How to sew a monogrammed zipper pouch
A zippered pouch is always a great gift but if you want to make it even more special, add a striking detail: a monogram.
I am glad to share with you how I made this pouch.
I used faux leather for my pouch but you can use any fabrics you would like. The faux leather is especially great for the appliqued letter – as the raw edges do not need special stitching, you can applique it with a straight stitch. So even if you make the pouch out of cotton, you can pair it with faux leather/vinyl.
First step: download the alphabet file below – it contains all the letters; each letter is 4” height- you can always print the file at a reduced scale if you need smaller letters. For this pouch I printed the letter at 75%.
Download the alphabet file here.
Copy the letter/letters you want on the paper side of a fusible web piece (like Wonder Under or Heat N Bond).
Then fuse the fusible web piece to the back of your chosen fabric for the applique. You can fuse it even on the back of faux leather – just don’t overheat the piece!
Cut out the letter – a rotary cutter is better than scissors. Remove the paper backing of fusible web…
Fuse the letter to the front of your exterior pouch (I used a 6” x 9” piece). Applique it in place as desired.
Use a zipper a little longer than the fabric piece.
Place the zipper teeth side down on the exterior fabric as shown.
Place on top the lining, right side down. Stitch close to the zipper teeth.
Turn the piece right sides out. Keep the edges of the two pieces aligned and topstitch as shown below.
Repeat these steps with the other exterior and lining pieces and attach them to the zipper; if you have a double sided adhesive tape, use it – it helps immensely.
Secure the ends of the zipper – sew over the zipper with a long stitch – see the yellow marking lines. Trim the excess zipper.
Separate the lining from the exterior panels. Keep the edges aligned. Sew at 1/4” or 3/8” from the edges, leaving a gap in the lining.
Trim the seam allowances at corners as shown below.
Turn the piece right side out; close the gap in the lining.
Your pouch should look like this.
I hope this helps.
