This last week I've made a couple pouches like this one and like all zipper pouches, they are a pleasure to make. There are so many details you can change--even just slightly--to switch it up and keep it interesting.
At this point, I almost always sew zipper pouches the "improv" way. Sewing this way is super simple and not having a bunch of small pattern pieces to keep track of makes me as happy as a clam at high tide.
This one is basically the Improv Zip Wristlet, but with only one guideline, the front pocket has space both above and below the zipper, and the corners aren't boxed, but were rounded off using a spool of thread (274 yards) as the outline.
Having space both above and below the zipper requires a few slight changes, but those of you who know what you are doing enough to make the Improv Zip Wristlet can handle it, or leave a comment if you have a question.
For this pouch I wanted to make it for an iPhone 6 (5.44" x 2.64" x 0.28").
The pattern piece for this one is:
- 7.5" wide (19.05cm) x 4.5" high (11.43cm) and the guideline is at 1.25" (32mm)
Somebody tell me if I'm doing the metric numbers correct! Argh...metric numbers are still a tad bit baffling to me. When I say 19.05cm, I mean 19cm + 5mm. Is that what 19.05cm means to you? Or do they need to be formatted with a comma (19,05). That just looks so odd to me, but I'll get with the program if using a comma is the correct way.
These dimensions came from the equation on the last page of the Improv Zip Wristlet pattern, but I added an additional 0.25" to the width because there are more materials in the side seams with this pouch. This one has additional fabric layers along each side + the zipper ends, and every little bit adds up to take more space.
The nice thing is it's very well padded. If it feels snug on your phone, it will stretch out with use. You can help it stretch by stuffing if with clean plastic bags or scrap fabric, putting a heavy book(s) on top of it, and letting it sit for a few days. Make the next one slightly larger, or use a smaller SA if you don't want it quite so fitted.
In case you are wondering about the fabrics, the exterior fabric is a Japanese cotton dobby from around 2008 and the lining is a Nani Iro double gauze from around the same time.
Finally, if you are wondering about the details for the pouch made from the brown Japanese fabric that has the zipper from the Intro to Improv Zip Pouches pattern and the dimensions are:
- 6.75" wide (17.15cm) x 4.75" high (12.07cm) and the guideline is also at 1.25" (32mm)
