I've had a few questions about how to install a recessed zipper closure on a handbag. This has to be the longest tutorial written in the history of tutorials! I did my best to explain, but please let me know if anything is unclear.



You Will Need:

- (1) 14" zipper
- (2) 15.5" x 2.5" inside upper fabric
- (2) 15.5" x 16" inside lower fabric (I demonstrate using my own pattern, feel free to experiment!)
- (2) 15.5" x 18.25" outer fabric (or your own pattern)

* If you use your own tote pattern, be sure to alter your lining pattern to account for the extra fabric above the zipper - you want your outer and inner pieces to match after you install the zipper. I'll address this a little more later.
* I interface all my fabric for sturdiness and I've found it also keeps the lining fabric from creeping up while you're trying to close the zipper. It's really up to your personal preference, though.

1. Take one 15.5" x 2.5" piece of fabric. Pin the zipper as shown, zipper pull facing down, centered based on the zipper, not the webbing.



2. Sew using your zipper foot and 1/4" seam allowance. When you get close to the zipper pull, leave the needle down and raise the machine foot, pivoting the fabric so you can move the pull to the other side of the needle. Finish sewing.






Lift the presser foot and pull the zipper to the other side of the foot. May take some wiggling.




Back stitch at the beginning and end, by the zipper stops.

3. Take one 15.5" x 16" inside fabric and place the zipper face down on the top edge, sandwiching the zipper between two layers of fabric.





4. Sew as in Step 2, following your first sewn line as close as possible.





5. Repeat with the other pieces of inside fabric (see photos). Be sure the small lining pieces are on the same side of the zipper.


Center the 2nd top strip along the zipper and sew.




Place last bare side of zipper face down on last lining piece and sew.



6. Your lining is finished. Now is a good time to check if the lining and outer pieces are the same size. Trim if needed.



7. Unzip the zipper about halfway. Match one outer piece to the inner piece, right sides together, along the 15.5" edge. This is when you'd insert your straps if you want them at the top of the bag - mine are attached in a lower seam. Sew with 1/2" seam allowance, backstitching at beginning and end to secure.







8. Repeat Step 7 with the other outer piece.




You should be getting an idea of your finished bag!

9. Now it's time to finish the bag. Open the zipper almost all the way (so you'll be able to turn your bag right side out). Match the outer pieces, right sides together, and pin.



10. Match the lining pieces, right sides together, and pin.



11. Starting in the middle of an edge on the outer pieces, sew one direction as close as you can get to the zipper, backstitching to secure.


Fold the zipper towards you to help get the needle closer to the zipper.


You can see I don't always get super close to the zipper - it won't matter!

12. Go back to where you started in Step 11, and sew the other direction, overlapping your first stitches for a few inches. Sew as close as you can get to the zipper, backstitching to secure.



13. Repeat Step 11 with the inner pieces.

14. Repeat Step 12, except leave ~6" open to turn your bag right side out. Back stitch each side of this opening to it won't rip when you're shoving the bag through while turning.



15. Your bag should be sewn completely except for your opening in the lining.

16. Using pinking shears, trim the seams where the outer meets the lining to reduce bulk at these intersections.



17. Pull the bag right side out.







18. Close the opening in the lining, either by hand-stitching or carefully sewing with your machine.





19. Top stitch if desired.





20. Admire your bag!







I hope that made sense! It took a lot of photos and explanation, but it's basically like a glorified zipper pouch. Please let me know if anything is unclear - or if you figure out an easier way to do something!

P.S. This is the bag for the winner of my Relay for Life raffle - it'll go in the mail soon, Megan, I hope you like it!

Labels: bags, how-to's, sewing

I really love these fabric-ended burprags, so I took some pics last time I made them in case anyone else wants to try.



I like this method because it's really quick and doesn't use a ton of material or Heat-n-Bond while still looking really nice. I usually make 6 or more at a time since it's easy to stack up the fabric when cutting!

You Will Need:
- tri-fold cloth diapers
    (I use the Gerber brand from Target which are 14" wide)
- 11" x 14" piece of decorative fabric per diaper
    (Adjust the 14" dimension to match the width of your diaper)
- 4 pieces of Heat-n-Bond approx. 1 1/2" x 5" per diaper
    (another type of double sided fusible interfacing would work too)



1. Iron diaper and decorative fabric to remove wrinkles.



2. Press in ~1/2" on both 14" edges and then press to form a crease down the center of the 14" length.



3. Following the Heat-n-Bond directions, use two small pieces and press the rough side to each short edge of the decorative fabric.



