Are you an avid bag maker looking to elevate your creations with a touch of sophistication and practicality? Look no further – it's time to delve into the world of internal zipper pockets! The art of seamlessly incorporating zipper pockets using accents into bag linings that can truly transform your designs. In this masterclass, we'll unravel the process step by step, ensuring that you're well-equipped to bring your bag-making skills to the next level.
Why Choose Internal Zipper Pockets?
Internal zipper pockets not only enhance the functionality of your bags but also showcase your craftsmanship in a unique way. They provide a secure and stylish place to store essentials like keys, phones, and wallets, while also maintaining the overall aesthetic of your design. Using zipper pockets on the interior allows for a clean and polished finish that will leave your bags both impressive and highly functional.
Materials You'll Need:
1. Fabric: Choose a fabric for your pocket lining that complements your bag's main or lining fabric.
2. Zipper: Opt for a zipper that suits your bag's size and style. Metal or nylon zippers are commonly used.
3. Zipper Foot: This specialised sewing machine foot makes sewing close to the zipper teeth a breeze.
4. Thread: Coordinate your thread with your fabric for a seamless look.
5. Pins or Clips: These will help keep your pieces in place while sewing.
6. Scissors: Sharp scissors for cutting fabric and trimming excess threads.
7. Double Sided Tape: Useful to help secure your accent piece and zips in place
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Cut your lining fabric pieces according to your bag pattern's instructions. Choose the location for your zipper pocket and place the accent piece in place.
Attach the Zipper Accent Piece
Sew around the outer end of the accent piece using a top stitching length stitch. Cut around the stitching line on the lining fabric leaving around 1/4" so it exposes the opening for the zipper accent piece.
Add Zipper to the Lining Pieces
With the lining fabric facing right side up and the zipper facing right side up (zipper pull to the left) attach the zipper to edge of the lining piece using a basting stitch. Do exactly the same with other lining piece attaching to the other side of the zipper tape right sides both facing up. Press the lining pieces so that the zipper is lying flat
Adding the lining piece to the zipper accent
Using double sided tape along each edge of the zipper tape, position your zipper in the centre of the zipper accent opening and stitch around the zipper opening using a top stitching length stitch. Make sure your zipper pull is inside the zipper opening.
Finish the zipper pocket.
Sew down each side of the zipper pocket lining and if you are turning your bag through the zipper pocket leave the bottom of the lining open. If you aren't turning it through the zipper pocket you can sew along the bottom edge too to close the lining and create your zipper pocket.
By mastering the art of adding internal zipper pockets, you're not only enhancing your bag-making skills but also elevating your creations to a new level of sophistication and utility. The internal zipper pocket technique can be used in various bag styles, from totes to cross body bags, so experiment and explore how it can elevate your designs. With practice and attention to detail, you'll soon find yourself seamlessly incorporating these stylish accents into your bag creations.
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full. Deb x
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