Imagine opening your suitcase after a long holiday drive and finding your favorite gold chain knotted around your earrings. It is frustrating, especially when you just want to relax. That is exactly why I created this DIY travel jewelry organizer sewing pattern.
As a mom of three, I am constantly looking for scrap fabric bust ideas that look expensive but cost pennies to make. I love creating homemade Christmas gifts for her that are actually useful. This project uses affordable fat quarters to create a boutique-style gift.
If you have avoided clear vinyl because you are asking, “How do you sew vinyl without it sticking?” do not worry. This tutorial covers my secret tape trick to make it glide smoothly. Let’s learn how to sew a jewelry roll with zipper pockets that keeps everything spill-proof and tangle-free!
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Jewelry Organizer, rolled up with a velvet ribbon bow next to a suitcase, and another shot of it laid flat showing jewelry inside the clear pockets.]
🎁 Free Download: Holiday Gift Cut List
Make this craft way easier! Click here to download my free PDF “Cut List & Measurement Guide” so you don’t have to do any math.
📝 Key Materials
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab:
- 2 Fat Quarters (Cotton)
- Heavyweight Fusible Interfacing
- Clear Vinyl (12 gauge)
- 2 Nylon Zippers (9 inch)
Supplies & Equipment
Consumable Materials:
- Cotton Fabric: You need two fat quarters. One for the outside and one for the lining.
- Fusible Fleece or Interfacing: This gives your organizer structure so it isn’t floppy.
- Clear Vinyl: A small scrap or remnant works perfectly.
- Zippers: Two 9-inch nylon coil zippers (you will trim them down).
- Double Fold Bias Tape: Buy a pack or make your own to match your fabric.
Tools:
- Sewing Machine (Standard Foot and Zipper Foot).
- Iron & Ironing Board.
- Rotary Cutter & Mat.
- Scotch Tape (For the vinyl trick!).
- Snap Pliers or an Awl.
Step 1: Cut and Prep
Start by cutting your fabric rectangles. You need a main body piece and pocket pieces. Cut your main exterior fabric and lining fabric to 9 inches wide by 15 inches tall.
Cut your fusible fleece to the same dimensions (9″ x 15″). Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of your lining fabric according to the package instructions. This creates a sturdy base for your necklace detangler organizer.
📸 [Image-2: A flat-lay photo showing the cut fabric rectangles and the fusible fleece being ironed onto the wrong side of the lining fabric.]
Step 2: The Vinyl Pockets
Cut two strips of clear vinyl. Make one strip 9″ x 4″ (for larger items) and one strip 9″ x 3″ (for earrings).
Now we attach the zippers. Place your zipper face down on the top edge of the vinyl. You cannot use pins here because they leave permanent holes in the plastic.
Sew the zipper in place using a zipper foot. If the vinyl sticks to your machine, place a piece of matte scotch tape on the bottom of your presser foot. This helps it glide perfectly.
Flip the zipper up and finger press the vinyl away from the coil. Do not iron the vinyl! The heat will melt it instantly. Repeat this process for both vinyl pockets.
📸 [Image-3: Close-up macro shot of the sewing machine foot gliding over the clear vinyl with red Wonder Clips holding the zipper in place.]
Step 3: The Necklace Station
Cut a strip of fabric 2 inches wide by 9 inches long. Fold it in half lengthwise (right sides together) and sew the long edge. Turn it right side out and press it flat.
Add a snap to one end of this strip and the matching snap stud to the top of your lining panel. This strip holds your necklaces in place so they don’t tangle.
Sew the bottom of the strip securely to the lining fabric, about 3 inches down from the top edge. This creates the loop for your chains.
📸 [Image-4: A photo showing the installation of the snap using the pliers on the fabric strip.]
Step 4: Basting and Binding
Lay your lining piece (with the fleece attached) flat, right side up. Place your vinyl zipper pockets on top. I like to place the smaller pocket near the top and the larger one at the bottom.
Baste the pockets in place. Sew a long stitch around the very edge of the rectangle to hold the vinyl layers to the fabric. This creates your sewing tutorial for jewelry pouch with snaps structure.
Finish the raw edges with double-fold bias tape. Open the tape and align it with the raw edge of your organizer. Sew in the crease, fold it over to the other side, and topstitch it down. This seals all the raw edges for a professional look.
📸 [Image-5: A shot of the sewing machine applying the bias tape binding to the edge of the organizer.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
*How to install snaps without a press?*
If you don’t have snap pliers, you can sew on small velcro dots or use a simple ribbon tie. However, the pliers are very affordable and make the finish much stronger for travel.
*What size zipper for jewelry pouch?*
I recommend using a standard 9-inch nylon coil zipper. It is wider than the pouch, which makes sewing easier. You can simply sew right over the plastic coils and trim off the excess length with scissors after sewing.
*Can I wash a jewelry organizer with vinyl pockets?*
You should not throw this in the washing machine because the vinyl can crack or cloud. Spot clean the fabric with a damp cloth and mild soap. The vinyl wipes clean easily!
*Bias tape application for beginners*
If you are new to bias tape, use plenty of clips! Sew slowly and check the back often to make sure you are catching the tape on both sides. A zigzag stitch can be more forgiving than a straight stitch for beginners.
Final Thoughts
You just finished a beautiful, custom gift! This project is my favorite way to use up scraps, making it one of the best fat quarter sewing projects for gifts. Whether you make a “Cottagecore” floral version or a sleek modern one, this organizer is sure to impress.
Happy Sewing!
-Nancy
