Moda Fabrics Patchwork Pouch - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics Patchwork Pouch – Quilted Zipper Bag Pattern Summary

The Moda Fabrics Patchwork Pouch is a downloadable PDF quilting pattern from Moda Fabrics that guides makers through constructing a charming, structured zippered pouch with a patchwork exterior. Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this free pattern is an excellent way to practice foundational quilting and bag-making skills while producing a functional, gift-worthy accessory. The finished pouch features a fully lined interior, boxed corners for three-dimensional shape, and a grosgrain ribbon zipper pull accent.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a single zippered patchwork pouch suitable for use as a cosmetic bag, notions case, or everyday carry organizer. The bag is constructed from two main components: a patchwork Bag Front assembled from fabric rectangles, and a matching patchwork Lining that mirrors the exterior in construction. The finished dimensions of the bag body before boxing the corners are approximately 9½" x 10½", yielding a generously sized pouch once the corners are sewn and trimmed.

Materials Required

• Fabric: A total of 20 rectangles cut to 2½" x 5" — 10 for the Bag Front and 10 for the Lining. The pattern notes that two Moda Layer Cake™ 10" squares (one per panel) can be substituted as an alternative cutting approach, making this an ideal scrap-busting or pre-cut-friendly project.
• Zipper: One 12" zipper — the pattern specifies that the zipper extends slightly beyond the lining edges during construction, which is an intentional technique for clean finishing.
• Interfacing: One piece of mid-weight woven fusible interfacing cut to 9½" x 10½", fused to the wrong side of the Lining panel to add body and structure.
• Grosgrain Ribbon: One piece of ½"-wide grosgrain ribbon cut to 5", folded in half and inserted at the bag edge to serve as a decorative and functional loop or pull accent.

Techniques Used

Patchwork Assembly

The central quilting technique in this pattern is strip patchwork. Rectangles measuring 2½" x 5" are sewn together in rows of five, then two rows are joined to create each panel. This process is repeated twice — once for the Bag Front and once for the Lining — making the interior just as visually interesting as the exterior. Consistent ¼" seam allowances are used throughout, which is the standard in quilting and essential for accurate piecing.

Zipper Installation

The zipper is installed using a sandwiching method: the zipper is first centered and layered on the right side of the Lining, then the Bag Front is placed right sides together on top, and the layers are stitched along the zipper tape. This is repeated on the opposite side of the zipper. The pattern recommends using a zipper foot for easier and more accurate stitching close to the zipper teeth. The zipper is opened partway before turning the bag right side out — a classic bag-making technique that prevents the zipper from being caught in the seam and allows the bag to be turned cleanly.

Lining and Interfacing Application

Mid-weight woven fusible interfacing is fused to the wrong side of the completed Lining panel before assembly. This step adds stability and structure to the pouch, helping it hold its shape when in use. Fusible interfacing is applied with heat according to the manufacturer's instructions and is a widely used technique in quilted bag construction.

Boxing the Corners

To give the pouch a flat, three-dimensional base, the pattern instructs makers to box the corners by stitching across each of the four corners 1¼" from the tip while the bag is still lining-side out. The corners are then trimmed ¼" from the seam. This technique transforms a flat sewn rectangle into a bag with a defined bottom and sides, adding significant volume and usability to the finished pouch.