This candy wrapper zipper pouch tutorial is just the thing to satisfy your sweet tooth AND your sewing habit.
I don’t know about you, but when asked “salty or sweet?” I typically respond “salty.” (And this is not solely because I often dole out a good deal of sass, mind you.)
I just prefer salty snacks to sweet treats usually. Now, if you were to offer me some Tootsie Pops, though, my answer will change right quick.
I even fondly remember when Tootsie Pop Drops were a thing. But sadly those are no more, because I would have totally used those to make this zipper pouch.
So when I thought about doing this tutorial, Tootsie Pops were my “go to” candy of choice.
Which Candy Wrappers Should I Use?
When it comes to deciding which wrappers you want to use for this pouch, any will do, really. The fusible vinyl makes almost anything a possible material.
For the purpose of this pouch, however, the smaller square wrappers (instead of an M&Ms bag, for example) make for a unique and balanced design.
I also think the wrinkles give the pouch a nice textured look.
Materials & Tools
For this candy wrapper zipper pouch tutorial you need:
– Candy wrappers
You could really use any kind of candy wrappers, but the sizing of the lollipop wrappers makes this project more straightforward for the 9″ zipper sizing.
– 9″ zipper
If you have worked with zippers before and have something larger than a 9″ zipper, you can certainly cut it down to size. If you’re new to zippers, stick with the 9″ zipper to follow along with the tutorial exactly as it’s written.
I linked to some zippers on Amazon below that have been great for me so far if you’re in need of a new batch.
– Fusible Clear Vinyl
Fusible vinyl is offered in a package with specific sizing or by the yard at stores like JoAnn’s.
– 100% Cotton Fabric
This fabric is used for the lining so pick something you feels complements the wrapper colors. If you are making this specifically as a pouch for pencils and pens, I recommend using a darker fabric so that no marks won’t how easily.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you buy a product using the links with an asterisk or using the links below.
Video Tutorial: DIY Candy Wrapper Pouch
Print-Friendly Tutorial
How To Make A Candy Wrapper Zipper Pouch
This sewing project is not only fun to make, but you get to satisfy your sweet tooth while gathering some of the materials.
Lollipop wrappers add a unique decorative touch in this DIY candy wrapper zipper pouch. It's also an eco-friendly project that needs minimal materials.
Materials
- Candy wrappers
- Fusible vinyl
- 9" zipper
- 100% cotton fabric
Tools
- Sewing clips
- Rotary cutter & mat
- Iron & ironing surface
- Ruler
- Sewing machine
Instructions
PREPARE MATERIALS
- Grab the wrappers and look for holes or tears that might make it more difficult to work with while you're making the pouch. For this 9" zipper pouch you're going to want at least 6 wrappers that meet your standards. It's good to have some extras too just
in case. - Cut two pieces of 100% cotton fabric that measure 9" x 5".
(I intentionally have you cut the fabric bigger than the final pouch just in case you need the extra length once the wrappers 'settle down'.) - Cut four pieces of fusible vinyl each measuring 9" x 5".
DESIGN THE CANDY WRAPPER PANELS
- Cover each wrapper with a Teflon pressing sheet or parchment paper to do a quick pass/press of each of the wrappers with
to ensure that they're flat. - Look at each of the wrappers carefully to determine which ones will be included in your panels.
- Lay the chosen wrappers out on the vinyl to see where you want to trim them to fit the 9" length of the pouch. There will be some extra vinyl on the top and bottom because the fusible vinyl was purposely cut bigger than needed.
- Trim the wrappers as needed. TIP: I typically like to remove business-related text from the sides of each of the wrappers.
FUSE THE VINYL TO THE WRAPPERS
TIP: Before you start, double check the manufacturer's instructions for the level of heat the product needs.
- Remove the backing from the vinyl and place your wrappers wrong side down in the pattern you like.
