DIY Travel Pouch Tutorial

In this blog, I’ll guide you step by step on how to make a stylish and functional travel pouch with a zipper, boxed corners, and a handy handle.

DIY Kit Vintage Silk Kimono Travel Pouch / トラベルポーチの着物DIYセット

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Exclusive Travel Pouch Video Tutorial

Explore the full step-by-step guide in my video: Watch on YouTube.

Material You Need:

• Outer fabric: 2 pieces, 33 × 21 cm (13 × 8¼ in)

• Lining fabric: 2 pieces, 33 × 21 cm (13 × 8¼ in)

• Handle fabric: 1 piece, 8 × 16 cm (3⅛ × 6¼ in)

• Zipper: 30 cm (≈12 in)

• A Japanese Tassel
  

  
  

1. Prepare the fabrics

• Cut all fabric pieces to the dimensions above.

• Optional: If using fusible interfacing, iron it onto the back of the outer fabric, leaving 1.5 cm along the edges free to make stitching easier.
  

2. Attach the zipper

• Make a small notch at the centre of each outer fabric and lining piece, where the zipper will be placed.

• Place the zipper face down along the top edge of one outer fabric piece and clip it in place.
  

  

• Layer the corresponding lining piece on top, right side down.

• Sew about 5 mm (¼ in) from the edge to secure the zipper.

• Open the fabric pieces to one side and topstitch along the edge to secure the zipper neatly.

• Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper with the remaining outer and lining pieces.
  

3. Sew the bottom edges

• Place the outer fabric pieces right sides together and sew along the bottom edge with a 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance.
  

  

• Place the lining pieces right sides together and sew along the bottom edge with a 1 cm seam allowance, leaving a 10 cm (4 in) opening in the center for turning later.

• Press all bottom seams open with an iron.
  

  

4. Create boxed corners

• Align the centre of the zipper with the centre of the bottom seam of the outer and lining fabrics and clip together.
  

  

• Measure 4 cm across and 3 cm up from each bottom corner and cut along the lines.

  

• Sew along the side edges with a 1 cm seam allowance.
  

  

• Trim the seam allowances slightly.
  

5. Turn the pouch right side out

• Pull the pouch through the opening in the lining.

• Close the opening in the bottom of the lining.
  

  

  
  

• Layer the fabric corners of the outer and lining pieces together.`

• Sew with a 1 cm seam allowance to reinforce the boxed corners.

  

• Trim the seam allowances slightly.

• Repeat for the other corner.
  

6. Make and attach the handle

• Fold the strip of handle fabric to 2 cm width and sew along the edges.

• Attach the handle near the zipper opening.
  

  

7. Finish the pouch

• Sew around the boxed corners with a 1 cm seam allowance from the lining fabrics.
  

  

• Turn the pouch right side out.

• Push out the corners gently with your fingers

• Add the included tassel for a cute finishing touch!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this project! Share your feedback, tips, or questions in the comments on my YouTube video—I read every single one.