CHEZVIES: adding zipper pocket tutorial

Hello,

The last two days was euphoria for me. It's the first time I got published in an online media and that too on Ecwid Blog! I was contacted by them by email early this month and was so excited about it. You can read my Behind the Scene Story in Ecwid Blog. I hope I can inspire more mothers who decided to left 9 to 5 job and pursue her dreams.

adding zipper pocket tutorial

Now let's get down to the fun stuff. I got email from Patti, asking about how to add zipper pocket on the Phone Pouch. Thank you so much Patti!!

Adding zipper pouch is very easy. If you already got the pattern here is what you have to do. (if you haven't, you can get it at the end of this post)

After you cut all your Exterior, Lining and Interfacing pieces as per pattern instructions, cut 2 extra lining pieces of Main Panel.

1. Fuse the interfacing on to the wrong side of the back exterior piece. Mark 1.5" down on one of the short end and cut.

Mark down 1.5"

Do the same with one of the lining piece.

2. Put the lining and exterior pieces right side together (see picture below) and sew with 1/4" seam allowance. Once done turn right side out and press the seams.

sew with 1/4" seam allowance

3. Take 8" zipper and place the lined exterior pieces you just made on both sides of the zipper. Refer to the picture for placement.

4. Top stitch close to the seam and repeat with another line of stitching, approximately 1/4" apart.

I used a leftover zipper and added a contrast color zipper pull. So fun!!

I hope you can see the double line stitching there.

5. Now, take one piece of lining and place the zippered exterior panel on the lining. All right side up.

6. Pull the zipper head to the middle and baste stitch all around. I love doing baste stitching instead of using pin or wonder clip. It's totally personal preference.

7. Trim the excess zipper and now your Main Exterior with Zipper pocket is ready.

Once this part is done, you can proceed as per the pattern instructions.

It's easy, isn't it?

You might ask whether you should cut the main exterior piece - that you want to add zipper pocket - bigger? It's not necessary. The zipper will make up for the seam. But if you're not sure about the 1/4" seam allowance, you can cut the exterior piece and 1 lining slightly bigger. Maybe 1 inch bigger to be on the safe side. You can always trim it later.

While making this pouch, I also made the flap slightly rounder. YOu can do that too by drawing a curvy lines like in the picture below. Use a bottle cap or plate to draw the curve.

You can use this technique to add zipper pocket in any pouch or bag.