Earth Day – Scrap Zipper Pouch

Using scrap fabric and extra zippers make this scrap zipper pouch. This is a great introduction to sewing with zippers and putting lining into a bag.

Materials

• 0.3m scrap fabric
• 0.3m lightweight fusible interfacing
• 8″ invisible zipper
• 12″ separating zipper
• Gutermann sew all thread
• Quilting needle size 90/14
• Rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat
• scissors
• straight pins
• Double-sided wash-away basting tape
• Air or wash away fabric marker

Instructions

1. Cut 5 rectangles measuring 7″ x 9″. You will have 2 outer fabric pieces, 2 lining pieces, and 1 pocket piece
2. Cut 5 rectangles measuring 7″ x 9″ from the lightweight fusible interfacing and fuse to the wrong sides of your fabric pieces.

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3. Fold the pocket piece in half with the wrong sides together (the folded piece will be 7″ x 4 1/2″). On the folded edge of the right side of the fabric place double-sided wash-away basting tape.

Note: the pocket is the width of the bag.

Tip:  this can be done on the inside or outside of any bag.

4. With the pocket right side up, place the wrong side of the invisible zipper on top of the basting tape. The zipper should extend past the pocket on both sides. Working with an open decorative stitch, stitch down the zipper.

5. Measure up 4″ from the bottom of the front bag piece. Draw a line across the bag using an air soluble marker. Place a piece of double-sided basting tape on this line. Close the invisible zipper and place the side that isn’t sewn to your pocket along the basting tape.

6. Working with an open decorative stitch, stitch down the zipper. The pocket is finished and fully lined.

7. Measure the width of the zipper across the zipper tape and teeth. Cut a piece of fabric 2 1/2″ by the width of the zipper plus two seam allowances. For example Width of zipper = 1 1/4″, Seam allowance = 1/2″, Cut tab 2 1/2″ x 2 1/4″. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side. Fold under 1/4″ seam on each end of the width of the zipper side and press.

Tip:  A separating zipper can be made into a non-separating zipper or A long zipper can be made shorter.  Use up the spare zippers in your sewing room

8. Matching the folded edges, fold the piece right sides together, sew edges. Check to make sure the zipper will fit into the tab. Trim seam allowances to 1/4″. Turn right side out and press.

9. Cut the zipper to the correct length, plus ½” Tip: Place a piece of tape across the zipper to hold in place. Slide the tab over the zipper, pin in place and stitch across the tab.

Note: hand turn the flywheel as you stitch over the coil to prevent breaking a needle.

Tip: When measuring the zipper, make the finished length at least 1″ longer, this will allow for easy insertion

10. Place wash-away basting tape on the front and the back of both sides of the zipper tape. Place the edge of the right side of the front bag piece to the right side of the zipper. Using a zipper foot stitch in place. Repeat with the right side of the back bag piece.

Tip: Use a couple of pins or clip to hold in place

11. Place the edge of the right side of the front bag lining piece to the wrong side of the zipper. Using a zipper foot stitch in place. Repeat with the right side of the back bag lining piece. Press both the lining pieces and main pieces away fro the zipper.

Tip: Use a couple of pins or clips to hold in place

12. Topstitch through outer fabric and lining on both sides of the zipper.

13. Open both the pocket zipper and bag zipper about halfway. Pin the two pieces of lining right sides together and the outer bag pieces right sides together. Make sure you move the zipper tab out of the way. Start sewing on the lower edge of the lining, 1″ in from the corner and sew up to the tab side stopping 1/2″ before the tab. Repeat on the other side, leaving a small opening on the bottom lining to turn right side out.

Note: if you forget to do this you will not be able to open the pocket or turn the bag

Note: to stitch over the zipper teeth of the pocket stop sewing and turn the fly wheel in the sewing. 

14. Turn the bag right side out. Slipstitch or machine stitch the opening closed. Push the lining into the bag. Press and enjoy!