Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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.

Zippers 
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.

011 
The first step is to stitch across the top of the zipper.  I do it twice, just for strength.

012 
Then, you cut it off.  Gasp!  Yes, really.  Don't worry, it is going to be OK.

013 
You are going to sew a little tab over the end.

014 
I can hear you all saying "Oooohhhhhhh".

015 
Cut the tab even with the sides of the zipper. 

016 
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.

017 

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

018 

This is what you have done with that zipper.  Throw the cut off bits away.
019 
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.

021 
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).

022 

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.

023 
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.

027 
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.

028 
See?  That top stitching gives things a nice finished look, plus it tacks down the zipper inside the bag,making a nice finish.

029 

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!

 

 

80 responses to “Bag Zipper Tutorial”

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  15. 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!

  16. 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!

  25. 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 !!

  26. 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 !!

  27. 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!

  28. 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!

  31. 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”.

  32. 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”.

  41. 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!

  42. 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!

  43. 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!

  44. 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!

  51. Thank you Nicole for the great tutorial on the bag zipper! You made it clear and understandable and is helpful. I look forward to getting the pattern and supplies.
    Beverly in WA state

  52. Thank you Nicole for the great tutorial on the bag zipper! You made it clear and understandable and is helpful. I look forward to getting the pattern and supplies.
    Beverly in WA state

  53. I love the way you added the tabs. Thanks for the tutorial- it’s always nice to have a little extra encouragment.

  54. I love the way you added the tabs. Thanks for the tutorial- it’s always nice to have a little extra encouragment.

  55. Thanks for the tute! I think the last time I tried to put in a zipper might have been in junior high school–I don’t think I’d know what to do now.

  56. Thanks for the tute! I think the last time I tried to put in a zipper might have been in junior high school–I don’t think I’d know what to do now.

  57. Great Tutorial! I bought the pattern last weekend after seeing your samples! Way too cute:) It’s a nice change up isn’t it to make something fun and useful.
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
    Laura T

  58. Great Tutorial! I bought the pattern last weekend after seeing your samples! Way too cute:) It’s a nice change up isn’t it to make something fun and useful.
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
    Laura T

  59. Thank you for this tutorial…thank you! I really loved the bags I saw earlier in the week, and now I understand how to make them! Off to buy the pattern!

  60. Thank you for this tutorial…thank you! I really loved the bags I saw earlier in the week, and now I understand how to make them! Off to buy the pattern!

  61. Great tutorial! Thank you! I am afraid of zippers, but after seeing your tutorial, I may just give them a try! I love the little bags you were making, but was afraid of them because of the zippers lol.

  62. Great tutorial! Thank you! I am afraid of zippers, but after seeing your tutorial, I may just give them a try! I love the little bags you were making, but was afraid of them because of the zippers lol.

  65. Thanks for the tutorial. I bought a bunch of those zippers at a shop in Jacksonville but haven’t used them yet. I also bought the pattern for the bags at the same time. My plan is after this week to get sewing. I do this every year and wait till the last minute. Why do I do this to myself. Oh Well! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

  66. Thanks for the tutorial. I bought a bunch of those zippers at a shop in Jacksonville but haven’t used them yet. I also bought the pattern for the bags at the same time. My plan is after this week to get sewing. I do this every year and wait till the last minute. Why do I do this to myself. Oh Well! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

  67. What an awesome tutorial…I may just have to order the pattern….I’ll set my laptop right next to my machine and follow step by step…thank you!

  68. What an awesome tutorial…I may just have to order the pattern….I’ll set my laptop right next to my machine and follow step by step…thank you!

  69. When I saw the picture of the zipper display it made me think of another cute idea of how to embelish the front of your cute bags. It’s a zipper flower. I went to “You Tube” and found Evange who does a tutorial on how to make them. Very cute. I can see them made with all those wonderful bright colored zippers. Nancy

  70. When I saw the picture of the zipper display it made me think of another cute idea of how to embelish the front of your cute bags. It’s a zipper flower. I went to “You Tube” and found Evange who does a tutorial on how to make them. Very cute. I can see them made with all those wonderful bright colored zippers. Nancy

  77. Nicole,
    You have inspired me! I made one of these adorable bags last night and with your tutorial, it was a snap! I got my zippers and pattern from one of our favorite shops, Life’s a Stitch in Janesville, WI. Thanks for putting the wonderful tutorial on your blog.

  78. Nicole,
    You have inspired me! I made one of these adorable bags last night and with your tutorial, it was a snap! I got my zippers and pattern from one of our favorite shops, Life’s a Stitch in Janesville, WI. Thanks for putting the wonderful tutorial on your blog.