I am having so much fun sewing pouches with this classic design (pattern here).
For such pattern and many other pouch patterns you need to create a “tube”, like in the picture below, and the zipper will open and close the tube. Sewing the zipper is a little challenging if you use a closed end zipper, in the size of the piece. I always avoid this and I use a zipper about 4” longer than the size of the edge.
You could use a separating (open end) zipper as well, it will make the sewing easier!
But the best zipper to use is the zipper by the yard. You need a piece just a little longer than the edge you have to attach the zipper to, and because you separate the tape of the zipper, it will be very easy to sew it.
The problem with zippers by the yard is that we think that adding the slider to zipper tape is hard and it is not worth the effort! Well, see the pictures below, try the technique and after that you will be able to decide for yourself.
Here is what you have to do.
Separate the sides of the zipper tape.
Trim off from one of the tapes about ½’’ or ¾’’ of coil/chain.
You will use the rounded end of the slider, which has two openings. Put the right side of the zipper (with longer coil) through the right side of the slider. Push the slider down about ½’’.
Guide the other side of the zipper through the left opening of the slider.
Hold both ends of the zipper tape with one hand; with the other hand pull the slider onto the chain.
This type of zipper (nylon coil with a metallic look) is my favorite to use for pouches and bags.
Practice the technique on zippers with bigger teeth- it’s easier than working with small teeth.
Check out the video below, you will see how easy it is!
Besides the zipper, there are a few other elements that make the pouch more beautiful, giving it a lovely shape.
This is my favorite pouch pattern at the moment!
Add straps and turn the pouch into a little bag – great for little girls!
Hard to stop sewing! Pouch Pattern here!
Happy sewing!
Oh! what a life saver you are. You make it look so easy and all my life I have been struggling. I am 83 so, hopefully, I have a few more years to use this information. Many thanks.
Very glad to hear this, Jill, happy sewing!
I put an upside down zipper head on the 2 middle tines of a fork to hold it steady while I slip the 2 sides of the zipper onto the head. Works like a charm.