Friday, November 30, 2007

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....

16 comments:

Kitty said...

Oooh thanks for that ... I feel quite inspired! I'll let you know how it goes (if and when I do it ... which I'm sure I will, at some point) :-D x

Anonymous said...

That was a beautiful tutorial! I laughed. I cried. I read it again. Well done! Well done!

And actually this came at just the right time as I have to replace a zipper in a vintage dress of mine. Thanks!

Chookyblue...... said...

great tutorial I have had a couple of goes but will try again now I found this.......thanks

Anonymous said...

Fabulous tutorial! Thank you so much.

Locket Pocket said...

Thanks for the super-technical bits! I've made purses but more by luck than judgement so it is good to see how to do it right!!!! Lucy x

Unknown said...

Can you come to my house and show me please? I'm still afraid of the zip/sewing machine combo ;)

Claire said...

Lovely tutorial! I'm going to try making a few this week. I'm in need of more christmas present ideas and this is pursefect!! ;)

Gigibird said...

You make it look so easy....once I get hold of a zip I shall have a go...
does this mean that the zip size determines the size of the 'whatever' ?

Annie B said...

thanks for that tutorial - nice short steps, that's what I like. Will be back to try it out, once I find a zip.

Claire said...

I've just had a go at making these and your instructions were very good, very clear, nice and easy to follow! Lined purses next?! ;)

Mrs Jelly said...

I've always been too scared to do anything with zips, but always thought they would be really handy to have in the bottom of my doorstops. Guess what I'm going to be trying soon....?! Thanks xx

Anna said...

This is a great tutorial. Thanks! Any chance you can do another one on how to sew a coin purse with zipper and a lining?!!

Bethany @ The Paper Pony said...

Zippers have always intimidated me... even thinking about that pesky foot! This was SO helpful and makes me want to go out and get a couple of zippers NOW! Thanks you so much.

Unknown said...

I love to have different kind of puse specially for combine it with my clothes. I think every desing is identified with the personality of each woman. I prefer a comfortable and big purses because i usually carry many things even like when i buy viagra for my boyfriend.

Anonymous said...

Hope you don't mind my adding a little extra tip - if you change to using a zipper foot rather than the standard sewing foot on your machine you can sew a lot closer to the zipper teeth, which looks neater. I like that you have inspired so many with this great tutorial, that's awesome! :)

Precious Crafts said...

How wonderful! Thank you for sharing this clear and concise tutorial!I have been afraid to attempt zippers but you make it look easy! :D