This is the link to the full you tube tutorial How to Sew Zipper Pouches | Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch – https://youtu.be/BffV6aH5F-0
Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
Table of Contents
A Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch is a brilliant way to use your leftover fabric scraps while creating something practical and beautiful. This easy sewing project gives you a useful pouch with a boxed shape, a fully lined interior, a zipper closure, and a handy fabric handle.
If you have a basket full of fabric scraps that you cannot bear to throw away, this is the perfect project to try. The Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch is large enough to use as a pencil case, sewing pouch, makeup bag, craft storage pouch, or organiser for your quilting and sewing supplies.
This tutorial also gives you the opportunity to practise several useful sewing techniques, including installing a zipper, working with stabilizer, creating boxed corners, adding binding to raw seams, and making a simple fabric handle.
The best part is that you can make this Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch using fabrics you already have in your sewing room.
Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch Materials
Before beginning your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch, gather all of your materials together. Preparing everything before you start will make the sewing process much easier.
Fabric Requirements – Fabric Requirements –
For the outside of your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch, you will need:
- 1 piece of fabric measuring 12 inches × 9½ inches
- 1 piece of lining fabric measuring 12 inches × 9½ inches
- 1 piece of fabric for the handle measuring 4 inches × 6 inches
- 1 strip of fabric for the inside binding measuring approximately 1½ inches × 16 inches
You can use coordinating fabrics or completely different fabrics for the outside and lining.
Using a matching lining is particularly helpful if you are new to sewing binding because small imperfections will be less noticeable.
Stabilizer
You will also need a suitable stabilizer.
I like to use foam stabilizer because it gives the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch structure and helps it maintain its boxy shape.
You can use a fusible foam, another suitable stabilizer, or even batting depending on the finish you want.
If your stabilizer is fusible, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying it.
Zipper
You will need a zipper that is at least 14 inches long.
The zipper needs to be longer than the width of your fabric because the extra zipper tape will extend beyond the edges while you are sewing.
Do not trim the excess zipper away at the beginning. We will deal with the excess later.
Steps to Make a Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Now that you have gathered your supplies, it is time to start making your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
Follow each step carefully and take your time, particularly when installing the zipper.
Step 1: Prepare the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch Fabric
Start by placing your stabilizer onto the wrong side of your outer fabric.
If you are using double-sided fusible foam, carefully fuse it to the fabric using your iron and the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can also use spray adhesive or temporarily pin the stabilizer in place.
Another option is to sew the stabilizer to the fabric.
For this Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch, I like to add a few straight lines of stitching to keep the stabilizer securely attached.
You do not need to quilt the entire piece unless you want to.
A few simple lines of stitching will help prevent the stabilizer from shifting as you work.
Repeat this process with the other exterior piece if required.
Step 2: Prepare the Zipper – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Before attaching the zipper, make sure it is at least 14 inches long.
If your zipper is longer, that is perfectly fine.
The zipper needs to extend past the edges of the fabric while you are sewing.
You can trim the excess later.
If your zipper has an existing pull, you may find it easier to remove it temporarily.
You will eventually have two separate sections of zipper tape ready to attach to the fabric.
Step 3: Attach the Zipper to the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
The zipper will be attached to the short 9½-inch edges of the fabric.
Place the zipper face down against the right side of the outer fabric.
The zipper teeth should be facing the fabric.
Make sure the zipper extends past both ends of the fabric.
Use wonder clips or pins to hold everything securely.
Take the fabric to your sewing machine and stitch along the zipper using a zipper foot if you have one.
Sew carefully and keep your seam straight.
Once the first side has been sewn, attach the second side of the zipper to the other piece of fabric.
Again, make sure the zipper is facing the correct direction.
At this stage, do not cut away the excess zipper tape.
The extra length will make the next stages much easier.
Step 4: Topstitch the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Once both sides of the zipper have been attached, fold the zipper tape back away from the fabric.
This will allow you to topstitch along the zipper.
Topstitching helps keep the zipper tape flat and prevents it from becoming caught when you open and close the pouch.
It also gives your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch a professional finish.
Sew a straight line along both sides of the zipper.
Take your time and try to keep the stitching an even distance from the zipper teeth.
Step 5: Add the Zipper Pull – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Now it is time to put the zipper pull back onto the zipper.
