Zippy Bag Tutorial

Here's the promised tutorial for a zipped bag. This one is a flat-ish rectangle which tucks neatly inside a ring binder or folder. I use one like this to store my small quilting rulers. For a boxier bag see the hint at the end of the tutorial.

Requirements

Main fabric, bag lining and wadding approximately 10inch square of each
Contrast: for zipper trim 2 pieces 2 1/2by 9 1/2", for tabs 1 1/2" by 5"
Zipper, nylon at least 12"

1. Layer the mainfabric, wadding and lining, quilt then trim to 9 1/2" square.
.........................................................................................

2. Take the zipper trim pieces and press in half lengthways. On one long edge press under 1/4".
Pin the unfolded edge of each trim to either end of the back of the quilt sandwich and sew 1/4" seam.

Press the trim to the front and pin the folded edge just over the stitching line. Stitch close to the edge through all layers and again 1/4" inside first line of stitching to snugly enclose the quilt edge.
..........................................................................................


3. Now you can stitch the zip. First pin one side of the zip to one edge of the quilt with the top of the zip close to one end of the zipper trim. Using a zipper foot stitch close to the edge of the trim. Stitch again 1/4" away to secure the zipper tape.


Next pin the top and bottom of the zip to the other edge of the quilt, matching the position of the trim to the side already sewn. Then open the zipper as far as it will go. This is why you start with a zip longer than the length of your quilt edge -you should now find it easier to pin and sew the second side of the zip in place.
When you have finished close the zipper half way.

...........................................................................................

4. Now for the tabs. Take the remaining strip of contrast fabric, fold in half lengthways and sew a scant 1/4" seam. Finger press the seam open the turn the tube right sides out and press so the seam is in the middle of the tube. Cut in half to make 2 pieces 2 1/2" long. Fold each piece in half and pin to each end of the zip with the fold towards the centre of the zip. Stitch in place taking care to stitch slowly over the zipper teeth. Stitch over these seems several times to make sure they are secure.
Now you must check that the zip slider is in the centre of the bag and not at the end of the zipper. OK now you can cut off the excess zipper.

...........................................................................................

5. Nearly there! Turn your bag inside out and pin the ends at either side of the zip. Now you have to make a little pleat at each end of the side seams. Here's a photo - sorry about the quality!Hold the corner of the bag about one inch in from the side. Push the corner in the make a little pleat about 1/2" deep. Repeat for each corner.

Sew the side seams (I go over these twice) then zig zag the edges turn the bag right sides out and push out the corners.
Voila! A neat bag for pencils, gadgets, whatever you like! If you want to be able to fasten this bag inside a ring binder you could add a couple more tabs to one end of the bag about 3 3/4" apart.

Hint: it's the little fold which gives the bag it's shape. Making these folds deeper (so they meet in the centre near the zip) makes the bag higher and more boxy, like this:

Try experimenting with different sizes too.

I hope you enjoy this project. Let me know how you get on with making this by leaving a comment or email me - see my profile for a link.

Hazel