Our site is getting a makeover! Please bear with us whilst we make improvements

Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern & Tutorial

Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern & Tutorial

For the love of cute! We are totally smitten with these decorative star zippers… Not only is there a cute star zip pull, but there are cut-out stars along the zipper tape! Inserting these decorative exposed zips has a slightly different construction method to regular zips so we just HAD to put together a tutorial for you to show off their star splendour. Read on for our Exposed Zipper Pouch free pattern & tutorial.

This free pattern has been sized and designed to fit these 25cm Star Lace Edge Decorative Zips. If you have smaller 20cm Lace edge Zips to hand then go check out this post as the pattern there fits a smaller length zip

In the free pattern there are 2 options available for you to sew.

  • Option 1: uses 1 fabric for the outer panel. This is ideal for a border print fabric, larger print fabrics or if you want a quicker sew

  • Option 2: uses 2 fabrics on the outer panel. Perfect to add a little more interest to your design and show off complementary fabrics

  • A sewing project for:  Adventurous beginner
  • Finished Dimensions: 26cm x 17cm 
  • Approximate sewing time:  in an afternoon

Important Notes:

  • 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
  • Prepare your fabrics as per the manufacturer’s care advice
  • WST = Wrong Sides Together
  • RST = Right Sides Together
  • Read through the instructions fully before starting
  • We use fusible fleece in this project which can add bulk to your seams. We trim these out but you may prefer to cut the fleece without the seam allowance

You Will Need:

For Option 1:

For Option 1
ItemAmount requiredWe used
The Pattern: Available here
Fabric A: Cotton Fabric for outer1 Fat QuarterRiley Blake – Imagine – Dragonfly Flight Yellow
Fabric B: Cotton Fabric for lining1 Fat Quarter Riley Blake – Imagine – Hexie Sprinkle Orange
25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip  1Turquoise:  25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip 
Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece50cmVlieseline / Vilene Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece H640 – White 
Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium50cmVlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium G700 – White
Removable light tack tapeScotch Magic Invisible Tape

For Option 2
ItemAmount requiredWe used
The Pattern: Available here
Fabric A: Cotton Fabric for outer main1 Fat QuarterRiley Blake – Imagine – Dragonfly Flight Teal
Fabric B: Cotton Fabric for lining1 Fat Quarter Riley Blake – Imagine – Shooting Stars Hot Pink
Fabric C: Cotton Fabric for outer contrast1 Fat Quarter Riley Blake – Imagine – Colour Wheel White
25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip  1Turquoise:  25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip 
Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece50cmVlieseline / Vilene Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece H640 – White 
Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium50cmVlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium G700 – White
Removable light tack tapeScotch Magic Invisible Tape

Let’s make the Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern!

Step 1: Request Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern

Print & Assemble your pattern pieces. You can request the pattern here. This pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

IMPORTANT: Use the 1” / 2cm test square to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option.

 

Step 2

Cut out your fabrics and interfacings according to the pouch option you are making

For Option 1

From Pattern Piece 1  :

 

    • 2 x outer

    • 2 x lining

    • 2 x fusible fleece

    • 2 x woven interfacing

For Option 2

From Pattern Piece 1  :

 

    • 2 x lining

    • 2 x fusible fleece

From Pattern Piece 2  :

 

    • 2 x outer main

    • 2 x woven interfacing

From Pattern Piece 3  :

 

    • 2 x outer contrast

    • 2 x woven interfacing

Step 3: Apply the interfacings 

 

    1. Iron the woven interfacing to the wrong side of your outer fabrics For full instructions on how to apply woven interfacing please check out this post 
    2. Iron on fusible fleece to the lining following the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Step 4: (Option 2 only) Sew the outer panel

 

    1. Take 1 x outer main and 1 x outer contrast & place RST & sew along the longest edge. Repeat for the other 1 outer panel.

