"Fresh as a Daisy" Cosmetic Purse Appliquéd Zipper Pouch Tutorial

When I heard this month’s challenge title was ‘Daisies’, I decided to stitch a personalised ‘Fresh as a Daisy’ make-up bag as a present for a friend called Joy!

Thanks to the ‘Great British Sewing Bee’, sewing is rapidly growing in popularity and this is the perfect stitching project for you to practise your skills as it uses essential techniques including zips and linings. Zipper pouches make lovely gifts and if you don’t want to stitch an applique design, then Cuddy Buddly have some stunning patterned fabrics in stock which would look equally gorgeous!

Step 1

Use 1cm seams throughout.

Cut out your fabric pieces as follows:

Main fabric: - Cut 2 rectangles 22 x 14 cm for Pouch front/back

Lining fabric - Cut 2 rectangles 22 x 14 cm for Lining front/back

Interfacing - Cut 2 rectangles 22 x 14 cm

Step 2

Apply the iron on interfacing to the wrong side of the two rectangles cut from main fabric.

Step 3

Draw a basic daisy design onto the Bondaweb and then iron onto the reverse side of your coloured scraps of fabric. Repeat for chosen lettering.

Step 4

Iron the pieces into place on the front part of the zipper pouch. Machine around the applique pieces in black thread. Go around each piece at least twice to give the embroidery a ‘sketch-like’ feel. Don’t worry if your sewing is a bit wobbly as this adds to the overall effect of raw edge applique!

Step 5

Cut two small 4 x 10 cm rectangles from patterned fabric to create zip end tabs. Fold each rectangle in half and press. Open, and fold each side to the fold and press again.

Step 6

Insert one end of the zip into the tab so that it’s only just inside the folded edges and stitch zip into place as seen in the photo. Most of the tab should be empty fabric as the aim is to reduce bulk.

Step 7

Lay the zip on the front piece. There should be approximately 1.75 cm of tab inside the front piece edge.

Step 8

Trim the zip so that it is approximately 1.5cm shorter than the width of the front piece. Then attach the second tab in exactly the same way as the first.

Step 9

Place your front piece down with the right side up and lay your zip on top of it right side down. Then put one of your lining pieces on top, wrong side up. Pin or tack the zip sandwich securely and then sew in place using a zipper foot.

Step 10

Repeat for the second side, then open out and press.

Step 11

Top stitch through all layers of fabric on either side of the zip. This gives the pouch a nice professional finish and also prevents the lining from getting caught in the zip when in use.

Step 12

Match up the outer fabrics right sides together and the lining fabrics, again right sides together. Ensure that the zip is at least half way open so that you can turn the case right side out after stitching.

Step 13

Pin the sides together pushing the zip tab bulk towards the lining. Then sew all the way around the outside, leaving an opening in the lining for a turning gap.

Step 14

Clip the corners and trim seam allowances to reduce bulk. Turn the pouch through to the right side and gently push out all corners using a large wooden knitting needle or other blunt point.

Step 15

Lightly press and then using a small ladder or slip stitch hand sew the opening closed.

Step 16

And that’s it, now just sit back and admire your gorgeous handiwork!