Bag Zipper Tutorial

Pat suggested that I do a tutorial on how to attach the zippers to the little bags I am making, and I thought it was a brilliant idea.  I am not going to show you the details of the whole pattern, because I want you to buy it (Zippy Strippy by Atkinson Designs).  However, the zipper instructions are pretty generic, so here we go.

 
I bought my zippers at Prairie Queens, my local quilt shop.  They are really inexpensive, because there is no packaging.  As you can see, they come in every color you can think of.  Just one size though.  How does that work, you ask skeptically?  Just watch.

 
The first step is to stitch across the top of the zipper.  I do it twice, just for strength.

 
Then, you cut it off.  Gasp!  Yes, really.  Don't worry, it is going to be OK.

 
You are going to sew a little tab over the end.

 
I can hear you all saying "Oooohhhhhhh".

 
Cut the tab even with the sides of the zipper. 

 
But the zipper is still too long for the bag, right?  You are going to lay the zipper on the bag and cut the other end off one inch shorter than the width of the bag.

 

Then, you will sew a little tab on this end, just like you did on the top end.

 

This is what you have done with that zipper.  Throw the cut off bits away.
 
Place the zipper right side down on the outside of one of the bag sections.  Be sure to leave an equal one half inch on each end of the zipper.  This is important, and you will be sorry if you don't measure at this point.  Unzip the zipper half way.

 
Put your zipper foot on your machine.  Make sure you adjust the needle position to the left.  (Or your needle will come down right on the middle of the zipper foot and you will break your needle, make a terrible clunking noise, and scare yourself to death.  Do not ask me how I know this).

 

You can sew the zipper on with the zipper zipped or unzipped, but when you get to the zipper tab, stop your machine with the needle in the down position and zip or unzip the zipper to get the bulkier tab part out of the way.

 
Repeat the process for the second side of the zipper, attaching it to the other bag section.  Measure and pin carefully to get that one half inch measurement on each end of the zipper.

 
So, your zipper is in, but you aren't quite done.  You are going to do a little top stitching.  Lengthen your stitch length a little.  It makes the stitching come out neater looking.  Open up the bag and stitch about a quarter inch from the zipper center, catching the under side of the zipper under your stitching.  You will have to adjust your needle position again, this time, to the right.

 
See?  That top stitching gives things a nice finished look, plus it tacks down the zipper inside the bag,making a nice finish.

 

Following your pattern instructions, complete the bag.  Remember how I was nagging at you to be sure to measure carefully at each end of the zipper?  See how the zipper tabs are now lined up perfectly on each end? Nice.  Hope this was helpful.  Don't be afraid of zippers!

 

 

Comments

[Lisa]

Fantastic zipper tutorial Nicole! I have saved it on my computer forever as I am a bit scared of putting in zippers. Your version is very clear! Thank you so much x

[Linda]

THANK YOU thank you for posting that awesome detailed tutorial! I've never sewn a zipper before. I believe this project followed my home from the shop yesterday! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Heidi]

great tutorial , thank you

[Magnolia Bay Quilts]

Thanks so much for the tutorial. You made it look so easy!

[CarlaHR]

Thank you Nicole for the great tutorial. Why is it that your work always looks so neat and tidy?
On another note, I notice that you keep your Angler on your machine - I bought one a few weeks ago but have not yet tried it out - I've been doing a lot of hand stitching lately.

[Barbara Anne]

Thanks for the excellent tutorial!! Love the fabrics, too.

Hugs!

[Betty]

Great tutorial. Thanks. I've been afraid of zippers too.

[Jan]

THIS really inspires me to make a bunch of these bags for Christmas gifts! I've made bags before and cutting the zipper turns out not to be nearly as scary as it sounds!! But that 'clunking' sound when the needle hits the zipper foot--I've heard THAT and it IS scary! Thanks for the super tutorial!

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

Thanks, Nicole. Excellent tutorial. Great photos.

[Mary Flynn]

I loved reading the tutorial here and fantastic photos to boot! Thank you for sharing and taking fear out of THE ZIPPER! LOL

[Diane]

You're a pro! I'm going to buy that pattern now, and get going on some Christmas gifts. Thanks!

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Beautiful work! Thanks Nicole!

[Cheryl]

excellent instructions, Nicole . . . thanks so much . . .

I do think you need to publish a tutorial book . . . with all your terrific instructions . . . I would buy it !!

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving !!

[Nancy E]

Many moons ago when I made my clothes, I would put zippers in the garment, but now I always avoiding buying bag patterns that use zippers so great big thanks for the great tutorial and wonderful pictures. It looks so easy!

[Susie]

Thank you - great tutorial, nice clear pictures! I, too, am bookmarking this!

[sillysally]

Thanks for the great tutorial on the zippers for those cute bags. I used to be able to sew in zippers in my sleep when I was a teenager and made most of my clothes..... but that has been many moons ago now! I love the way those little tabs on the ends turn out so perfectly! Great step-by-step photos which help those of us who are "visual learners".

[Sharon]

great toot. I've seem many on how to put in zippers, but yours is excellent. Gives me hope that I could do this :-0

[Darlene]

AWESOME tutorial, Nicole. You've almost convinced me to order the pattern. LOL

[Heidi U]

Thanks so much for this - now I might try a zipper!!

[Debbie]

How kind of you to post this tutorial. I find a lot of inspiration in your blogs.

[Pat]

OMG!!! Talk about a Eureka Moment! This is the very first time that I have EVER understood exactly how to put a zipper in a zippered pouch. This has opened up all kinds of possibilities for me (seriously) because I have been so zipper phobic. I think those tabs make all the difference.

I am going to post a link on my blog. I've now got zipper religion!

[Kathleen]

I'm so glad you did this....I really appreciate a good "visual" when I want to do something new. I have my pattern...I have some fun fabrics...now I have to find zippers in awesome colors!

[Kelly]

Great tutorial - thanks!

[Lynn Wilder]

Great job Nicole. You make it look so easy that I may even try it!

[Helen in Switzerland]

I've already ordered the pattern Nicole - I'm smitten!