Don't fear the zipper

Zippers seem to be the boogyman of sewing. The monster under the bed that puts fear in the hearts of sew-ers. And like the boogyman zippers need not scare you, the fear is only imagined.

For a long time I avoided anything that required putting a zipper in. I'd check the back of the pattern to see if a zipper was required, if so, that pattern went back in the drawer. One day I decided to give it a try, just to see if it was as bad as I had been led to believe. It wasn't. Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't have won any awards but attempting that first one proved that I could do it.

Putting a zippered pocket into a purse is a good way to wet your feet, so to speak where zippers are concerned. Zippered pouches is another.

This is the method I use for putting a zippered pocket in a purse. The pocket is put in one side of your purse lining before assembling it.

Materials:

Zipper: I'm using a 7" zipper

Fabric for pocket: A rectangle that is about 9" wide. The length is determined by how deep you want your pocket. This one is about 12" long and my finished pocket will be about 5 1/2" deep.

Ruler and Pen

Zipper foot: I think this is key to putting zippers in. If you don't have one, I recommend getting one.

Step 1:

Fold the rectangle in half the long way to determine the center line.

Step 2:

About 1/2" below the center line draw a rectangular box that is 1/2" x  7 1/2"

Step 3:

Pin the pocket onto your purse lining piece.

Position it so that the rectangle is where you want the pocket to be. Mine is about 2 1/2" from the top edge and centered on the lining piece.

Step 4:

Stitch along the marked lines

Step 5:

Cut a slit in the center of the rectangle through the pocket and the lining stopping about 1/4" from the ends and cut at an angle to the corners.

Step 6:

Push the pocket fabric through the slit you just cut to the back of the lining and press flat

Step 7:

Center the zipper right side up in the opening and pin securely in place. (you could also use fusible tape to secure the zipper before stitching)  Be sure the pocket fabric remains open flat and away from the opening.

Step 8:

Stitch along the edge of fabric, close to the zipper tape all the way around the zipper.

Step 9:

Bring the sides of the pocket together and stitch along the sides and bottom

There you have it, a zippered pocket in your lining.

This weeks gratitude list is about the senses,

Sight: The orange streaks in the early morning sky, the quiet gracefulness of bare leafless trees against a gray sky, these beautiful prints (more art for the living room)

Sound: The words "I love you", Casey playing guitar, Alyssa singing, Maggie purring

Smell: My morning coffee, Mitch's fresh from the shower skin, clean laundry

Touch: Toby's soft fur, hugs, soft warm flannel PJs

Taste: Chocolate chip cookies dipped in milk, chips and salsa, breakfast for dinner