- Cover the vinyl with the waxy side of the backing, then cover again with your parchment paper or pressing sheet. (I recommend this as extra coverage to protect the iron.)
- Remove the backing from a second sheet of vinyl and layer it on top of the right sides of the wrappers.
- Cover like you did with the first panel and iron again to fuse.
- Repeat steps 1 - 4 to create a second panel.
- Trim each panel to measure 9" x 4.25.
SEW THE PANELS TO THE ZIPPER
- Place one vinyl panel right side up then take the zipper, line it up with the top edge of the panel and place the zipper right side down.
- Clip the panel and the zipper together, then take a bit of tissue paper and add it to the other side of the panel so that you have an easier time machine sewing.
- Place the panel tissue-side down on the sewing machine and use a 1/4" seam allowance to sew the vinyl and the zipper together.
- Remove the tissue paper.
- Pay close attention to the direction of the second panel then line up the raw edge of the zipper to the top edge of the panel and clip. Once again, add tissue to help with sewing.
- Use a 1/4" seam allowance to sew the pieces together.
- Remove the tissue paper.
ADD THE LINING TO THE POUCH
- Place the vinyl panel right side down with the zipper facing up.
- Finger press the zipper so that it's flat.
- Take the fabric panel and place it right side down onto the zipper.
- Clip to secure. (You don't need tissue paper for this step because you can put the cotton fabric down near the presser foot instead of the vinyl.)
- Sew the pieces together using a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Place the panel with the fabric lining so that the right side of the fabric faces UP.
- Finger press so the whole zipper lies flat.
- Take your second fabric piece and place it right sides down onto the zipper.
- Line up the edges and clip together to prepare for sewing.
- Sew them together using a 1/4" seam allowance.
TIP: Sometimes you need to use both hands while sewing vinyl. It just needs to be helped along...
CLEAN UP THE POUCH EDGES
1. Cut the panels so that they measure 4" x 9".
FINISH THE POUCH EDGES
This pouch will have hidden seams so it's sewn differently than you may have seen before.
1. Lay out the pouch so that the right sides of the vinyl face each
other and the rights sides of the fabric face each other.
2. Take sewing clips and clipping around the whole rectangle.
3. Add tissue to one side of the vinyl portions.
4. When clipping the fabric together, use clips to mark a 4" turning hole in the center of the bottom edge.
5. Stick a hand through the turning hole and unzip the zipper so you turn this right sides out.
(OK - before you start sewing again. Did you unzip the zipper? Please double check. And yes, I have made that mistake enough to make sure to warn others!)
COMPLETE FINAL SEWING STEPS
1. Start with the long edge of the vinyl tissue-side down and use a 1/4" seam allowance as you sew all around the rectangle except for the 4" turning hole.
2. Turn the pouch right sides out.
3. Poke all of the corners out gently.
4. Use your sewing clips to line up the edge of the turning hole then sew the fabric together.
5. Push the lining to the inside of the pouch.
Sweet! It's all finished!
Notes
- At various points, I have you clean-up the edges because it's hard to know how the wrappers will flatten, so it's best to have some wiggle room.
- Pay close attention to where the zipper ends meet when you're clipping for the final seams so so that it lays the
way you want. - I recommend a larger turning hole so it's easier to turn. The vinyl isn't as flexible as the fabric so a larger hole gives you more space.
- After you've finished the pouch look at all of the seams to check for tears. If it's small, just just top-stitch a little to close the hole.
- Another option for future projects with candy wrappers and vinyl is to increase the dimensions of the pouch to allow for a 1/2" seam allowance giving us even more wiggle room for the temperamental nature of the iron-on vinyl.
Recommended Products
As an member of certain affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Join Our Crafty Crew!
Subscribe to the newsletter to become part of the Create To Donate Crafty Crew if you are looking to make a difference in your communities by supporting organizations in need.
If you would like monthly project inspiration and information straight to your inbox as well as some fun freebies, join our community today.