4. Press seams open, and then towards the darker fabric. Topstitch close to the seam line, if desired.

Step 5: Prepare the panels

     

      1. On the top edge of your pouch mark 1cm in from each edge on all the outer & lining pieces

       

      Marck 1cm in from each edge on all outer and lining pieces on the top edge of your pouch

             

              1. With outer panel & lining RST sew along the top edge between the marks you’ve just made

               

              Sew along the top edge between the marks you've just made

                 

                     

                      1. Repeat for the remaining outer & lining panels
                      2. Cut away the fusible fleece from the seam allowance taking care not to snip through your stitching or fabric. Applique scissors are a great tool for this job.

                      Cut away fusible fleece from the seam allowance

                         

                             

                              1. Using a pressing cloth, carefully press the seams open ensuring the iron doesn’t touch the fusible fleece. Then press the seam allowance towards the lining. You should have a crisp seam line.
                              2. Understitch: open out the panel and make sure the seam allowance is pressed to the lining side. Sew the seam allowance to the lining side, sewing approx. 2mm from the seamline between the marks. This will ensure your lining is not vising and the panels “roll away” from the zip. Your lining will now look like this

                               

                                Understitch and sew the seam allowance to the lining side, sewing approximately 2mm from the seamline between the marks.

                                   

                                     

                                      1. Fold the panel along the seamline with WST, then cover with a pressing cloth and press.
                                      2. Repeat steps 5-11 for the other outer & lining panel.

                                      Step 6: How to insert a lace edge exposed zip

                                       

                                        1. Check the zip works.
                                        2. Open one panel out flat and position the zipper teeth so they are on the lining side of the seam, close to the seamline.
                                        3. Tape the zip in place with the Scotch Magic Tape.

                                      Tape the zip in place

                                         

                                         

                                          1. Sew the zip with co-ordinating thread using your zipper foot between the marks

                                         

                                        Sew the zip with coordinating thread between the marks using zipper foot

                                           

                                             

                                              1. Repeat steps 14 – 16. for the other panel ensuring the 2 panels line up. Folding the lining of the first panel under it’s outer.

                                             

                                            Fold the lining of the first panel under its outer

                                            Step 7: Assemble the zipper pouch

                                               

                                                1. Check the zip then leave the pull halfway
                                                2. Open out the panels to bring the 2 x outer and 2 x lining fabrics right sides together and pin/ clip the bottom edges together.
                                                3. Sew both bottom edges, leaving a 10cm turning gap in the lining.
                                                4. Align the zip tape ends and pin/ clip them together.
                                                5. Pin/ Clip and sew the 2 sides.
                                                6. [Optional but recommended] Trim out the fusible fleece from the seam allowances

                                               

                                                        Assemble the zipper pouch

                                                           

                                                           

                                                            1. One at a time open out the corners and align the side and base seam lines with the seam allowances open.
                                                            2. Align the edges, then pin then sew them together.

                                                            Align the edges, then pin then sew them together.

                                                              Turn the purse out the right way

                                                                  26. Turn the pouch out the right way

                                                                  27. Sew the gap in the lining closed using either machine or hand sew with ladder stitch

                                                                  And you’re finished. Congratulations!

                                                                  Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover

                                                                  Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover

                                                                  A hot water bottle is a must-have for chilly nights, and a handmade cover adds a personal touch. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to create a snug, stylish hot water bottle cover using plush and quilting cotton fabrics. Perfect for gifting or a cosy addition to your home,this project is beginner-friendly, fun to customise and great for all skill levels.

                                                                  Plush fabric is gorgeously soft, tactile, and luxurious. If you’re new to this type of fabric – check out our guide here for the full low down.

                                                                  This hot water bottle cover comes together pretty quickly. You can easily sew it in an afternoon and it would make a great handmade gift.

                                                                  We have provided a free printed pattern template up can download below sized to fit a standard 2 litre hot water bottle measuring 33cm (h) 20 cm (w) approx.

                                                                  We used this hot water bottle to create our pattern. If you’re making several of these for gifts then the template will also fit this pack of 3 hot water bottles

                                                                  Pin for later!

