project: vinyl (and neon!) zip pouch

A simple zip pouch is a handy thing to have. They are useful for all kinds of things, from lip gloss and cash to game pieces and snacks. This particular pouch makes it easy to see what's inside AND it allows you to jump on the neon trend, without going too bright and crazy!

Working with vinyl can be a little tricky, because you don't want to pin it and leave holes in the material. Likewise, every stitch you take had better be the right one! Still, it's fun and it doesn't need to be hemmed, making it perfect for me and my love of raw edges.



Here's what you need:
Clear vinyl (I'm using a heavier weight, but thinner would work too)
Zipper (any size)
Embroidery floss (mine is neon-like colors, not the slick stuff)
A sharp needle

The size and proportions on this bag are completely flexible. Cut the vinyl into a piece that is the total width of your zipper (not just the zippy part!), and twice as tall as you want your final pouch to be.




Using all six strands of embroidery floss, stitch the vinyl to the underside of the zipper. Knot at each end.



Using a second color of embroidery floss (if you'd like) stitch the other end of the vinyl to the underside of the second side of the zipper.

Work with the right sides out, because you won't be able to turn the bag without crunching the vinyl (You might not be able to turn it at all, depending on the size of your pouch!) This is a bit more tricky than you'd expect, because the zipper is held together at one end, but you can do it!

If you're having a hard time keeping the vinyl in place while you stitch, try painter's tape to hold it.




Now, stitch down the sides and knot it at the bottom. You can wrap the floss around the folded vinyl, like shown.




Now you've got a pouch ready to fill with goodies!



Like some embroidery supplies!





While we're on the topic, did you know you can embroider on clear vinyl? It's one of the materials that we worked with in the first online class that I taught, which is now in my shop as a PDF class.