Zip Pouch Pattern Generator

Zippered boxy pouch for outdoor adventurers

Pattern Generator

zip pouch planCreate custom-sized stuff sacks effortlessly without complex calculations or 3D modeling. Simply input your desired finished 3D stuff sack dimensions, and our generator will calculate precise 2D pattern panels. Say goodbye to fabric waste and guesswork, especially if it's your first MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) project!

zip pouch pattern

Our provided panel dimensions already include the seam allowances. Additionally, note that the Zipper Allowance is 1/2 in. (13 mm)

  • Fabric Length:
  • Fabric Height:

Assembly Instructions

Sewing Made Simple: Your Beginner's Guide to Gear Making!

Materials

For guidance on suitable technical fabrics, recommendations, and trusted vendors, refer to our Fabrics Guide. Please note that this is a beginner-friendly project, and it is intended for non-fray technical fabrics. Therefore, seam binding or seam finishing techniques are not included in the instructions.

Materials Links
Medium-weight Pack Fabric such as
HyperD 300, Cordura 500, or ECOPAK EPX200
Ripstop by the Roll logo
Coil Zipper, YKK #3 or #5 Ripstop by the Roll logo
Coil Zipper Slider Ripstop by the Roll logo
Grosgrain Ribbon
1/2"-3/4" (13-20mm) wide, 4" (10cm) long
Ripstop by the Roll logo
Polyester Thread such as
Gutermann Sew-All or Gutermann MARA 70
Ripstop by the Roll logo
Machine Needles such as
Schmetz Universal size 90/14
Ripstop by the Roll logo

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Ultimate Beginner Guide

From Day 1 to Gear Making Guru
Detailed MYOG Guide and Essential Tools

Zero to Hero Guide
sewist

Measure and Cut

Pattern pieces

Based on units selected seam allowances are already included in the pattern. Not seeing measurements? Generate pattern dimensions above.

  1. Cut one Fabric Panel from your fabric.
    Length: input and Height: input
  2. Cut one Zipper. Height: input For more information on zippers, see our Zippers Guide.
  3. Cut two pull loops from grosgrain ribbon, each 3 in. (7.5cm) long.

To enhance clarity, we use light grey to represent the wrong side of the fabric and white to depict the right side in the illustrations. The red dashed line illustrates the seam being sewn.

Attach the Zipper

Sew first edge to zipper

Traditional zippers have teeth on the right side, while water-resistant zippers feature teeth on the opposite side. Learn more with our Zipper Guide.

  1. Align the zipper right sides together with the edge of the Fabric Panel. Using a zipper foot, sew with a 3/8" to 1/2" (10-13mm) seam allowance.
  2. To sew the opposite edge, first fold the other Fabric Panel over so its edge aligns with the zipper tape. With the zipper foot still installed, sew along the edge of the zipper tape, ensuring the fabric is right sides together. Use the same seam allowance of 3/8" to 1/2" (10-13mm).
  3. After sewing the zipper to both fabric panels, topstitch along the seam allowance on the right side of the fabric. This adds a decorative finish and helps to keep the fabric flat. Use a regular presser foot and sew close to the edge of the fabric, about 1/8 inch (3mm) away from the seam.
    📌 Before topstitching, open or separate the zipper to make the process easier and ensure smooth stitching along the fabric edge.
  4. Carefully install the zipper slider, ensuring it engages properly with the teeth. Move the slider up and down the zipper to test its functionality.
  5. Sew small grab loops to the ends of the zipper by folding each end of the grosgrain ribbon over the zipper tape and stitching securely with a 1/4 in. (6mm) seam allowance. These loops provide a convenient grip for opening and closing the zipper. Be careful not to break your needle as you sew over the zipper. And only sew through the top layer of the Fabric Panel.
Sew second edge to zipper Sew second edge to zipper Sew second edge to zipper

Top and Bottom Seams

Sew the ends of pouch closed
  1. Turn the pouch right sides together and center align the zipper.
  2. ⭐️ Double check your zipper pull is installed! ⭐️
  3. Sew the ends closed with the 3/8 in. seam allowance.
  4. Level up your Zip Pouch by finishing your raw edges. Simply fold and align grosgrain ribbon along the raw fabric edge, encasing it, and stitch close to the edge to secure it in place. Trim and melt any excess ribbon for a neat finish.This provides a clean and durable finish while preventing fraying.

Boxing the Ends

  1. Pull perpendicular to the end seams, press the sides inwards to form crisp boxed corners along the bottom seam.
  2. Finger press the end seam flat and square and then draw two marks from the left side:
    • 1/2 Height: input measurements
    • Bottom Width: input measurements
  3. At first mark, draw a height line perpendicular and square to bottom seam.
  4. Repeat again at the next mark.
  5. Stitch along the vertical lines forming the rectangular bottom.
  6. Before trimming off the corners, turn your bag right side out to check for overall symmetry.
  7. Trim the corners off about 3/8 in. from the seam.
  8. To bind the raw fabric edges with grosgrain ribbon, simply fold and align the ribbon along the raw edge, encasing it, and stitch close to the edge to secure it in place. Trim and melt any excess ribbon for a neat finish.
Pattern

Finishing Up

sample stuff sack
  1. Turn your Zip Pouch right side out one final time!
  2. Your high quality custom sized Zip Pouch is now ready for use! Transform your fabric scraps into versatile and practical gifts or enhance your gear organization with these fantastic bags.

👏 Congrats on making your own custom Zip Pouch!

If you're ready to tackle a more challenging project, check out the U-Zip Bag next!