                                                                  Materials You Will Need To Make This Hot Water Bottle Cover

                                                                  MaterialAmountNotes
                                                                  Exterior Fabric50cm (20 inches)plush for softness or quilting cotton  for style.
                                                                  Lining Fabric30cm (12 inches)We used calico
                                                                  wadding30cm (12 inches)If you’re unsure which wadding to use then check out this post for my thoughts

                                                                  25mm bias binding

                                                                  1m (40 inches)DIY from cotton or store-bought
                                                                   ThreadPolyester for durability

                                                                  Exterior Fabric Rectangle Sizes

                                                                  Cut the following pieces from your chosen exterior fabric:

                                                                  • Front Panel: 41cm (height) x 29cm (width)
                                                                  • Back Top Panel: 22cm (height) x 29cm (width)
                                                                  • Back Bottom Panel: 26cm (height) x 29cm (width)

                                                                  Sewing equipment you will need

                                                                    • Important Notes to Keep in Mind

                                                                      • Seam Allowance: Use a 1cm seam allowance for all steps unless mentioned otherwise.
                                                                      • Sewing Tips: When using your sewing machine, always straight stitch with a 2.5mm stitch length. Don’t forget to backstitch at the start and end of each seam to secure it.
                                                                      • Fabric Prep: Make sure to prepare your fabrics according to the manufacturer’s care instructions (e.g., washing or pressing).
                                                                      • Finishing Seams: We used an overlocker (serger) to prevent fraying, but no worries if you don’t have one! Check out our guide for alternative seam finishing methods.
                                                                      • Key Terms:
                                                                        • WST: Wrong Sides Together.
                                                                        • RST: Right Sides Together.
                                                                      • Before You Begin: Take a few minutes to read through the instructions from start to finish – it’ll make the sewing process much smoother!
                                                                      • Safety First: Always follow your hot water bottle’s usage and care instructions. And remember, never overfill it!

                                                                    How To Sew A Hot Water Bottle Cover

                                                                    1. Print and assemble your pattern

                                                                    Print out the PDF pattern on A4 paper at 100% and check the 1″ square measures 1 inch

                                                                    You will need to print two copies of pattern piece A, two copies of pattern piece B & one copy of pattern piece C

                                                                    Stick one copy of pattern pieces A & B together matching the sides. This makes the front pattern piece of the hot water bottle cover

                                                                    Stick one copy of pattern pieces B & C together. This makes the back top pattern of the hot water bottle cover

                                                                    The remaining pattern piece A makes the back top pattern piece of the cosy. You pattern should look like this

                                                                    #image_title

                                                                    2. Cut The Fabrics

                                                                    For the front panels

                                                                      • 41 x 29cm (h x w) of chosen outer fabric (if you are piecing fabrics see note below)

                                                                    If you are using a variety of prints on your front panel: Cut and lay out your fabric pieces as you desire. Our quilting cotton section measured approx. 29cm wide x  29cm high . We then added a strip of Plush fabric to the top which measured approx 29cm wide x 15cm high

                                                                    If you are using plush fabric pay attention to the fabric nap. Make sure you have enough pieced fabric to cover the front printed pattern piece with some overhang.

                                                                      For the back panels

                                                                      From your exterior fabric cut 2 rectangles

                                                                          • Back Top Panel: 22 x 29cm (h x w)
                                                                          • Back Bottom Panel: 26 x 29cm (h x w)

                                                                        Cut the lining & wadding

                                                                        Cut the lining fabric and wadding pieces a little larger than the outer fabric panel pieces to assist with quilting.

                                                                        For each panel piece layer your fabrics to make a “quilt sandwich”. Lining fabric at the bottom, then layer the wadding, then the exterior fabric.

                                                                        3. Quilt your panel pieces

                                                                        On the front panel & both back panel pieces, quilt the fabrics as desired. I chose a simple straight lines approx 1″ apart but quilt to suit you.

                                                                        Now place the printed pattern  pieces on to the corresponding quilted panels.

                                                                        Pin or weight the pattern down on the fabrics and cut around the printed pattern outline. I find this easiest using a small 28mm rotary cutter.

                                                                        Your work will now look something like this

                                                                        4. Make & Attach the bias binding

                                                                        Make your binding strips for the back panel pieces by cutting a 25mm x WOF (Width Of Fabric) strip of fabric. Fold in half matching the long edges and press along the length.

