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Easy zipper pockets for bags

March 13, 2020 5 Comments

You can’t sew bags without pockets and zippered pockets are the best. You can sew zipper pockets in a few different ways, here is one that I think is the quickest and easiest one.

You need a zipper (I used an 8” zipper- this is the length between the stops of the zippers, not the length of the tape) and fabric for pocket. If you use quilt weight fabric, add interfacing to the back. I like to use home decor fabric and this way, I skip the interfacing step.
I used a 10.5” x 12” piece of fabric. The piece should be with 2.5” wider than the zipper (8+2.5=10.5”).

Zipper Pockets for bags

Prepare the zipper

Fold the end of the tape on the back as shown below; baste by hand or by machine to keep it folded this way.

Zipper Pockets for bags

Use thread in a matching color!

Zipper Pockets for bagsDo this for both ends of the zipper.

Zipper Pockets for bagsAttaching the zipper

Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine (if you don’t have a zipper foot, a narrow foot that allows you to stitch close to the zipper teeth is good too).

Lay the fabric right side up. Place the zipper along one of the short edges, right side (teeth side) down. Keep it centered on the edge. Align the edge of the tape with the edge of the fabric. Pin to keep the zipper in place.

Zipper Pockets for bags

Place the other short edge of the fabric over the zipper, aligning the edges. Remove the pins inserted in the previous step and pin again to keep all three layers together.

Zipper Pockets for bagsStitch at 1/4” from the top edges. Then stitch at 3/8” from the right and left edges, leaving a gap in one of the side seams.

Zipper Pockets for bagsTurn the piece right side out through the gap. Press nicely all the seams, close the gap in the side seam and topstitch close to the top edge.

The pocket is ready to be attached to the lining panel.

Zipper Pockets for bagsTurn the pocket with the right side of the zipper down and place it with the zipper at the desired distance from the top edge of the lining.

Zipper Pockets for bagsSew at 1/4” from the edge of the zipper, attaching the zipper to the fabric.

Zipper Pockets for bags

Flip the pocket back over the lining and pin to keep it in place.

Zipper Pockets for bagsTopstitch close to the edge, as shown below.

Zipper Pockets for bags

Secure the top corners with additional stitching like in the picture below.

Zipper Pockets for bagsVoila! A zipper pocket stitched in probably 10 minutes!

Zipper Pockets for bags

I love it! If you give it a try, please let me know if you like it!
I hope this helps! I have about 10 leftover pieces of faux leather, ready to be turned into zipper pockets.


Download this tutorial here!


Zipper Pockets for bags

I still have to sew the bag! And I can’t finish this post without some pretty pictures, so here is: my latest pouches!

I ADORE these new pouches; they look complicated but in reality, it’s just common techniques plus one or two little tricks! If you want to learn more about these pouches, check out my new TWIN POUCH patterns. 

Happy sewing!

 

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Filed Under: bag tutorials, handmade bags

Comments

  1. Joan Unsworth says

    March 13, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    Thank you so much for your easy to understand directions. You have made it so I have more confidence in my sewing. Keep up the amazing work.

    Reply
    • Geta Grama says

      March 13, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      Glad to hear this, Joan.

      Reply
  2. kim pyott says

    March 14, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Thank you for that easy to understand zipper pocket. I am currently working on a backpack pattern and the side pockets dont have zippers however I want the zipper to be on the flat side instead of the edge. Do you have more ways to show how to apply zippers?

    Reply
    • Geta Grama says

      March 14, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      Yes, take a look here, Kim:

      https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/2019/09/how-to-sew-pockets-for-bags-welt-pockets.html
      and here:

      https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/2018/05/improve-your-handmade-bags-with-this-zippered-pocket.html

      download my free ebook Sew Better Bags.

      Reply
  3. Tillie Smith says

    March 15, 2020 at 2:37 am

    I am ordering patterns and confused, first I put two patterns combined, $17. (Usuallly $24). Then I ordered a bundle for $39.
    Am I ordering the same patterns? I won’t place the order till I hear from you. Anxious to sew so.e pouches, have been afraid of them but you make it look simple and doable.
    Tillied@embarqmail.com
    Tillie Smith

    Reply

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