Sewing a fleece pouch with zipper

Good morning, dear ones! Back from vacation, it’s time to tackle the fabric scraps. I’ll show you how to sew a little fleece pouch. For a long time, I’ve been saving fleece remnants from various jacket, coat, and vest projects, unsure how to use them. Then I had the idea to sew small zipper bags as a way to use up scraps. This way, you can create lovely gift ideas or the perfect accessory for your jacket. I’m happy to show you how easy it is!

Sewing a Fleece Pouch with Zipper

First, gather all your fleece scraps, as you save a lot of time on such small projects when you sew several pouches at once by combining the steps.

Then cut the scraps into pieces measuring 20 x 15 cm (about 7 3/4 x 6 inch) and finish the edges. This is just a size suggestion, you can adjust the measurements for the fleece pouch to fit your needs. If you have a very floppy teddy fabric (here in light brown), I recommend reinforcing the back with H250 interfacing from Vlieseline.

Materials Overview for the Fleece Pouch

You will need for each pouch:

• 2 fleece pieces and 2 cotton pieces, each 20 x 15 cm (about 7 3/4 x 6 inch)
• Continuous zipper plus zipper pull about 22 cm ( 8 1/2 inch)
• A small label or tag, if desired, to personalize the pouch
• Used thread: Seralon by Amann Mettler

I created the labels myself, using a plotter for the lettering and ironing it onto a piece of SnapPap. First, sew the label onto the front.

Installing the Zipper

Depending on the thickness of the fleece, it’s advisable to sew the zipper in two steps.

Place one half of the zipper with the teeth facing down on the top edge of the outer pouch and sew it in place.

Next, place the lining right sides together against it and sew the same seam again.

Then topstitch the edge. I prefer to use the BERNINA 790 PRO with the Edgestitch Foot #10 for this. This ensures that the zipper doesn’t get caught in the fleece later on.

Edgestitch Foot #10

Excellent for topstitching edges, hems and pleats ✓  Ideal for sewing on lace or ribbon ✓  For reinforcing edges ✓  The guide lets you sew perfect seams and hems running parallel to the edge ✓  For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓ 

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BERNINA 790 PRO

Next generation stitch precision ✓ Even faster embroidery ✓ Superior stitch quality ✓ Pinpoint Laser ✓ Thread the needle automatically ✓ Place the design proportionally ✓ WiFi Connectivity and BERNINA Stitchout App ✓ Customizable Quilt Designs ✓ Sew any material ✓

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Repeat these steps on the second side of the zipper and then slide the zipper pull on flush.

Now place both the lining and outer parts of the pouch right sides together and sew the pouch, leaving a turning opening in the lining.

Trim the corners, turn the fleece pouch through the opening, and then close it from the right side by hand or machine.

Congratulations, your fleece pouch is ready!

If the ends of the zipper are too thick due to the fleece, you can also bind them to achieve a clean result.

That was easy, wasn’t it? You can sew a small fleece pouch quickly and simply! I wish you a lot of joy in making them.

Warm regards,
Sara