                                                                        Attach and pin/ clip the binding to back pieces lining side up matching the fabric raw edges with the edge of the back pieces as shown

                                                                        Stitch the binding in place using a 1/4″ seam.

                                                                        Press the seam away from the lining, flip the folded edge of the binding to the right side of the cover. Clip and top stitch in place very close to the binding edge.

                                                                        Do this for both back panels.

                                                                        Now you’re ready to sew it together!

                                                                        Lay the quilted panel pieces on top of each other in this order

                                                                            • Front panel right side up
                                                                            • Back top panel right side down
                                                                            • Back bottom panel right side down

                                                                          Secure with clips and stitch all the way around the edge using a 1cm seam allowance.

                                                                          Finish the seams with your preferred method. Check out our post here for a few ideas.

                                                                          If you prefer (and your overlocker is happy with all the layers) you can overlock around the edges – but watch out for those curves!

                                                                          And you’re done!

                                                                          Now fill her up with hot water & get cosy toes next time it’s a bit chilly!

                                                                          Hot Water Bottle Cover Sewing Tutorial

                                                                          Hot Water Bottle Cover Sewing Tutorial

                                                                          Sew Your Own Appliquéd Christmas Bunting Tutorial

                                                                          Sew Your Own Appliquéd Christmas Bunting Tutorial

                                                                          Deck the halls with boughs of holly, tra la la la!

                                                                          There’s still time to top up your bank of Christmas memories & sew some fun festive bunting for the family to enjoy year after year…

                                                                          This easy project is a brilliant little scrap buster. We’ve provided some cute (and FREE!) appliqué templates for you which can can request here

                                                                          We’ve gone to town with the applique shapes & you can choose from Rudolf, a Christmas tree, present, a stocking, some holly, a bell, a gingerbread man, a bauble, a star – will you use them all?!

                                                                          We’ve also suggested 2 finishes for your flags – pinked & stitched or turned & top stitched… choose whichever tickles your festive pickle!

                                                                          We have used calico for the bunting flags- it’s economical & a great neutral background to showcase any colour scheme to help your scraps sing!

                                                                          You Will Need:

                                                                          Make life easier with:

                                                                          A sewing project for : Beginners

                                                                          Approximate sewing time: Sew it in an afternoon!

                                                                          Important Notes:

                                                                          • ¼” (0.5mm) seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise directed.
                                                                          • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
                                                                          • When topstitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
                                                                          • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
                                                                          • Read through the instructions fully before starting  

                                                                          Request the templates:

                                                                          [mailerlite_form form_id=5]

                                                                          Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

                                                                          Make it easier with:

                                                                          Pin For Later!

                                                                          Important Notes:

                                                                          • 1.5cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
                                                                          • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
                                                                          • When topstitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
                                                                          • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
                                                                          • Read through the instructions fully before starting 

                                                                          Sew Christmas Bunting

                                                                          The template pieces we have put together can be downloaded above.

                                                                          If you have a laminator laminate your template pieces as it will make it easier to trace around them. Cut out your template pieces.

                                                                          1. Cut a 25cm strip of calico and mark your flags as shown in the photo. Cut along your marked lines to create your flags.

                                                                          Top tip: Use a pinking blade in your rotary cutter for an attractive rustic finish.

                                                                          2. Prepare your appliqué pieces by tracing round your appliqué shapes on the smooth side of the Bondaweb paper ensuring you leave a few millimetres around the outline when you cut them out.

                                                                          3. Iron your Bondaweb shape to the wrong side of your fabric and then cut along your drawn outline line.

                                                                          4. Score the paper of your Bondaweb with a pin and carefully tear off the paper revealing the adhesive

                                                                          Pin For Later!

                                                                          5. Iron your appliqué pieces onto your fabric flags taking care to place the layers of the appliqué in the correct order.

                                                                          6. Carefully stitch around the edge of your appliqué. Popular choices of stitch are blanket stitch (pictured) zig-zag stitch and running stitch but you could use others depending on the look you are after.

                                                                          7. Decide the look of your finished flags and choose the appropriate next step.

                                                                          8. Turned & topstitched: With right sides together stitch your flag with a 5mm seam allowance. Closely trim the point of your flag and turn the right way. Press and topstitch.

