Boxed base zipper pouch ...

Following on from last months step by step pouch project, I thought I would show you how to make a pouch with a boxed base. With just a few more steps than a basic zipper pouch, this is a great way to create a pouch with a little more room inside. I have used a colourful printed cotton for the outer fabric and sections of a fabric shower curtain for a waterproof lining, perfect for a wash bag or cosmetics pouch.

Cut your 2 x fabric and 2 x lining pieces to 7 x 6 1/2 " rectangles. You will also need a zip at least 8" long and coordinating cotton. As an optional extra, I cut a piece of ribbon to create a 'handmade' tag for inside. Once you have your rectangles of fabric, cut away a 1" square from each of the bottom corners, (see image above).

You can now begin construction. Start by layering the zip between the right sides of a lining piece and an outer fabric, ensuring the top edges line up before pinning and sewing.

Once sewn, press and turn so right sides face outwards then top stitch along the zip edge for a neat finish.

Now repeat for the other side layering the other half of the zip between the right sides of the lining and outer fabric. Don't forget to press and top stitch.

Open up the zip to enable turning through, then pin around the edges with lining to lining and outer fabric to outer fabric, right sides together. Make sure your zip is held down towards the lining. If adding a tag, now is the time to pin in place so it will become trapped in the side seam of your lining.

You now need to sew around the edges of the rectangle making sure you leave a gap in the base for turning through and do not sew the square corner cut-outs... the corners are sewn afterwards to create the boxed shape! Press and trim any excess from the ends of the zip.

Next, shape the boxed corners by opening the fabric out where you have a gap in the stitching, then pinching the seams together to create a flat edge, (see above image). Try to ensure the side and base seams align before pinning and sewing.

 You will need to sew each of the 4 corners, then press by folding the base down flat and running the iron along (see outer fabric in image).

Turn through and slip stitch the gap in the lining before giving it a final press. You now have one completed boxed base zipper pouch. As always, you can play with the starting measurements to create different sized pouches to suit your needs.

Mx

get organised zipper purse ...

I got this fun Christmas fabric, Copenhagen print factory copyright design by Josephine Blay and decided to make a purse. I have designed it like the zipper purse on last months step by step, only this time with the addition of a divider/pocket inside. It's simpler to make without the divider, but it helps with organisation when using the purse and we all know you need to be organised for Christmas!!

You will need to follow last months instructions to cut the pieces for the pouch, along with an additional piece of lining fabric to create the divider. This extra piece will need to be around 2" less than twice the height of your lining piece. So, if you want a purse with a finished height of 4" x 5" long, cut your divider to measure 6 1/2" x 5 1/2". This will create a 3" high divider to sit neatly inside to create sections without catching on the zip. 

To construct, begin with the divider and fold the fabric in half wrong sides together and press. Add interfacing to one half of this piece on the inside to add stiffness (following to the product instructions). Then, top stitch along the folded edge to give a crisp neat finish, as this will be the visible part of the divider. Next, add the divider to the right side of one of the lining pieces, pinning along the base and both sides. Stitch along the three edges to hold it in place and give it a press. You can then make the purse as normal, simply following last months instructions found here.

Mx