Pouch Pattern Calculator
Designing your own boxy pouch with the exact dimensions you want has never been easier. Enter your desired length, width, and height of the finished pouch and the seam allowance you want use. The calculator will tell you what dimensions to cut the fabric!
This calculator works for inches and centimeters. Simply type in the value of the finished pouch dimensions you want and the fabric size is automatically calculated. Be sure to fill out all four fields for the calculator to produce accurate pattern dimensions.
If using inches, the seam allowance you plan to use must be in decimal form. Common seam allowances in decimal form: 3/8 = 0.375 1/2 = 0.5 5/8 = 0.625 3/4 = 0.75
You can either design the pouch to use a commonly available zipper length, or you can trim any zipper that is longer than the needed length to the pouch size.
If you’re curious about the math formula the calculator is using, check out this blog post. I explain the math and how you can do the formula yourself if you’re interested.
Instructions:
There are are few different methods to sew these little pouches with lining. Using the French seam method is nice because it’s fast and gives the bag more structure. Here’s how to do it.
(Note: The dimensions used in these instructions may not reflect what your pattern pieces look like. Depending on the dimensions of your pouch, your “Length” may be longer than the“Width” — unlike these illustrations. Just remember the zipper always goes on the “Length” side!)
1) With the dimensions provided by the Pouch Pattern Calculator, cut 1 outer layer and 1 lining. Interfacing too, if you want the pouch to have more structure.
2) Place the lining and outer layer with right sides together and sandwich the zipper inbetween. The right side of the zipper should be facing the outer layer. Line up the edges and sew the whole length of the seam through all layers with the seam allowance you entered in the calculator.
If you are using interfacing, place the interfacing on the wrong side of the outer layer. (Interfacing not shown in illustrations.)
3) Flip the other edges of the fabric up and sew the ends to the other edge of the zipper using the same seam allowance.
4) Roll and tuck the outer layer over the lining so the pouch is right side out.
5) Press the fabric away from the zipper and edge stitch down each side of the zipper 1/8” | 0.32 cm from the edge of the seam.
6) With the zipper exactly in the middle of the pouch, line up the edges and sew both sides through all layers using the seam allowance you entered into the calculator.
7) Trim seam allowance to 1/4” | 0.64 cm to prepare the edge for French seams.
8) Turn the pouch inside out. Press the seams flat. Sew French seams by sewing along the same seams with the seam allowance you entered in the calculator so the raw edges are totally encased by the new seams.
Tip - Depending on the length of zipper you are using, it may be helpful to cut off some of the teeth on the end so it can bend into the French Seam more easily.
9) Turn the pouch right side out. Push out the corners of the pouch and stitch where the length across the triangles is your desired height (the height you entered in the calculator) minus your seam allowance.
For example, if you want the pouch 4” high and are using a 1/2” seam allowance, you want to stitch where the triangles are 3 1/2” across.
10) Trim the triangles to a 1/4” | 0.64 cm seam allowance.
11) Turn the pouch inside out. Press out seams you just sewed. Resew them with the seam allowance you entered into the calculator so the raw edges are totally encased by the new seams (French seams).
12) Turn the pouch right side out. Woohoo! It’s ready to be filled with all sorts of lovely things.
I hope this tool can be useful to you and make drafting pouches quick and easy. If you’d like to share a pouch you’ve made using this calculator on Instagram, feel free to tag me @sarkirsten. I’d love to see what you create!
For more sewing tutorials, check out these blog posts:
Five Ways to Sew and Elastic Waistband
The Chamomile Crop is designed to be a staple basic in your wardrobe — something to be dressed up or down, to serve as a base for layering on cool days, and worn sleeveless on warm days.
The crop version is fully French seamed and uses a wide, double rolled hem for a high quality tank top that feels beautiful next to your skin, thrives in normal wash machine cycles, and lasts for years.
The dress version has large, in seam pockets, flows in the wind, and has a beautiful 1” hem.
The crop pairs well with all your high waisted pants, skirts, and shorts and gives it a playful feel. The silhouette is thoughtfully designed to not flare at the waist but to hang straight down in a slim profile from your bust.
The Chamomile comes with two shoulder/neck views - Wide Shoulder and Narrow Shoulder. The Wide Shoulder has a higher front and back neckline, and lots of coverage on your shoulders. The Narrow Shoulder has a lower front and back neckline to let the sunshine hit you, and slim straps that favor the outer edge of your shoulders to perfectly hide your bra straps.
Simple, step-by-step illustrated instructions walk you through how to sew the French seams, the bias tape around the neckline and armholes, and the double rolled hem, and the pockets, and skirt gathering for the dress version.
This is a graded pattern that comes with a print at home, a US 36” copy shop version, and an A0 copy shop version.
Fabric notes: Works best with lightweight to midweight woven fabrics that have a good amount of drape such as sandwashed rayon or linen, linen and rayon blends, and homespun cotton.
Sewing level: Intermediate beginner
Format: PDF Copy Shop & Print at Home versions. A download link to the PDF files is sent directly to your inbox for immediate access!