Twelve Patch Zipper Pouch Tutorial

I made this twelve patch pouch a few months ago, inspired to use up a mini charm pack of 2 1/2" squares.
It has a bound edge on the top of the pouch which adds a nice detail.

You can also use any panel of fabric that is 6 1/2" x 8 1/2".
This version pictured uses a "cheater print" which looks like patchwork but it a printed panel!
I added the appliqué fabric patches and cute strawberry button.

One can never have too many pouches, so a pouch I made! 

My best friend has the original and I wanted one for myself, too.
I have a Liberty fabric version in the works for my mom - just in time for Mother's Day.
It is a great gift item and fun to fill with goodies for a special someone. (That includes you!) 

Twelve Patch Zipper Pouch
a tutorial by Charise Creates

Materials  

24 – 2 1/2” squares assorted print fabric - a mini charm pack works well ~OR~ 2 - 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" fabric rectangles		1/8 yard or large scraps print fabric for the zipper trim
1/4 yard  Print fabric for the lining		Matching thread
1/4 yard muslin or solid cotton backing		Pins
1/4 yard batting		9” coil zipper or 8" metal zipper
Zipper Foot		Marking Pen,  pencil, or Hera Marker (for quilt marking)
Cut
2 - pieces of Batting 7” x 9”	2 strips 1 3/8” x 8 1/2” print fabric
2 pieces of muslin or other cotton (it will be hidden) 7” x 9”	2 strips 1 3/8” x 8 1/2” lightweight interfacing
24 – 2 1/2” squares assorted print fabric	2 rectangles lining 6 3/4” x 8 1/2"

Notes:

~All seam allowances are 1/4" unless otherwise noted

Finished Size:

5 1/2" tall x 8" wide

***Skip to step #4 if you are using a 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" panel***

1) Arrange  the 12 print squares that make up the panel, in your desired design. 
For the pouch pictured, I added in a few of my favorite fabrics mixed in with the mini charm pack.

2)  Stitch each row together.  Press seam allowances to one side, each row in the opposite direction.

3) Stitch the top row to the center row.  Press the top/center to the bottom row. 

Press seams open.

Repeat for the other side side of the pouch.

4) Make a quilt sandwich:

Place the backing fabric wrong side up.  Place the batting square on top.  Place the top panel right side up at the very top.  Pin or baste all layers together.  

5)  Quilt diagonal lines on the patchwork  panel.  The outside quilting lines should start 1/4” in from the edge. Your lines will be approximately 1 3/8” apart.

Trim the panel to 6 1/2” x 8 1/2”.  Repeat for the other side.

6) Fuse the strip 1 3/8” x 8 1/2” interfacing to the back of the print fabric strips following manufacturer directions. Repeat for the other side.

7) Place the printed fabric binding strip right sides together with the pouch panel matching top edges. 

Stitch the strip to the top of pouch panel with a 1/4" seam allowance.  
Press the fabric binding strip towards the top.

8) Fold back the strip to the wrong side so 1/2” is showing on the right side.  Press in place.  Repeat for the other side.

9) If you are using a coil zipper - Shorten the zipper to 8 1/2”.:
 Stitch over the end, 1/4" from the end of the zipper a few times if you cut off the zipper stop.  You will be stitching over the end of the zipper later on - this step will keep the zipper head from zipping off the zipper for now : )

Place the zipper right side to the right side of the fabric strip matching the edge of the zipper tape to the raw edge of the strip.
Using a zipper foot, stitch the zipper to the pouch with a 1/4” stitch.
Repeat for the other side of the pouch.

10)  Place the lining right sides with the right side of the clutch panel.  The zipper will be sandwiched in between the Clutch Panel and the Lining.  Pin lining in place along top edge.

11)   Flip the panel over so the wrong side of the pouch panel is facing you. Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/4”  from top edge, following the previous stitching, back tacking at ends. 

12) Turn the lining over the zipper  Fold down the strip on the fold line you made 1/2” from the seam edge.  Edge stitch the zipper border stitching through all layers.  Repeat for the other side.

13)     Separate the lining from the outside pouch panels.  Place the outside panels right sides together, and the lining panel right sides together. Match seams and pin in place around the perimeter.  MAKE SURE THE ZIPPER IS OPEN so you can turn right side out at the end. The zipper teeth will face towards the lining.   The zipper tape will face towards the pouch panels.

Stitch 1/4” around the perimeter of the pouch.  Leave a 3” opening on the lining panel.

14) Create the bottom corners by placing the pouch corners right sides together matching the seams.  Press the seams open.  Mark 1" up from the corner.  Stitch on the marking.  Trim 1/4" beyond the stitching.  Repeat for the other side of the pouch and both lining corners.

15) Turn the pouch right side out and give it a good press. Slip stitch or machine edge stitch the opening in the lining closed.

Yoo hoo ~ you are awesome!!!  You now have a completed twelve patch zip pouch.  Enjoy!

Be sure to share your finished pouches over at my Flickr Group [here]. 
 I love to see what you make  :)

xo

Charise