Zipper Bag Directions
This cute little tote bag is perfect for beginners! The finished size is
about 9”x7”x4” and it takes approximately 90 minutes for a beginner.
All supplies are available at GlitterBugFairy.com. New printed panels
are often available at our website or Facebook group
(facebook.com/groups/GlitterBugFairy)!
Many different variations can be made with this pattern:
Webbing handles stitched into the seam (shown on bunny bag)
Vinyl stitched handles with add on hardware (shown on mouse bag)
Zipper only (shown on butterfly bag)
What you need:
● (2) 8.75”x12” vinyl panels
● (2) 8.5”x11” cuts of waterproof canvas lining
● (1) 11” #5 zipper and pull
● Double sided tape (⅛” recommended)
● Tape measure or ruler, scissors or rotary blade and cutting mat,
pen, clips
Optional supplies:
● (2) 16” cuts of 1.5” seat belt webbing for handles
● (2) premade vinyl handles with (4) strap connectors/anchors
(installation not covered in this pattern)
Abbreviations:
● DST - Double Sided Tape
● SA - Seam Allowance
● RST - Right Sides Together
● RSU - Right Side Up
● WST - Wrong Sides Together
● WSU - Wrong Side Up
Important things to know:
● Be sure to read the pattern completely before starting your
project.
● Always back stitch at the beginning and end of your seams.
● Using ⅛” DST is recommended to keep your tape out of seams to
prevent build up on your needle.
● A zipper foot is highly recommended when stitching close to the
zipper/zipper tabs to keep your stitches straight and even.
Steps:
1. Cut out your pieces. The exterior vinyl panels
should be 8.75” tall and 12” wide, the lining
should be 8.5” tall and 11” wide, and the zipper
tape should be cut to exactly 11”.
2. Cut a 1.75” square from the bottom corners of
each exterior panel and lining piece.
3. Add the zipper pull to the zipper tape. Two of
the squares previously cut from your exterior
panel will be used as zipper tabs. Fold each tab
in half and secure it with DST around the
short ends of the zipper. Top stitch at a ⅛”-¼”
SA from the raw edge of the vinyl, then trim
the excess vinyl from the top and bottom so it
is the same height as the zipper tape.
OPTIONAL STRAPS:
If you would like to add webbing strap handles
to your bag, now is the time. With your
exterior panel WSU, mark 3” from each side.
Turn the panel RSU and align the ends of your
webbing to the top of the panel, matching the
center of the webbing to each mark and
extending 1” over the edge. Make sure that
your webbing is going toward the bottom of
the panel, has no twists, and is RST with the
panel (if applicable). Hold in place with clips or
DST and baste with a ⅛” SA. Repeat for the
second exterior panel.
4. Apply DST to the top edge of the entire
length of the zipper. With the front exterior
panel RSU, align the top edge of the zipper
with the top of the panel, face down, and
ensure that the zipper is centered between
the sides of the panel. If you chose to add
handles, make sure they are folded down and
sandwiched in between the panel and zipper.
TIPS:
If you have trouble stitching over DST, use
clips instead and baste together with a ⅛” SA.
To have the zipper open from left to right,
the pointed end of the zipper pull should go
towards the left.
5. Apply DST to the top of one lining panel.
Center the lining face down on top of the
panel so that the zipper is sandwiched in
between the exterior and lining. Stitch
together with a ¼” SA.
6. Fold your lining back over the seam so it is
WST with the exterior panel. Making sure the
straps are out of the way, topstitch below the
zipper with a ⅛” SA.
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for the remaining
panel and lining, applying the DST to the
bottom of the zipper instead.
OPTIONAL BAG TAG:
If you’d like to add a bag tag inside, now is the
time! On your lining, measure 2” below the
zipper and secure, facing toward the middle,
with DST.
8. IMPORTANT! MAKE SURE YOUR ZIPPER IS
OPEN!
9. Bring the lining pieces RST and clip in place.
The zipper teeth should be pushed toward the
lining. From the bottom corner, stitch at a ⅜”
SA toward the middle. Repeat on the opposite
corner. You should now have an opening to
birth your bag from. Open and press the seam
along the bottom edge to make it easier to
close later.
10. Stitch the sides, starting at a ⅜” SA from the
bottom, gradually reducing to ⅛” at the top.
Do not stitch over the zipper or zipper tabs.
TIP:
If you find it hard to reduce the seam as you
sew, draw your stitch line on the panel before
sewing.
11. To box your corners, open and bring the
bottom and side seams together, making sure
the seams line up. Using clips or DST to keep
the seams flattened, stitch at a ¼” SA. Repeat
for the opposite corner.
12. Bring the exterior panels RST and clip
securely. Stitch the bottom at a ⅜” SA,
followed by another line of stitching inside the
SA at ¼”.
13. Just like you did in step 10 to the lining, stitch
the exterior sides starting with a ⅜” SA at
the bottom, gradually reducing to ⅛” at the
top. Be sure to stitch all the way to the top,
getting close to the zipper tab, but not
stitching over it.
14. Box the corners following the instructions
from step 11. Sew a second row of stitches
inside the SA at ⅛”.
15. Pull the entire bag through the opening of
your lining. If you’re new to bag making and
your bag looks like this, don’t worry; you’re
doing it right! Just keep pulling!
16. Once the vinyl is right side out, push the
corners out from inside the lining to create a
more bag-like shape.
17. To close the opening in the lining, fold the
edges in and apply DST or clip in place. Sew
close to the edge at approximately ⅛” SA. If
you prefer a cleaner finish, you can close it by
hand with a ladder stitch.
18. Finally, push the lining back inside your bag,
smooth out the corners, and you’re finished!
CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW BAG!