Fold your fabric so the two sides are aligned.
Make sure the zipper tape is running parallel and is not twisted.
Carefully slide the zipper pull onto the zipper.
Once the pull is attached, move it along the zipper to check that it is working correctly.
If you are not familiar with installing zipper pulls, you can follow a separate zipper pull tutorial before continuing.
Step 6: Secure the Zipper Ends – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Once the zipper pull is working properly, you can close the bottom end of the zipper.
Sew across the end of the zipper using several strong stitches.
This will stop the zipper from coming apart.
Before sewing, double-check which end of the zipper is designed to receive the zipper pull.
Once you are certain everything is correct, sew the end securely.
Now you can trim away the excess zipper tape.
Be careful not to cut into the actual zipper or your fabric.
Steps to Create the Boxy Corners
The next stage is where your flat pouch starts to become a Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
Step 7: Turn the Pouch Inside Out – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Turn the pouch so that the wrong side is facing outward.
Important: Make sure the zipper is open before you continue.
This is extremely important because you will need the zipper opening to turn the pouch right side out later.
Lay the pouch flat and make sure the seams are lined up neatly.
Step 8: Mark the Box Corners – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Take a ruler and a fabric marking pen.
Measure 1 inch from each corner.
Mark this measurement carefully on all four corners.
You want all four corners to be marked consistently so that the finished Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch is symmetrical.
Once all four corners have been marked, cut away the marked sections.
You should now have four small square sections removed from the corners.
Step 9: Sew the Box Corners – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Bring the cut edges of each corner together.
Make sure the seams are perfectly aligned.
Pin or clip the layers together.
Sew across each corner using a straight stitch.
Repeat this process on all four corners.
Take your time with this stage because accurately sewn corners will make a big difference to the finished shape of your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
Steps to Add the Inside Binding
The binding is one of my favourite parts of this project because it gives the inside of the pouch a much more professional finish.
Step 10: Prepare the Binding – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Take your approximately 1½-inch × 16-inch strip of fabric.
The strip should be longer than you need because it will extend beyond the seams.
At each end of the strip, fold approximately ½ inch toward the wrong side.
Press the folds with an iron.
This will give you neat finished ends when you attach the binding.
Step 11: Sew the Binding to the Raw Seam – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Place the binding over one of the raw seams inside your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
Sew along the edge using approximately a ¼-inch seam allowance.
Once the first side is attached, fold the binding over the raw seam.
The raw edge should now be completely covered.
Stitch the folded binding into place.
This creates a neat enclosed seam inside the pouch.
Repeat the process for the remaining raw seams.
Step 12: Make Binding Easier – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
If you are not confident with binding, do not be afraid to try this technique.
It is a simple way to practise binding without having to make a perfect traditional quilt binding finish.
For your first Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch, consider using the same fabric for the binding and lining.
This will make any small sewing imperfections much less obvious.
As your confidence grows, you can experiment with contrasting fabrics and decorative stitching.
Steps to Make the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch Handle
The handle is a simple addition that makes the pouch easier to carry.
Step 13: Prepare the Handle – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Take your 4-inch × 6-inch piece of fabric.
Fold it in half and press it.
Open the fabric again.
You should now have a centre crease.
Bring one long edge toward the centre crease and press.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Fold the fabric together again so that the raw edges are enclosed.
Press the handle thoroughly.
Step 14: Stitch the Handle – Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Sew a straight line down each long side of the handle.
This will hold all the folded layers securely together.
Try to keep your stitching straight and consistent.
You now have a simple fabric handle ready to attach to your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
Step 15: Attach the Handle
Place the handle through the opening of the pouch.
Position one end of the handle at the boxed corner.
Make sure the handle is not twisted inside the pouch.
The handle should sit directly in the centre of the boxed corner.
Once you are happy with the position, sew securely across the corner.
For extra strength, sew over the area more than once.
Repeat the boxed corner construction on the opposite end of the pouch.
The opposite corner does not need a handle unless you want to add one.
Steps to Finish the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
You are almost finished!
Step 16: Check the Seams
Before turning the pouch right side out, put your hand inside and carefully check the corners.
Make sure you have caught all of the necessary layers in your stitching.
This is particularly important around the handle.
It is much easier to correct a problem while the pouch is still inside out.