4. Remove the paper backing from the Heat-n-Bond and position the fabric across the bottom of the diaper as shown. Your Heat-n-Bond pieces should be facing the diaper. Press to attach.



5. Flip the diaper over and apply the remaining Heat-n-Bond pieces to the exposed wrong side of the decorative fabric.



6. Being sure to match the folded edges, fold the decorative fabric up to wrap the end of the diaper and press to attach.



7. Starting at one corner, zig zag stitch the three loose sides of the decorative fabric. Since you lined up the folded edges in step 6, the zig zag stitch should catch the decorative fabric on both sides of the diaper.





8. Step back and admire your handiwork!



Since these rags are often tossed over the shoulder for holding and burping, having the pretty fabric at the bottom looks really nice!

These wash up really well and seem to be holding their own after frequent use. I hope this made sense and you enjoy!

Labels: how-to's, sewing

I'm sure you're tired of hearing me go on about all the baby presents I have to make lately. Truly I love it! It's fun coming up with new things to make, or turning to old stand-bys. The last time I made a ribbon snuggly I took some pictures in case anyone is interested in what I've found works best for me...

1. Cut two pieces of fabric ~10x10" or 12x12" - size isn't critical as long as they're the same! I usually use cotton or flannel on once side and fleece on the other.



2. Cut a bunch of pieces of ribbon 4" long - try to vary the width and texture. I never throw away ribbon scraps now! Lay out around your fabric square as you go so you know how many to cut.



3. Fold the pieces of ribbon in half and pin to the right side of the cotton fabric, loops facing in. Try to space out evenly.



4. Baste the ribbons, using 1/4" seam allowance, pulling out the pins as you go.



5. Place the backing fabric face down on your cotton fabric, sandwiching the ribbons. Feel with your fingers to make sure there are no folded ribbons. Sew around the edge with slightly greater than a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a ~4" gap to turn.

6. Turn right side out, poke out the corners with a knitting needle or chopstick, and topstitch around the whole edge. Be sure to close up the gap you left for turning.



The best part about this is it takes about 30 minutes once you get the hang of it!

Labels: how-to's, sewing

So many people mentioned having beautiful tea towels they couldn't bear to use when I posted the Tea Towel Tote how-to, so I thought you might also be interested in my super easy tea towel apron. This is even easier than the tote, and takes about 15 minutes.

Click any picture to make it larger.

Supplies
1 tea towel
2.5-3 yds ribbon*

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm using these super cute Valentine towels I found on clearance last year.



First, fold your tea towel in half lengthwise, right sides together. If you have a border that you want to be along the bottom of your apron, make sure it's where my red border is.



Find the center of your ribbon and align it with the center of the towel's folded edge. Pin ribbon along folded edge, through ribbon and both layers of the towel.



Sew along the top and bottom of the ribbon, through the ribbon and both layers of towel, top stitching when you stop and start for security.



Fold the top layer of towel up to meet the ribbon. Pin just the folded top layer, along the edges and at two spots to make dividers - this is your apron pocket.



Sew just through the pocket layers, at the edges and your pocket divisions, backstitching at the openings for security.



You're done!



Model your apron in your grubby PJ's and share it with the internet:



* This is why I make the ribbon so long - I wrap the ties back around to the front and tie them under the pocket, so the apron doesn't move around much while I'm wearing it.



Now make another one because that was so stinkin' easy!



Hope you enjoy!!

Labels: how-to's, sewing

I geeked out a little with alliteration in the title - in truth it's a stretch to call this a tutorial... Anyway, I made up a few more tea towel totes this weekend and remembered to take pictures along the way, in case anyone is interested in a quick project to make a great, useful bag.

Tea Towel Tote Tutorial
You will need:
- tea towel
- (2) 5"x22" strap fabric
- (2) 5"x22" interfacing



1. Make the straps...
Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of the strap fabric. Press in 1/4" on each end. Press in half and then press each side to the middle line. Iron in half again. Top stitch the length of the strap on both sides. (Basically this is the same as in these directions.) Set aside.







2. Make the bag...
Fold the tea towel in half, right sides together. Sew up each side. Box the corners but don't cut off the excess. Fold up the sewn corners and stitch several times across the tip to hold in place.









3. Attach the strap...
Apparently diagonal lines are the strongest!





It seems like I could have made the directions a little simpler because this is such an easy project, but I do have a problem with overexplaining!

Also! Since this happens to be my 400th post, leave a comment and I'll do a drawing for one of these bags, and fill it with some fun goodies! I know there are some lurkers out there, now's the time to introduce yourself! I'll do the drawing on Monday... Just a way to say thanks for those of you that make this crafty community such a fun place!

Labels: bags, how-to's, sewing