A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

Do you remember the neck pouches you used to wear as a kid? With a section for loose change and another for bus tickets, they were so practical and took away the stress of searching through your school bag while boarding the bus. But even now, several years (or decades) later, neck pouches are still super practical. It doesn’t matter if you’re using it as a small purse for your travel adventures, a night out on the town, or even while running everyday errands–this pouch is a must-have. Makerist, a Berlin-based one-stop-shop craft company, is here to show you how to make this pouch with their free pattern!  

Material List

  • Free neck pouch template from Makerist
  • (2) Lightweight Cotton Twill 8″ swatches
    • See which designs we’re using here 
  • 8″ swatch of tulle or mesh fabric
  • (2) 7″ Zippers
    • We used a never-ending zipper but two 7″ zippers will work great
  • 1 yard paracord
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Iron
  • 8″ square of fusible interfacing 8″ (optional)
    • If you’re working with a lighter cotton fabric, we recommend using the interfacing 

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

1. Cut out your fabric. 

After you print and cut out the free PDF pattern, place it on top of your fabric and cut out the pieces. When you’re done cutting out your pieces, you should have the following:

  • 1 Pocket in your lining fabric
  • 1 Pocket in your tulle/mesh fabric
  • 2-3 Main Pieces
    • 1 in your outer fabric
    • 1 in your lining fabric
    • 1 in your interfacing (optional)

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

Pro Tip: We used the template from Makerist at the original scale but if you want a bigger neck pouch, simply add a few inches to each side. Just make sure that the width of each template is the same.

2. Attach the zipper.

Pin the tulle/mesh to the bottom side of one zipper and pin the lining fabric (right side up) to the bottom side of the other zipper.
A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog
Pro Tip: The never-ending zip from Makerist can be cut to any size and every inch can be used. You can also use two 7″ zippers for this project.

Take the unsewn edge of your zipper and flip it away from you so the right sides of the fabric and zipper are facing upward. Press the pocket flat.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

3. Create the pockets.

Next, place the two zippers on top of the lining fabric, zipper side up, and pin in place. The tulle/zipper pocket piece should be aligned with the bottom raw edge of the lining and the lining/zipper pocket should be aligned with the top raw edge of the lining. Both zippers should be facing inward.

Stitch across the unsewn layer of each zipper to secure the lining fabric to the pocket fabric.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

4. Attach the zipper pull.*

*If you are not using the never-ending zipper, jump ahead to the next instruction. If you’re using a never-ending zipper, simply separate the zipper teeth and attach the zipper pull. 

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

To prepare for the next step, pull both zippers so they’re open halfway.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

5. Stitch the pouch pieces together. 

Now it’s time to attach the the main section to the outside fabric. Place your outer fabric on top of the main section (the fabric piece with the zippers), right sides facing and pin in place. Stitch around the entire edge of the two pieces of fabric, making sure to leave a 2” opening on one of the short ends.

Trim the excess seam allowance and zipper.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

Pro tip: Cut as close to the edge of the fabric as possible without cutting into your stitches. It will be easier to use and the edges will look crisper.

6. Turn the fabric right side out.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

To smooth the edges it is best to use something like a needle, a chopstick, or similar.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

7. Attach the cord. 

Fold the pouch in half to find the center on the long side of the pouch and mark the spot with a washable fabric marker. The mark should be about ½” from the edge of the pouch. Repeat on the other long side of the pouch.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

Sew a buttonhole along each mark and open them with seam ripper.

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

To attach the cord, slide it through both button holes from the non-zipper side. Before securing the knots on the open ends, adjust the length that hangs around your neck to make sure it sits comfortably. 

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

8. Add an optional closure.

If you want to go a step further, you can add an optional closure on the pouch. Velcro, or a button and snap are all quick and easy additions. 

A DIY Money Pouch for Your Next Big Adventure | Spoonflower Blog

Shop the featured money pouch designs 

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BONUS POST: See how Makerist used Spoonflower fabric to make easy cut-and-sew pillows!


Get to know Makerist

Makerist is your digital DIY platform. They support and connect the creative community around sewing, knitting and crafting; bringing together a large network of designers, teachers, bloggers and craft enthusiasts – they make DIY accessible, simple and fun. Whether you want to learn to sew, profit from specialized sewing tips and tricks or maybe to even sew your own garment, you’ll be sure to find a course to suit your needs. On top of this, you can also browse through their vast selection of PDF patterns: available at your fingertips by the simple click of a button!

Meet Makerist! | Spoonflower Blog