Crochet Zipper Pouch: A Simple Pouch and How to Sew In the Zip

The pattern

1. Row 1: Ch 31. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (30)
2. Rows 2–40: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. The piece is about 8½ × 10 in. (30)
3. Edging: Sc along the two short edges (the top edges of the pouch) for a neat line to sew the zipper to. Fasten off.
4. Fold and seam: Fold the rectangle in half so the short edges meet. Sl st or whipstitch the two sides closed, leaving the top open.

How to sew in the zipper

1. Close the zipper and turn the pouch inside out.
2. Pin one side: place the zipper face down along one top edge, with the teeth just below the edge of the crochet. Pin every inch.
3. Sew: with doubled thread, backstitch along the zipper tape, close to the teeth, catching the crochet stitches but not going through to the front.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. Tidy the ends: fold the zipper tape ends down and tack them to the side seams.
6. Turn right side out and test the zip.

Open the zipper halfway while sewing the second side — it gives you room to work.

Make it your own

• Lined pouch: sew a fabric lining to the zipper tape before inserting it.
• Textured: work the body in moss stitch or lemon peel.
• Charm: clip a crochet keychain to the zipper pull.
• Bigger: ch 41 and 54 rows for an 11½ × 7 in pouch with a 12-in zip.

Common questions

Can I add a zipper without a sewing machine?

Yes — hand sewing is actually easier with crochet, because you can catch the stitches exactly where you want them.

What length zipper do I need?

The same as the width of the pouch opening, or up to ½ in shorter.

My zipper ripples — why?

The crochet edge stretched while sewing. Pin more closely, don't pull the fabric, and work an extra sc edging to stabilise it first.

What will you keep in your pouch? ✏️