3. Sew the lining fabric to the zipper.

* Place the lining fabric rectangle right side up on a flat surface.

* Fold one of the long edges of the rectangle under 1/4 inch and press. Fold it under another 1/4 inch and press again.

* Fold the zipper in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other.

* Pin the zipper to the folded edge of the lining fabric rectangle, with the raw edges aligned.

* Sew the zipper to the lining fabric, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

4. Trim the zipper.

* Trim the zipper so that it is the same length as the main fabric and lining fabric rectangles.

5. Turn the pouch right side out.

* Carefully turn the pouch right side out, using a point turner or other blunt object to help push out the corners.

* Press the pouch flat.

6. Add bias tape to the top edge of the pouch.

* Cut a piece of bias tape that is 24 inches long.

* Fold the bias tape in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides facing each other.

* Pin the bias tape to the top edge of the pouch, with the raw edges aligned.

* Sew the bias tape to the pouch, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

7. Finish the pouch.

* Trim the bias tape close to the seam allowance.

* Fold the bias tape to the inside of the pouch and press.

* Topstitch the bias tape in place, close to the edge.

* Enjoy your new zippered travel pouch!

Tips

* Use a lightweight cotton or canvas fabric for the main fabric and a coordinating lining fabric.

* Choose a zipper that is at least 12 inches long.

* Be sure to sew the zipper to the main fabric and lining fabric with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

* Trim the zipper close to the seam allowance before turning the pouch right side out.

* Use a point turner or other blunt object to help push out the corners when turning the pouch right side out.

* Press the pouch flat before adding the bias tape.

* Fold the bias tape to the inside of the pouch and press before topstitching it in place.

* Enjoy your new zippered travel pouch!