Spooky Halloween Zipper Keychain Pouches
Recently, I received some a new FreeSpirit Fabrics collection—Spooky Cute Halloween by Mary Engelbreit. I knew I wanted the prints to all stand on their own in a small project that would be cute for the spooky season. That’s when I came up with this tutorial!
These mini keychain pouches have a zipper closure and are fully lined, with a mini strap on the end that you can add some purse hardware—either a keyring or a lobster claw works well. Wouldn’t these make the sweetest teacher gifts with a little gift card tucked inside? I love them for clipping inside my purse for a bit of cash, lip balm, or card that you want to keep close. You could also sew up a set for all your friends!
Skills Learned: Machine sewing, zippers
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: 4.5” x 3” (11.43cm x 7.62cm)
Fabric Requirements: 1/8 yard each main fabric and lining fabrics
Tips & Tricks
I wanted to share some tips I discovered when sewing these zipper pouches.
- First of all, don’t be afraid to turn your hand crank on the sewing machine when going over a zipper! You’re sewing through a lot of layers, so you want to go SLOW and avoid breaking a needle.
- Never underestimate the power of interfacing! I used ShapeFlex SF101 interfacing on the outer fabric layers, and it’s amazing what a difference it makes in the pressed pouch. It looks so professional!
- Keep sewing clips on hand for attaching zippers. They are so much easier than pins! Just clip, clip, clip…
- Finish sewing the lining of the pouch by machine. Yes, you could hand sew it closed. But it’ll be tucked inside, and you’ll be able to machine stitch it in a jiffy. I love this shortcut!
- Finally, when sewing a lined zipper pouch of any size, I have a fun method that I think you’ll love for attaching both sides to the zipper. You can read about it in the full tutorial. Yes, there are many ways to sew a lined zipper pouch, but this one makes so much sense and is easy for beginners! You’re gonna love it!
If you try this tutorial, I’d love to see your pouches! Tag me on Instagram @LindsaySews so I can admire them.
Lastly, if you need a sewing machine recommendation, I recommend Baby Lock. I’ve been an ambassador for Baby Lock sewing machines since 2013, and I absolutely adore every one I’ve stitched with! They are high-quality and let you focus on your creativity—not addressing sewing machine issues like skipped stitches. We’ve all been there, and it’s not pretty! I love that I don’t have to mess with any of that with my Baby Lock Ballad.
As always, you may use my affiliate link to save 10% on any machine, accessory, or software at Baby Lock.com.
Happy sewing!
