zipped purse tutorial

ok here we go :: my first ever tutorial....

Measure your zip :: mine is 5 1/2".
Cut out the fabric for your purse. (you'll see what size you need later)
Overlock the edges, or zigzag stitch if you prefer.

Fold over 1cm and iron flat (this is a before picture!!)
Get your sewing machine ready. For practise I used the normal foot but once you are an expert zip putter-inner you can be a whizz with the special zip foot. Line the folded edge up with the raised zip and sew from end to end, stop when you get to the slider ::
Leave the needle in the fabric, raise the foot and slide the slider away from you. Lower the foot and sew until the end.

Repeat that step so both sides are attached to the zip like this ::

This is the crucial bit :: see in the photo below how far away from the edge the silver stop of the zip is? This is what you want :: 1/2" allowance. So when you measure your zip you MUST add 1/2" TWICE to work out how large your fabric needs to be. (you can of course do this step backwards and design the size of your purse first and then buy a zip to fit) This is what it looks like when your zip is going to go wrong (zip stop is too close to the edge) ::So when you have the zip sewn in it's time to sew the purse together. Start from the edge where the zip is and carefully line up the fabric edges (remember they are nice and crisp because you ironed it) Pin this so it can't slip. Sew the edge starting from the non-zip corner, down towards the pinned zip section. Sew right over the zip and back stitch so it is very strong. Don't be scared here...your sewing machine is made to do this :-)Once you have sewn both sides you can sew the bottom too, remember to open the zip before you do this ;-) :: another crucial bit :: look on the left hand side in the photo below...can you see the silver zip stop? see how the stitch line is half way between the edge of the fabric and the silver zip stop? Do it like that!!Trim the corners if you wish but they should turn through fine, with such small seam allowances. Tra-la! your zip ends will look like this ::

Once you are happy with this technique you can change to your zipper foot and sew nice and close to the zip.Yay! now you can sew zips of any size into anything you choose....