Dotty Handbag/Purse (or is it a washbag?) And How To Add a Zip ~ with Free Tutorial

Handbag / Purse ?

I’ve not quite finished this handbag / purse yet, because I haven’t attached the handles. Yet. But without the handles  it looks very much like a washbag.

Without handles...

So do I leave it as a washbag thingamy (not waterproof), or attach the handles and make a dinky little handbag / purse? Oh decisions, decisions…

 

 

Anyway. To the tutorial. This is a tutorial on how to add a zippered pocket to a bag. My first go was with my float apron thingamy and I was so chuffed with it, I thought I’d add another one to this rectangular box bag purse thingamy (I need some new words!).

Materials Needed

2 x pocket pieces – same size as each other (+ interfacing if you’re using delicate fabric for the pocket)

2 x main pieces – same size as each other (but obviously they need to be larger than the pockets!)

1 x zip (similar length to the pocket pieces).

How to add a Zip Pocket (step-by-step slideshow below)

1. Sew the open end of the zip closed.
2. Place one pocket piece, wrong side up, onto the right side of one main piece (where you want the pocket to be, but on the other side). Pin in place.
3. Measure the length of the zip teeth (from the seal at the closed end, to the top of the zip on the other end), and mark a same-length rectangle on the pocket piece, ca. 1cm high.
4. Draw a mid line along the length of the rectangle, with two Vs at either end.
5. Sew around the outer rectangle (through both pocket fabric and main fabric).
6. Using a rotary cutter, or a seam ripper to start off, cut along the mid line and the Vs (being very careful not to cut your stitching).
7. Push/Pull the pocket piece through the hole you’ve just cut, so that it ends up on the wrong side of the main fabric. Smooth down and press.
8. Pin the zip in place, and sew it carefully in place.
9. Pin the remaining pocket piece in place, right side together with the pocket piece you’ve been working with, moving the main fabric out of the way.
10. Ta daaah! You’re done. Made By Yours Truly. Now get on and make the rest of your thingamy with its lovely zippered pocket.

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