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    Home » Sewing » Free Sewing Patterns

    How to Make Canvas Zip Bags Perfect for Valentine’s Day

    Updated: Jan 18, 2023 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · Leave a Comment

    Stitch up a set of simple canvas zip bags that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion with our free zip pouch sewing tutorial.

    white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop
    Table of Contents
    • About the Bags
    • Zip Bag Designs
    • Video Instructions

    Recently I stitched up a set of zippered pouches to gift to my girlfriends on Valentine’s Day. The bags are so simple to create that you can stitch up a bunch in an afternoon. They are also a great project for a crafternoon!

    About the Bags

    white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop

    The bags are constructed from white canvas (sometimes called duck cloth). To soften my canvas I washed and dried the cut of fabric before I started sewing. I love how washing and tumble drying gives the canvas a soft, wrinkly texture. I’ve done this with a darker color canvas as well and have always loved how it turns out.

    white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop

    The lining of the bags is created from Riley Blake quilting cotton. I took my inspiration for the colors on the front of the bags from the lining fabric.

    white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop

    Zip Bag Designs

    white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop

    I designed 3 different bags:

    • LOVE Zip Pouch
    • 3 Hearts Pouch
    • Red Heart Pouch

    The downloadable template includes applique patterns for all 3 versions. Mix and match the appliques any way that you’d like.

    Video Instructions

    I’ve created a short video of the construction process. It’s a “sped up” version and should give you a really good overview of the construction steps to create the bags!

    white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop

    Canvas Zip Pouch Tutorial

    Melissa Mortenson
    Create these adorable "love" and "heart" canvas zip bags perfect for Valentine's Day with our free pattern.
    4.50 from 2 votes
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    Prep Time 31 mins
    Active Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 1 min

    Equipment

    • Sewing Machine
    • Basic Sewing Tools
    • Rotary Cutter
    • Cutting Mat
    • Small Sharp Scissors

    supplies

    • 2 pieces Canvas 8" x 10" – I like to prewash my canvas before I use it to soften it
    • 2 pieces Lining Fabric 8" x 10"
    • 1 8" or 9" Zipper
    • 1 piece Heat N Bond Lite
    • 1-3 pieces Felt Color and quantity depends on which bag you are making
    • 1 Template fill out the form above

    Instructions
     

    Create the Applique

    • Download and print out the template for the hearts & "love".
      paper and templates on white cutting mat with hand and pencil
    • Trace the design you want onto the paper side of the heat n bond.
    • Cut out loosely.
    • Iron on the wrong side of the felt, according to the directions on the package of heat n bond.
      red felt and scissors on white cutting mat
    • Cut out again, precisely this time.
      hand holding red cut out heart

    Attach to Bag

    • Remove the paper backing and place the cutout applique shape on the front of your 8" x 10" canvas bag piece.
      hand holding red cut out heart
    • Adhere it using your iron.
      3 hearts on white canvas
    • Stitch around the applique with your sewing machine close to the edge of the shape.

    Create the Zip Pouch

    • Pin the right side of the zipper to the right side of the top of the canvas front piece (the piece with the applique).
      DIY Leather Trimmed Zippered Pouch by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com
    • Pin the right side of the lining piece to the wrong side of the zipper.
    • Using the zipper foot for your sewing machine, stitch in place.
    • Repeat steps with the other canvas and lining pieces on the other side of the zipper.
    • Press the seams away from the zipper and topstitch along the sides of the zipper.
      DIY Leather Trimmed Zippered Pouch by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com
    • Unzip the zipper.
      Pin the canvas pieces and lining pieces together, right sides facing. When you pin, be sure to have the teeth of the zipper facing the lining.
    • Stitch around the outside edge using a ½" seam allowance, leave a 4" opening in the lining.
      DIY Leather Trimmed Zippered Pouch by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com
    • Turn right side out. Test to make sure it zips properly.
    • Turn under the raw edges in the lining and stitch closed using a sewing machine or a hand sewing needle.
      white canvas zip pouches with red lettering and hearts on white tabletop

    Video

    Notes

    If you need extra help constructing the zip bag portion of this pattern, you can find a more detailed step by step video tutorial saved on my Instagram Story highlights- visit my IG profile and click on the “Bag Sew Along”.
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    Tried this tutorial?Let us know how it was!

    More Zip Bag Tutorials & Patterns

    How to Make a Quilt As you go Pencil Pouch

    Sweetheart Zip Pouch Tutorial

    One Zip Pouch, 3 Ways

    40 Free Zippered Bag Tutorials

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

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    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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    All my images and text are copyrighted. You may NOT use any images from this site in any kind of Video (this includes YouTube). If you would like to feature my work, you may use ONE (1) NON-COLLAGED image and must “follow” link back to my original blog post. You may NOT edit, crop, or change my images in any way without written permission. You MAY NOT print out or copy and distribute any text, images or patterns from this site. All patterns, content, instructions, and templates are for personal use ONLY! Thank you! Violators will be reported.

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