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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: auzzi
Date: 10-28-2003, 09:02 PM (1 of 5)
I think I'm in the wrong spot: but I will continue anyway.

After a trial run working through this process, you will be able to produce a useful zippered bag in a matter of minutes [really]. I have used it for cosmetic bags, coloured pencil bags, craft storage bags - anything that needed to be secure and washable.

Before trying anything small, practice on something big:

Before commencing:
* select co-ordinating 9, 10, or 12 inch zip[per], printed fabric and lining fabric {yes, it is lined}
* measure from end to end, including the fabric tabs at either end of the zip[per] teeth
* this measurement will be one side of the square of fabric and lining [referred to as the long side]
* the next measurement is how deep the bag will be, eg 6 inches [referred to as the deep side]
* cut two rectangles using these measurements from the printed fabric for the outside of the bag
* cut two rectangles using the long side measurement and the deep side measurement less 1/4 inch viz 5 3/4 inches

Pinning order:
1. lay the first print fabric - face up - on the table
2. lay the zip[per] - face down - along the long edge of the print fabric
3. lay the first lining fabric - face down - on the other two, matching it's long side to the print long side
[sounds difficult - it's not - and you will have the zip[per] sandwiched between the two pieces of fabric]. Pin.

* using a zip[per] foot or narrow sewing foot, sew along the edge - close to the teeth. The tabs of the zip[per] are included in this.
* Manipulate the pull mechanism, so it is not in the way.
[the tape on one side of the teeth should have two pieces hanging off it - the right side of the print should be facing the same way as the outer side of the zip]

1. lay the second print fabric - face up - on the table
2. move the sewn-on pieces to one side of the zip[per]
3. lay this with the zip[per] face down - along the long edge of the print fabric [matching the unsewn tape to the edge]
4. lay the second lining fabric - face down - on the other two, matching it's long side to the print long side
[sounds extremely difficult - it's not - think of the first bit as one unit and you will have that sandwiched between the second two pieces of fabric]. Pin.

* using a zip[per] foot or narrow sewing foot, sew along the edge - close to the teeth.
* The tabs of the zip[per] are included in this.
* Manipulate the pull mechanism, so it is not in the way.
[Both the TWO tapes on either side of the teeth should have two pieces hanging off each - the right sides of the prints should be facing the same way as the outer side of the zip] Something like this > -<

Match the right sides of the print pieces to each other and match the right sides of the lining pieces to each other. The zip[per] should be in the middle, between it all.

Pin the deep side of the lining, then the deep side of the print, across the long side of the print down the other deep side of the print and concluding one the last deep side of the lining. It's final side is unpinned.
[NOTE: The zip[per] seams should be pinned towards the lining.]

To sew:
* Close the zip[per] completely.
* Choose a medium to shorter stitch for strength.
* Commence at the double deep sides of the bottom of the zip[per].

Start at the lining corner:
1. sew down the deep side of the lining - hold the seams down firmly and both sets in the same direction - sew close to the bottom bar of the zip[per] - too far away will leave a small gap in the bag.
2. then down the deep side of the print - sew 3 stitches diagonally at the corner - and pivot.
3. across the long side of the print - sew 3 stitches diagonally at the corner - and pivot.
4. sew down the other deep side of the print. Open the zip[per] slightly but don't misalign the teeth- hold the seams down firmly and both sets in the same direction - sew close to the top of the zip[per] - too far away will leave a small gap in the bag.
5. finally, sew the last deep side of the lining. It's final side is unsewn [yet].
TO RECAP: you have sewn all around the outside, except for one side, with all the right sides facing each other.

Trim the corners to make turning easier. Trim/tidy the seams as required.

Now, reach up into the bag and unzip the zip[per] from it's underside - that's why the zip[per] is opened slightly when you are sewning. Once, undone, pull it inside out.

You will have a bag that is completely finished except for the lining seam inside the bottom of the bag:- line up the raw edges, then slip-stitch while turning the seams under. .FINISHED
User: auzzi
Member since: 10-28-2003
Total posts: 56
From: habanerohutch
Date: 10-31-2003, 12:27 PM (2 of 5)
I had to read that twice to be sure I got it. that is a really slick method. How much easier could it be???

thanks for posting that. I have plenty of fabric scraps, lots of recycled zippers (I cut out zippers and buttons when I discard anything). and these "hobo" bag type purses or tote bags always have a jumble in the bottom. Now I can organize them .
Chile Pepper from Texas
User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000
Total posts: 49
From: Magot
Date: 11-06-2003, 03:11 AM (3 of 5)
Mary, maybe this should be turned into an article as well.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us
Cells a Speciality
DNA to order.
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002
Total posts: 3626
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-06-2003, 06:27 PM (4 of 5)
wow excellent instructions.
Thanks
Violet:Canada:
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002
Total posts: 461
From: Snow Keeper
Date: 11-17-2003, 12:30 PM (5 of 5)
Wow... sounds like a great method!!!
If ever anyone comes up with visual pics for this method please post them!!! I think I got the just of it, but since Im more a visual person, I'd love to see step by step pics.

Thanks for sharing!
Smiles!
Yesterday is History...
Tomorrow a mystery
Today is a Gift....
That's why it's called the Present.

**And if your Happy in the Lord, Notify your face!!!
User: Snow Keeper
Member since: 12-26-2002
Total posts: 14
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