How to Sew a Zipper Pocket the Easy Way
Have you ever looked at a bag pattern and thought, “A zipper pocket? That looks way too complicated!”
I used to think the same thing.
But trust me—it’s much easier than it looks.
Once you try it, you’ll love adding zipper pockets to your handmade bags and clothing.
In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew a zipper pocket using a cross-body bag lining.
Add this pocket to the inside or outside of a bag—or even a jacket or skirt!
Materials You’ll Need
- Pocket fabric with fusible fleece applied
- Bag lining piece with fusible fleece
- Zipper (cut to 8” from zipper-by-the-yard or use a pre-packaged 7” zipper)
- Zipper pull (if using zipper by the yard)
- Fabric glue (or glue stick)
- Basic sewing tools (scissors, pins, sewing machine, ruler)
- Rotary Cutter/Mat/Ruler (optional)
- Optional: Zipper template for marking
- Iron and pressing surface
Step 1: Mark the Zipper Box
- Fold your pocket piece and lining piece in half to find the center.
- Mark the center fold with a fabric pen or pencil.
- Measure down 1½” from the top edge of your pocket fabric and draw a horizontal line.
- Then, measure down another ½” and draw a second line.
- Draw a 7″ rectangle between the lines, centering it horizontally (3½” from the center mark on each side).
- Measure down 1/4 inch from the top of the rectangle and draw another horizontal line.
- Mark triangle marks at the ends for clipping.
Tip: You can use a zipper pocket template if you have one, or make your own.
I’ll show you how to do that in an upcoming tutorial!
Step 2: Sew the Zipper Pocket Box
- Place the pocket piece right sides together with the lining piece, aligning the center marks.
- Measure 2″ down from the top of the lining and pin the pocket in place.
- Sew around the rectangle, pivoting at each corner. Backstitch at the beginning and end of stitching.
Step 3: Cut the Zipper Opening
- Fold the pocket in half vertically along the center slit line and make a small clip with scissors to start the cut.
- Cut along the center line and out toward the triangle corners without cutting the stitching.
- Flip the pocket fabric through the opening to the back side and press it flat.
Step 4: Insert the Zipper
- If you’re using zipper-by-the-yard, attach the zipper pull now. (For a more detailed demo, check my other tutorials.)
- Apply a thin bead of fabric glue or use a glue stick around the inside edge of the box.
- Place the zipper on the right side up, centered on the opening.
- Flip the fabric over, adjust the zipper from the back, and press with an iron to secure.
Step 5: Topstitch Around the Zipper Box
- Switch to a zipper foot and adjust your needle to the left or right if needed. You want to sew about 1/8 inch from the fabric edge of the box.
- Use a slightly longer stitch length (3.0mm) and topstitch around the zipper.
- Hold the thread tails for the first few stitches to prevent bunching.
Move the zipper pull out of the way as you sew.
Step 6: Finishing the Zipper Pocket
- Fold the bottom of the pocket piece in half, right sides together, lining up the top edge.
- Clip or pin the sides and top edge.
- Sew around the three edges with a ⅜” seam allowance using your regular presser foot and a 2.5mm stitch length. Do not sew the bottom fold.
That’s It!
You’ve just added a zipper pocket to your project—wasn’t that easier than you thought?
It’s neat, functional, and professional-looking.
This pocket is now ready to be inserted into my crossbody bag project.
Be sure to check out the crossbody bag tutorial and pattern!
Want to Learn More?
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss future tutorials.
Visit youmakeitsimple.com store for patterns and printables.
Happy sewing!
4 Comments
I would like to learn how to make your crossbody bag!
Awesome. The tutorial is on its way! It will upload to YouTube next week.
What dimensions would I use? I would like to add a zipper to your boxy pouch!
In this tutorial I go over the details about how much to cut out for a zipper pouch. Here is the link.
https://youtu.be/7r6pRIWG9DQ?si=G4M2Z5BpPhnBl7KT&t=486
Let me know if you have any further questions.