Step 17: Add the Remaining Binding
Cover the remaining raw seams with binding.
Although you may be tempted to skip this step, I highly recommend finishing the inside seams.
Adding binding makes the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch look much more professional.
It also protects the raw fabric edges from fraying.
Trim away any loose threads as you work.
Step 18: Turn the Pouch Right Side Out
Carefully turn your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch right side out through the open zipper.
Gently push the corners into shape using your fingers.
You can use a chopstick, turning tool, or another blunt object to carefully push out the corners.
Do not use anything sharp because you could accidentally puncture the fabric.
Once the corners are pushed out, arrange the pouch so the boxed shape is clearly defined.
Step 19: Check the Zipper
Open and close the zipper several times.
Make sure it moves smoothly and that none of the lining fabric is catching in the zipper.
Check the handle and make sure it is securely attached.
Trim any remaining loose threads.
Your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch is now complete!
How to Use Your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
There are so many ways to use your finished Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
The finished size makes it particularly useful for storing small sewing and craft supplies.
You could use your pouch as a:
- Pencil case
- Sewing pouch
- Makeup bag
- Craft organiser
- Embroidery pouch
- Quilting tool bag
- Crochet hook case
- Travel organiser
- Small gift bag
You could even make several Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch projects in different fabrics and give them as handmade gifts.
Scrap Fabric Ideas for Your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
This is a fantastic scrap-busting project.
Instead of throwing away those smaller pieces of fabric, save them for projects like this.
You could create a colourful patchwork exterior using several coordinating scraps.
Applique would also look fantastic on the front of your Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
You could add embroidery, quilting, decorative stitching, or even personalise the pouch with someone’s name.
For Christmas, choose festive fabrics and make handmade gifts for friends and family.
For Halloween, use spooky prints.
For spring, choose floral fabrics.
The possibilities are almost endless.
Tips for Sewing a Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
Take your time when cutting your fabric.
Accurate measurements will make every stage of the project easier.
When attaching the zipper, use clips or pins to prevent the fabric from shifting.
Do not trim the excess zipper until you are completely happy with the zipper installation.
Always make sure the zipper is open before sewing the final seams.
When creating the boxed corners, check that your seams are perfectly aligned before sewing.
Finally, inspect the inside of the pouch before turning it right side out.
These small checks can make a huge difference to the final result.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Binding
If you are new to sewing binding, this Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch is a great project for practising.
The binding hides the raw seams and gives the pouch a beautifully finished interior.
Matching your binding fabric to your lining is a particularly useful trick when you are learning.
Once you feel more confident, experiment with contrasting binding to create a completely different look.
Final Thoughts on the Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch
This boxy zipper pouch is a brilliant scrap fabric sewing project that combines practicality with creativity.
You can use fabric you already have, customize the colours and patterns, and create a useful handmade item in no time.
The boxed corners give the pouch extra depth, while the lining creates a neat interior.
The zipper keeps your belongings secure, and the fabric handle makes the pouch easy to carry.
Most importantly, this project allows you to practise several useful sewing techniques in one project.
So gather those fabric scraps, choose a zipper, turn on your sewing machine, and make your own Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch.
If you enjoy sewing tutorials, make sure you visit Faodail Creation for more sewing, quilting, embroidery, applique, and creative fabric projects.
Watch the Full Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch Tutorial
If you prefer to sew along with me, watch the full lined boxy zipper pouch video tutorial on the Faodail Creation YouTube channel.
Watching the video alongside this written boxy zipper pouch tutorial can make the zipper installation, boxed corners, binding, and handle construction much easier to follow.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Faodail Creation for more sewing tutorials and creative projects.
Read this next : How to Sew Zipper Pouches | Dog Poop Bag Holder – Easy Beginner Sewing Tutorial https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/07/27/how-to-sew-zipper-pouches-dog-poop-bag-holder/
- Boxy Lined Zipper Pouch | An Easy and Brilliant Scrap Fabric Sewing Tutorial
- How to Sew Half Square Triangle Quilt Blocks : Easy Beginner Guide
- How to Sew a Zero-Waste Sponge – Easy Beginner Sewing Project
- Free Motion Quilting on a Regular Sewing Machine : The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
- How to applique | FREE Pumpkins Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners : An Easy and Creative Fall Project
