Have you ever tried googling that? Just start typing it and see all the choices that pop up? Blogs … YouTubes …
I’ve been sewing since Grade 8 (I think). I have always tried everything, didn’t matter whether I failed or succeeded, I just kept on going. In the beginning, I followed the instructions word for word. After a while I started looking only at the diagrams and photos and if I got stuck, then I forced myself to read the words.
Now I find myself looking at what’s the next step and just doing it my way. Not because I think I’m better or anything but just because I have put in so many zippers on clothes and bags I’m just comfortable doing it my way!
So what’s this all leading to? I’ve noticed other sewists and pattern makers do it their way too. Is that right? Is that wrong? Nope! I still love seeing new ways to put in a zipper! Show me something new!
After I discovered and struggled through my first “burrito” technique, I couldn’t sew in a yoke any other way! Look here for the “burrito” technique. I originally learned the “burrito” technique from Janet Pray on the old Craftsy website. Janet Pray is wonderful and I have learned so much from her!
With handbag sewing, I’ve noticed the same thing … so many ways to do the same thing. Sometimes U.S. pattern makers do it one way, U.K. pattern makers do it another! Very fascinating!
Search “zipper pockets in handbags” and you’ll see a few methods. What’s right? What’s wrong? Again, neither! I love seeing new ways!
So just for some fun, let me show you how I did the zipper tabs in my newest pattern, the Lányos Tessa© Bag (sorry … not yet released) … perhaps this way is something new to you?
1 MEASURE two zipper tabs 2″ x 3″ (5 cm x 7.6 cm). TIP: 1/2″ (1.3 cm) wide zipper tabs should be made from 2″ (5 cm) wide fabric. (because 1/2″ x 4 = 2″)
2 SEW one end of your zipper onto one 3” (7.6 cm) long side of your zipper tab with a 1/2″ (1.3 cm) seam allowance (SA), right sides together (RST). Then FOLD your zipper tab wrong sides together (WST), 1/2″ (1.3 cm) again.
3 FOLD over the other edge of your zipper tab WST, 1/2″ (1.3 cm) again. PRESS.
4 FOLD over again 1/2” (1.3 cm), PRESS. EDGE STITCH close to the zipper.
5 REPEAT with the other side of the zipper and the other zipper tab.
TIP: If your seam allowance (SA) is 1/2″ (1.3 cm), your zipper with tabs is always 1/2″ (1.3 cm) shorter than your bag sides to stay free of your seam allowance (SA). I do not cut the 3” (7.6 cm) long zipper tabs shorter. It makes them easier for me to poke out when turning my bag!
ANOTHER TIP: On the end of the zipper with the zipper pull, unzip the zipper a bit in order to edge stitch your zipper tab, but make sure the zipper tape sides are still as close together as possible. Keep your needle in the down position if you raise the presser foot to move your zipper pull out of the way as you sew.
YET ANOTHER TIP: 1/4″ (6 mm) Double sided tape (DST) or adhesive tape helps to hold the zipper in place as you sew. You can leave the DST on, but you have to tear off the adhesive tape. You can use pins but they might make the zipper bumpy. Don’t sew within the 1/4” (6 mm) edge of the zipper tape where you have your DST though, it might gum up your needle!
TO BE CONTINUED when my Lányos Tessa© Bag pattern is released!
Oh! and before I forget, I’ve started a YouTube Channel “Lányos Handmade“! Here’s the link!
I’ll be posting bag making tutorials, sew-alongs (starting with my Lányos Tessa© Bag pattern) and sewing tips! Still lots of time to subscribe before the Lányos Tessa© Bag sew-along starts! Let’s see what we can create together!
Happy Sewing!
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