First steps to constructing the zippered pouch in today’s tutorial:

• Cut out the pattern pieces. Two in the outer fabric (this is the fabric you quilted earlier) and two in the lining.
• Lay one outside panel right side UP.
• Turn the zipper right side DOWN and align the top edge of the zipper to the flat edge of the outside panel piece.
• Lining the straight edges together, lay the lining piece right side DOWN.
• Secure along the straight edge using either pins or clips.
• Take the sandwich to your sewing machine that is fitted with the zipper foot presser foot. Using a 2.5mm stitch length, stitch all three layers together.
• Press out the piece with sewn edge flat on the zipper.
• Increase stitch length to 3.5mm and topstitch fabrics to the zipper. This both looks decorative and keeps lining fabric from sticking in the zipper once the back is turned out.

The second step in constructing the zippered pouch in today’s tutorial:

• Lay outer panel right side UP.
• Take partially sewn pouch, turn it panel piece down and line up the zipper edge to the outer panel edge. You are placing the outer panels right sides together for this step.
• Lay the second lining piece, right side down on top of this pouch sandwich, lining up the straight edge to the zipper edge.
• Secure the sandwich in place with either pins or clips.
• Take the sandwich to your sewing machine that is fitted with the zipper foot presser foot. Using a 2.5mm stitch length, stitch all three layers together.
• Press out the piece with sewn edge flat on the zipper.
• Increase stitch length to 3.5mm and topstitch fabrics to the zipper. This both looks decorative and keeps lining fabric from sticking in the zipper once the back is turned out.

The third step in constructing the zippered pouch in today’s tutorial:

• With the zipper partially unzipped, meet right sides together on the outer lining and match right sides together on the lining. Line up the edges the best you can.
• Secure the outer panel together with clips or pins.
• If a small tab is desired, cut the Grosgrain ribbon to a 4″ length and fold in half making a short loop. Tuck the loop side in between the outer panel fabrics, close to the zipper edge. The cut or raw edges will be facing out on the project wrong side. Secure into place.
• To get the zipper just right, fold it in half with the teeth facing the lining side of the bag. Secure in place with clips or pins.
• Clip the lining side of the bag together remembering to mark a space along the bottom to leave an opening large enough to reach inside and turn the bag.
• Starting on one the left side of the lining opening, using a 3/8″ seam allowance, sew carefully all the way around the circumference of the bag back to the other side of the opening in the lining. Back stitch at the start of finish of the stitching line.
• Trim the excess zipper off the bag and carefully clip the curves.

To finish the quilted bag:

• Reach inside the bag, through the opening in the lining and pull the project right sides out.
• It’s normal for the project to look horrible at this stage.
• Using the point turner, run along the seams and open up the project fully. The rounded side is perfect for the bag seams and the pointier end to push out the zipper in each corner.
• Sew a 1/4″ seam along the opening in the lining to close the project and tuck the lining inside the bag.
• Give the project a good steam press to finish it off. Pressing will put the lining in place as well as smooth out the outer panel giving a more professional looking finish.