Let's Make Dumplings! Free Zip Pouch Tutorial.

Ok, are you ready to make dumplings???

These cute little pouches don't take long to make, and the construction is pretty basic. But keep in mind the zipper is attached to a steep curve, so these are a sewing project for those with intermediate sewing skills.  The tutorial assumes you know how to sew zippers, attach binding, etc. 

There are pattern pieces for two sizes are right here:

  Download Dumplings

You might want to try "The Easier One" first.  This one measures 5.25" x 2" at the base, and about 3.5" high (13 x 5 x 9cm). 

The one labeled "The Harder One" is even smaller and cuter, and a challenge to sew.  Just pay extra attention to getting the zipper lined up neatly before sewing the final steps.  This one can be made with a 12" zip, but then it is even harder!  The Harder One measures 4" x 2.5" at the base, and about 3" high (10 x 6 x 8cm).

Supplies

• fabric for exterior & lining
• fusible interfacing
• 7" of binding (seam binding, bias tape, fabric tape)
• 14"+ zipper
• ribbon for zip pull

1. Cut and interface pieces.

 

2. Mark zipper & clip.

 

On one end of the zipper tape, draw a guide line across the zipper at 2" (5cm) for The Easier One, or 2.5" (7cm) for The Harder One.

Clip the zipper tape on both sides.  Clip about 0.25" (7mm) in from the edge, with about 0.75" - 1" (2 - 2.5cm) in between clips. 

3. Unzip zipper and then hand baste it to exterior fabric.  Zipper and exterior fabric piece are RIGHT sides together.  Match the guide line to the fabric edges. 

4. Hand Baste lining in place on top of exterior fabric piece with attached zipper. 

5. Machine sew pieces together & then notch curves.

6. Turn right side out, and finger press seams around zipper.  Topstitch around edges of zipper.

 

7. Sew both ends & trim zipper.

 
Zip dumpling up so the lining side is facing out. If the fabric has shifted during sewing, the ends might be uneven.  Use a straight edge and pen to draw a straight line across the end as a sewing guide. 

Make sure the zipper teeth are lined up evenly on each side before sewing the ends in place.  At the top end of the zipper (where pull rests when zipper is closed) you might find it beneficial to hand baste the two sides of the zipper together to keep them even.

Open and close the zipper as necessary when sewing.  Make sure zip is open somewhat before sewing the end with the top of the zipper (i.e. pull needs to be somewhere along the dumpling curve before sewing the end). 

8. Cover the raw edges of both ends with binding.

 P.S. You can sell your dumplings. If you can give me credit by linking to the tutorial or my pattern shop that would be great.

 

Comments

[Doris]

Used your tut to make eight of these (seven small and one "big" one!) posted on my blog today...

[Rebecca]

Great tutorial. So so so easy to follow. Was able to sneak in a 12" zipper on the larger of the two patterns with no problems. Love it!

[Teje & Nero]

Hi! Thank you for a great tutorial! I haven't made any dumplings - yet, but I'm sure I will now! x Teje

[Jerri]

Love this pattern! I printed it out a couple months ago and didn't get to it. Then, I realized it would make a great Christmas gift for my knitting friends. I was slightly afraid of zippers, but now I've made 25! I haven't added the inside binding yet because I find that a little fiddly. I'm so excited to be prepared for the holidays! Thanks so much!

[Janelle]

Thank you for the pattern and tutorial. I had so much fun making my first dumpling that I had to make two more.

[Dipity-do-dah.blogspot.com]

Thank you thank you thank you! I have been trying to make a purse like this for some time and your tutorial is spot on. I can't believe how quickly i finished. Thank you again.

[Bridget]

WOW these are cute! I am gonna have to learn to sew zippers so I can make some!!

[nancy]

Love them, thank you for sharing.

[Chiara - Ideekiare]

Wow!!! Thank you very very much for this tutorial :))))

ciao ciao
Chiara

[D]

What a great tutorial, I can't wait to try it out!!! Thanks, Nancy

[Hilari]

Thank you so much! I just did a test run, which turned out great! Now I am off to buy zippers, so I can make more!

[Prontip]

So glad I found your pattern. I just bought a dumpling pouch in a gift shop to try and copy it. It is much smaller. (2"x3") I think now I start with your larger version.

[andrea]

very cute! thanks for sharing the tutorial :)

[Johanna]

Wonderful dumpling tutorial. Cute. Thank you. I have printed it and will make one soon.
Johanna

[Eileen {bluebirdluxe}]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I made "the easier one" tonight! So fun!! :)

[Ginger]

Thank you for the tutorial.

[Michelle]

Thank you for the tutorial! I can't wait to give the dumplings a try!!!!

[ines]

I've just made my very first one right now! :)
It's so soo cute!
I used a 18cm zipper because i dont have any bigger for now, and i found a bit difficult... but it's done! ;)
I'll take so photos and then i share the link with you :)
Thank you so much keyka! *

[StitchyWitch]

Thank you so much! Can't wait to make one. I'll post my dumpling on flickr when it's done.

[Szila]

Thanks for sharing! This is a lovely pattern! I prepared it already, picture in my blog:). Have a nice day!

[Keyka Lou]

You're welcome, everyone!

Cheryl: If you want to sew a few stitches by machine on each side, and then hand sew the zip end in place, that should work out just fine. Once you bind the ends, the zipper will stay in place.

Or maybe try a zig zag across the bottom? Maybe your machine sensor won't be tripped with a zig zag stitch. Just guessing, but that might be worth a try.

[An]

Thank you!

[Cheryl Jaeger]

Thanks for sharing! Super cute...but I need advice. My sewing machine won't sew across the zipper teeth. It stops as soon as the needle hits anything. Any ideas?

[Katie]

Super cute! Can't wait to make these!

[mistyeiz]

love this!!! would make excellent chrissy pressies!! :D thank u so much....