Sew Q’s Purse and Zip Tutorial

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In this tutorial we will all attempt to make something like this:

It's Okaaaaaaaaaaaaay. It's not going to hurt. Much.

So First you need to find a zip. The enemy. Got one? Look like this?

See that at the end it looks like this:

That's right. Evil. Bad man made zips like that. Go kill it. Take a needle and thread and sew it with a stitch or two to make it look like this:

Next, after you have chosen an outer and inner lining make sure right sides are facing one another and decide where you want your zip(per) to be. If making a clutch type bag then centre it. If you are making a pocket or pouch for inside a bag then have it higher up.

Make sure the zip(per) is centred and then with a pen mark the beginning and end to the zip (i.e. the bit that actually OPENS and not all the leftover crap that does nothing). Draw a line from beginning to end and at the ends draw a right angled arrow, like this:

Now, sew a rectangle all around where the imaginary dotted lines are here.

Very carefully using a seam ripper or pair of scissors cut the lines (including arrows) making sure you do not cut through any stitches.

Once you have done that then turn the fabric the right way round by 'posting' it through the letterbox like so:

Both sides of the fabric should now be visible and you should have a rectangular hole where the zip(per) should be.

Press with an iron if you know what's good for you.

Pin zip(per) into place

And using the left hand stitch on your machine (if you have one) stitch all around the zip(per).

Ta da

Not finished yet. Come on, practice the deep breathing exercises you never used in labour...

Unzip the zip and put right sides of material together, sewing all the way around the edge to form your purse.

Once complete turn the purse the right way round and feel more than a little smug to have made something like this:

{A note for other uses: it is advisable to use interfacing on the fabrics to add strength to the finished item. If using this tutorial for a pouch or pocket for a bag you will finish off either by sewing straight onto the bag, or by adding a backing to the zip front before adding to the bag. If you are doing it this way be sure to place the backing fabric WRONG side to the RIGHT side of the zip front, so that when you turn it the right side is showing inside the pocket when you open the zip.

Got brain cramp for reading that? Don't mention it.}

I hope that has helped some of you. Don't forget to mention me if you link. Thanks!

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