Here are the instructions and supply list for our Mini-Make Session. Join along or simply watch to get inspired.
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Student Supply List (Small Zippered Pouch)
Required Materials
Fabric (2 pieces)
Outer fabric:** 2 pieces, 8" x 6"
Lining fabric:** 2 pieces, 8" x 6"
Interfacing (recommended)**
Fusible interfacing or fleece: 2 pieces, 8" x 6"(for outer fabric)
Zipper
1 zipper, 9" (nylon coil is easiest for beginners)
Thread
All-purpose polyester thread
Tools
• Sewing machine
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter + mat
• Pins or clips (clips are easier near zippers)
• Seam ripper (everyone needs one!)
• Ruler or measuring tape
* Fabric marker/chalk
• Iron + ironing surface
• Zipper foot** (recommended, but not required if machine can stitch close to zipper)
Optional but helpful
• Hand sewing needle (for quick fixes)
• Topstitching thread (if you want bold stitches)
• Zipper pulls (if using zipper tape by the yard)
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Instructor Sheet (Beginner Zippered Pouch)
Project
Small Lined Zipper Pouch (fully enclosed seams)
Skill focus: zipper installation, lining, turning, topstitching
Cut List (per pouch)
* Outer fabric: **2 @ 8" x 6"**
* Lining fabric: **2 @ 8" x 6"**
* Interfacing (optional): **2 @ 8" x 6"**
* Zipper: **1 @ 9"**
### Seam allowance + settings
* **Seam allowance:** **3/8"**
* **Stitch length:** **2.5 mm** (normal)
* **Topstitch length:** **3.0 mm** (optional)
* Press as you go. A pressed pouch looks “store-bought.”
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### Prep (2–4 minutes)
1. If using interfacing, **fuse** it to the wrong side of the **outer fabric pieces**.
2. Make sure zipper works smoothly. **Open zipper halfway** before final stitching (important).
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### Step 1 — Attach zipper to first side (Right sides together)
1. Place **Outer fabric** right side up.
2. Place zipper **right side down** along the **8" edge** (zipper tape aligned with fabric edge).
3. Place **Lining** right side down on top (like a sandwich):
* Outer (bottom) + Zipper (middle) + Lining (top)
4. Clip/pin.
5. Sew along the edge using **zipper foot**, **3/8"** seam.
**Press:** flip fabrics away from zipper and press.
**Topstitch (optional):** sew close to zipper on fabric side to keep lining from catching.
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### Step 2 — Attach zipper to second side
1. Lay remaining **Outer** right side up.
2. Place zipper free side **right side down** along the 8" edge.
3. Place remaining **Lining** right side down on top.
4. Sew along the edge.
5. Press open. Topstitch (optional).
At this point you should have:
**Outer fabrics on one side, lining fabrics on the other, zipper centered.**
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### Step 3 — Sew pouch body (Outer to outer, lining to lining)
1. Open it flat, then **fold** so:
* Outer pieces are **right sides together**
* Lining pieces are **right sides together**
2. Align edges and corners. Clip all around.
3. **IMPORTANT:** Move zipper pull **inside** the pouch area and keep zipper **half open**.
4. Sew around the entire rectangle with **3/8" seam**, but:
* Leave a **3" turning gap** on the **bottom edge of lining**.
5. Reinforce at the start/stop of the turning gap.
**Tip:** Stitch slowly over zipper ends. If bulky, hand-walk the needle.
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### Step 4 — Box the corners (optional, makes it stand up)
For a flatter beginner version, skip this. For a “boxed” pouch:
1. On the **outer fabric corners only**, pinch corner so side seam meets bottom seam.
2. Measure **1" across** the triangle and draw a line.
3. Sew on that line. Trim excess to **1/4"** seam.
4. Repeat for the other outer corner.
(Optional: box lining corners too, but not necessary.)
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### Step 5 — Turn, close lining gap, finish
1. Turn pouch right side out through lining gap.
2. Push corners out gently (no stabbing with scissors).
3. Stitch lining gap closed:
* Machine stitch close to edge, or ladder stitch by hand.
4. Push lining into pouch.
5. Final press. Optional topstitch around top edge of pouch for a crisp finish.
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## Quick Troubleshooting (for beginners)
* **Lining gets caught in zipper:** topstitch after installing zipper.
* **Zipper won’t close at end:** zipper likely wasn’t opened before sewing pouch body.
* **Wavy zipper seam:** too much pulling while sewing; press and go slower.
* **Corners look messy:** trim seam allowance and press seams open where possible.
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