                                                                          Pinked & Stitched: With wrong sides together stitch your flag with a 5mm seam allowance.

                                                                          9. Iron your bias binding in half which will make stitching it easier.

                                                                          Place your flags at equal intervals along the bias binding (ours were approx 10cm apart) placing the flags within the fold of the bias binding and pin or use Wonder Clips (which make this part *much* easier) and sew.

                                                                          And you’re finished, well done!

                                                                          We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have a wonderful Christmas!

                                                                          Pin For Later!

                                                                          New pattern alert! 🚨 Wanna make your own custom IKEA KALLAX storage boxes?

                                                                          New pattern alert! 🚨 Wanna make your own custom IKEA KALLAX storage boxes?

                                                                          Do you have cube storage units around your home? We absolutely love them here at The Studio, crammed full of haberdashery goodness!

                                                                          Ikea Kallax Fabric Storage Box

                                                                          Ready made storage boxes can be quite boring & might not match the decor in your home. We were super excited to team up with Makower to bring you the pattern for these beautiful boxes!

                                                                          Ikea Kallax Storage Boxes

                                                                           

                                                                          Fabric Storage Boxes

                                                                          It’s a completely free pattern available to download and is suitable for IKEA Kallax unit and lots of other cube furniture out there, measuring 12 ½” x 14 ½” x 12 ½”. 

                                                                           

                                                                          PInterest Sew Your Own Fabric Storage Box

                                                                          Even if you don’t have the cube storage units, they’re a great storage solution for any shelving for toys, magazines, anything you can think of!

                                                                           

                                                                          The boxes are super sturdy as they have Buckram inside and even have a little PVC label pouch at the front so you can be super organised! If you’re worried about sewing a huge cube, don’t worry! It has a flip up base to make it easier to manage on your sewing machine.  

                                                                          We have put together a kit with all of the bits and pieces you need to make the storage box or if you’d LOVE to use the fabrics we used, we have Henna available on the website too.

                                                                          Loving the fabrics we used? Henna is a brand new Makower fabric collection featuring bold blooms and geometric prints. Designed by Beth Studley, these fabrics are inspired by Henna body art and feature mandalas, florals and chevrons. The bold colours are sure to make a statement on any project!

                                                                          We can’t wait to see your storage boxes and what you make with Makower’s Henna collection!

                                                                          Learn All About Digital Print Fabric

                                                                          Learn All About Digital Print Fabric

                                                                           

                                                                          Have you ever heard that digital printing on fabric is more eco friendly?!

                                                                          Were you curious about Digital Print Fabric & wondered what it even is?

                                                                          We’re here to help! Grab a coffee & learn all about digital print fabric and the print industry!

                                                                          Digital Print Fabric

                                                                          So what’s the explanation for this method being more environmentally friendly…

                                                                          It’s all about energy consumption!

                                                                          Digitally printed fabrics can be less wasteful than screen printed fabrics because the printing process involves:

                                                                            • Minimised ink usage

                                                                            • Less water is used due to screens not needing to be washed between colours 

                                                                            • Smaller print runs are possible

                                                                            • Reduction in unnecessary waste is likely 

                                                                          All of this combined means that less energy is used, resulting in a smaller environmental impact.

                                                                          It all contributes, every little bit helps!

                                                                          digitally printed fabric

                                                                           

                                                                          Fabrics that have been printed using a digital fabric printed DO indeed look different from other printing methods in textile manufacturing, that are traditionally seen in the textile industry… the colours ARE brighter… the images ARE sharper and as a matter of fact the print can often look photographic!

                                                                          This vibrancy is achieved because the printer and printing inks used are similar to an inkjet printer like you use at home (albeit a LOT bigger!).

                                                                          As well as more colours being used to create some visually VIVID fabric!

                                                                          Digital fabric is precise & consistent much like screen printing allowing for printing machines to create sharper edges.

                                                                          Ink jet is also less likely to bleed – giving you the crisp AND the sharp!

                                                                          digital fabric is precise and consistent

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                          Have you considered trying digital printed fabric before? 

                                                                          We’d love to hear your thoughts on this fabric!