Zipper de do dah - (part 2)

So where are we up to? .....ahhh the zip pouch, that's right (you will find the first part of this story here)  Let's make this into something special.

You will need:

One 7 in x 8½ in rectangle (back)

One  2 in x 11 in strip (handle)

Step 1:

Lay the 2 in x 11 in fabric strip on a flat surface and fold in half length way with right sides facing together and pin.  Using your quarter inch foot sew along the raw edge making a tube shape.

Step 2:

Turn the tube right side out - I use a product called a Turn-it-All (previously known as the Bow Whip) it is one item in my studio I use all the time.

 

Once the tube has been turned press with the seam to one side and top stitch both edges.  To get nice and close to the edge I use my blindstitch foot #5 (Bernina) and adjust the needle postion on the machine.

Step 3:

Lay the 7 in x 8½ in rectangle (backing) on a flat surface with right side facing up, take the zipper panel made in Part one and place together with right sides facing - pin all sides together making certain the zip is in the open postition!

Fold the handle in half forming a loop and insert this between the front and back layers, position just above the zip with raw edges together. (yes, you can see by the photo I forgot to insert the handle first time round!...the seam ripper is another tool I can't live without)

Step 4:

Machine sew around all sides of the pouch using a half inch seam allowance.  Trim all corners, turn right side out and press.

(ok..this is the moment when you wish you had left that zipper open...)

And your zip pouch is complete.

I hope you have a little more knowledge in sewing zips and that they are not nearly as bad as you thought they were - just take your time and remember to breathe!

Till then, enjoy

Natalie x

Comments

[Amanda]

I'm another one who has avoided zippers, but your tutorial makes it seem so easy! Will be using this tutorial over the weekend to make a purse, thanks for sharing!

Oh and well done on getting your book published, looks wonderful!

[NFL Jerseys]

Thanks for the tutorial Natalie. I've always been afraid of zips but I think I may be able to conquer them, thanks to this wonderful tutorial! Thank you!

[Sandy]

I just found your blog and I LOVE IT! I am new to sewing and am deathly afraid of zippers. Maybe now after your tutorial I will try it out! =) I actually have that Amy Butler polka dot fabric too!! Where did you get that yellow/grey damask?? Is that Amy Butler too? I love it!!

[Angie]

Wee! I just finished my first zipper using your tutorial- thank you! It worked! :)

[Bari Jo Moore]

Thank you so much! I had never heard of that tool either! I can't wait to find one! I can't wait to try this! I appreciate your generosity sharing so many tips with us on your blog! Have a great day! Love, Bari

[kathy g in nc]

oH MY GOSH IT LOOKS LOVELY..NOW, I will collect my things & I have to go get a zipper, & I will report back. but you do a smaching job of giving confidence.
thanks soooo much

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Great tutorial - thanks Natalie!

[Estee]

Part 2, yay. Thank you so much. Too cute.

[cathymk]

Thanks for the tutorial Natalie. I've always been afraid of zips but I think I may be able to conquer them, thanks to this wonderful tutorial! Thank you!

[Suse]

That was a great tutorial Natalie. Thankyou so much for making zippers not so hard!

[Mary Grace McNamara]

Wonderful tutorial Natalie! So many people are afraid of putting in zippers, but this should put them at ease. What a cute little pouch you have made too!

MGM

[Leanne]

Done! Thank you so much Natalie that was a wonderful little project and the instructions and photos were very clear and consise. Its just a shame my camera is away getting repaired so unfortunately I cant share a photo of the finished project with you just yet. You are a very talented lady and your patterns are very popular here in New Zealand. Keep up the good work!
Have a wonderful and inspiring day!