Slim EDC Pouch Sewing Pattern — Box Construction & Zipper
Because you can never have too many pouch options, here is my next beginner friendly bag making pattern. Meet the Livingston, a slim zippered pouch with angled sides, designed for everyday carry, travel, or anywhere life takes you.
The Livingston is a great option for anyone curious about DIY bag making and MYOG (make your own gear). The pattern is simple with one pattern piece and no complicated curves to sew. You don’t need any special skills, just the ability to sew a straight line. This is a project you can finish in half a day.
The Livingston is a slim pouch, what some might call a pencil case, though it works well for far more than pencils. This pouch works for writing instruments and art supplies, but also for snacks while traveling, tech gear like charging cables and battery packs, or a minimal toiletry kit.
A smaller pouch gives you options while packing and can easily fit into smaller spaces making organizing more efficient. My favorite way to use the Livingston is by putting it into a water bottle pocket on a backpack or a tote bag. It slides in easily and takes advantage of a pocket that otherwise might go unused.
I used the Livingston recently on a trip to Las Vegas. For this trip, which had a 5:30 am flight, I needed a way to pack my glasses case and contact solution to have everything I need to swap from glasses to contacts without digging through a bigger bag. The Livingston was the perfect size.
The Livingston could also be used to carry tech items like various charging cables, a computer mouse, and ear buds.
I think the next trip I go on, I’m going to try to use it as a small minimal toiletry kit. It would easily fit a toothbrush, toothpaste, small travel size deodorant, and contact solution for a week or two, plus a little more.
The optional handle creates an easy way to hang the pouch, or a great way to grab the pouch out of a larger bag. A wide zipper opening allows easy access to whatever is inside.
What you’ll learn:
If you’ve ever wanted to learn the basics behind box pouch construction, this pattern is for you. This is a common bag technique that is very versatile. You can use this skill on many different kinds of bags big and small.
- How to install a zipper – I go through the zipper sewing process step-by-step showing each progression clearly.
- How to finish seams with binding tape – I teach you how to install binding tape on all of the interior seams.
- How to adjust seam allowances for different zipper widths – An important skill to learn, as there is a special relationship between zipper width, seam allowance, and the pattern dimensions.
The pattern includes full written instructions with diagrams, and there is a complete step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube.
About the name: The Livingston pouch is named after a foster kitten my wife and I took care of in the summer of 2026. Livingston was the runt of the litter and underweight when we got him. He was a feisty fighter though, and quickly caught up to and surpassed his bigger brothers with lots of intense kitten energy. He was also a professional at cuddling, burrowing into your lap for long naps.
Resources
The Pattern:
Fabric & Materials:
Ripstop By The Roll — quality technical fabrics perfect for EDC pouches and bag making
Rockywoods — another great source for technical fabrics, webbing, and hardware
Tools:
Note: These are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support me and lets me make more tutorials and patterns.
Gingher 8″ Fabric Scissors: https://amzn.to/4cBXBaT
Small Fabric Scissors: https://amzn.to/4s6g7Nm
Rotary Cutter: https://amzn.to/4bw0EQK
Self Healing Cutting Mat: https://amzn.to/4s6jgNa
Seam Ripper: https://amzn.to/4uazRki
Chalk Wheel: https://amzn.to/47Cr0OD
Chalk Refill: https://amzn.to/47Cr0OD
Fabric clips: https://amzn.to/3NeIQjU
Rulers: https://amzn.to/3NeNxKz