amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

gail · 05-26-2005, 02:31 PM

Since I blew SIL's purse off the other night, I HAVE to get my rear in gear and get her purse finished. I took pics as I made the zippered pocket. I sure hope these directions make sense. If they don't, LMK, and I'll try to make it more clear.

Step 1:
I use a 6x10 rectangle of interfaced fabric and a zipper that's at least 9 inches long, but the longer the zipper, the better.) DO NOT USE A METAL ZIPPER.

Step 2:
One one end of the fabric, make a small snip 1 inch away from the end.

Step 3:
Put your zipper right side down on top of the right-side-up fabric at the edge.

Step 4:
Use your regular presser foot as a guide. Put the left edge of the presser foot against the edge of the zipper. Move your needle as needed. Sew the length of the fabric.

Step 5:
Flip the zipper up and then sew along the edge, making sure to catch the fabric underneath. Line your foot up alongside the zipper and sew (as close as possible) the length of the fabric.

Step 6:
Leave the zipper flipped up. Now, flip the bottom of the fabric up and put it edge to edge with the zipper, right sides together.

Although you won't be able to see it, you'll be able to feel the zipper. Let your foot run alongside the zipper, as close as possible. Sew the length of the fabric. The zipper will be on the left of the foot.

Step 7:
This is what you have so far. Open the zipper and repeat step 5.

Step 8:
Turn pocket right side out, zip the zipper to the edge of the pocket and tack closed, hand-stitch or zig-zag. I did it in pink so you could see it.

Step 9:
Open the zipper and turn pocket inside-out. Leave the zipper open. Pin sides together, making the snips be the top of the pocket (zipper won't be along top edge.)

Step 10:
Serge edges together, letting the serger take off the extra zipper.

Step 11:
Turn right side out. I've found that making square, neat corners is easier if I fold the fabric to the inside along the needle-thread line.

Step 12:
Here's your finished pocket. It needs a good pressing, now.

Nutmeg · 05-26-2005, 02:35 PM

WOW! Thanks so much! I got one from Bethan I think in the Fall swap. Emily uses it for her make up and I need one too

Thanks!

oldiebutgoodie · 05-26-2005, 02:50 PM

That looks really easy. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for posting it.

*Heather* · 05-26-2005, 02:53 PM

That is really cute and soo simple AWESOME>

I love your pins too. LOL Thank you for posting this.

gail · 05-26-2005, 03:10 PM

You're welcome! I hope you can follow it easily.

Carolinerenee · 05-26-2005, 03:49 PM

Wow, Gail, that was really clear and easy to follow. Thanks--I'm going to have to try that!

hannahsorchard · 05-26-2005, 04:01 PM

um, that's a big old pin cushion!!!!!

gail · 05-26-2005, 04:03 PM

That's my pin pumpkin. I kept losing that dumb little red tomato so I made something that I COULDN'T lose.

gail · 05-27-2005, 10:00 AM

would someone please put this in the sew-a-longs?

BeckyDyane · 05-27-2005, 10:16 AM

This is a great instructional! Thanks so much Gail.

And that is an awesome pin cushion ~ I need one like that.

And do tell where you bought the pins ~ hearts and flowers ~ I need those too.

gail · 05-27-2005, 11:04 AM

They were on a clearance rack at Target. They aren't as long as the flower-head pins, but they stick what I need them to stick.

5littlebugs · 05-27-2005, 11:45 AM

Thanks so much! It definately looks like something I can do.

Candace · 05-27-2005, 03:16 PM

That's cute! Thanks! I just made 4 zippered (top zipper) PJ bags for my kids, but I think I'll use your technique to make myself some "stuff" bags.

ToHaNi · 05-27-2005, 04:15 PM

Thank you