Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Small pouches reusing jeans zippers

My latest project started from the idea of using zippers from denim jeans—I decided to make zippered pouches. 
 
All the materials I used are repurposed, mostly small fabric scraps. For the outer fabric, I used denim, upholstery fabric, and old jackets, which I combined with smaller scraps left over from other projects. To add structure when using thin fabrics, I opted for a piece of a tablecloth instead of interfacing.

I made several models using fabrics with the same dimensions but different techniques. Since I had more ideas than metal zippers, I ended up using other small zippers I had, and even one with a snap button.

To determine the fabric size, I used the following rule:

Width = zipper width + 2 × seam allowance

Length = 2 × zipper width + 2 × seam allowance

Most zippers measured 12 cm, so I used fabric pieces 14 cm wide and 26 cm long. Width = 12 + 2 × 1 = 14 Length = 2 × 12 + 2 × 1 = 26

I made nine pouches with 12 cm zippers, one with a 13 cm zipper, one with a 15 cm zipper, and one with a snap button.

The assembly principle was the same, with small variations depending on the model. I started by sewing the zipper, joining the outer and lining fabrics and topstitching the zipper, then made adjustments according to each model.



Round pouches with enclosed seams – A and I

·        A – This was the first one I made, and I had difficulty because the zipper was very thick and had already been cut, which made it hard to sew the edges neatly. Also, since I used three layers of fabric (four in some places), the fold for the French seam was too wide and bulky, making it hard to sew.

·        I – For the blue one, I used thin denim and a metal zipper (from jeans), which helped reduce the thickness of the edges and made the pouch larger.

Flat pouches – B, F, and K

·        B – A simple pouch with lining. The only difference is that instead of using the outer fabric as a single piece, I cut it in half because it resembled an envelope.

·        F – To align the stripes, I had to unpick one, mark the position, and sew it back. When folding, I shifted the zipper about 2 cm downward and enclosed the seams with French seams.

·        K – This one has no lining; I finished it with an overlock stitch. I should have changed the bobbin thread to match the zipper color for a better look. It's larger than the others because the zipper was longer.

Cube-shaped pouches – C and H

·        C – When sewing the second side of the zipper, I left an opening to turn the pouch inside out after finishing, so all seams are enclosed.

·        H – I cut the corners and used French seams on them to enclose the seams.

Vertical pouches – E, J, and L

·        E – When folding, I shifted the zipper about 2 cm downward and made a fold at the bottom so it could stand upright. I finished the interior with bias tape.

·        J – This mini backpack is the only one without a zipper. I had no more 12 cm zippers, so to use the already cut fabric, I made this one. The construction method is not very different from the others.

·        L – This one has a 15 cm zipper, so it's larger than the others. I used upholstery fabric and decorated it with an applique like the ones I did on the kimono. I made square corners so it could stand vertically.

Expandable pouches – D and G

·        D – I made this one by accident while trying to make G and made a mistake, but I liked the result. When closed, the expandable part can face up or down—it's practically a 3-in-1.

·        G – This one is expandable with the opening on the side. I finished the interior with bias tape.

 

Measurement table

Modelo

Opening

(cm)

Length

(cm)

Width*

(cm)

Height

(cm)

Depth

(cm)

 Weight

(g)

A

8

-

10

-

-

21

B

10,5

12

12

-

-

24

C

10

9

8

4

-

24

D

Full

 10,5

8

8

5

-

25

D

Empty

10,5

8

12

-

-

25

E

10,5

10,5

45

-

5

25

F

8,5

12,5

10

-

-

27

G

10

8,5

11,5

5

-

27

H

9

8

6

5

 

27

I

9

-

11

-

-

29

J

10

-

9

10

3

21

K

12

-

14

13

-

29

L

13

-

15,5

12,5

5

38

* I’ve considered the lenght to be along the zipper

 

 
 



 


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