PVC Clear Vinyl Zipper Pouch: Zipper Hack

by Kellie Rose | Aug 29, 2022 | Tutorials, Zips

Our love affair with these decorative star zippers continues… We’re not sure if we love the zip star pull more or the star cut-outs on the tape! Inserting these decorative exposed zips has a different construction method to regular zips so we’ve hacked our original Clear Vinyl Zipper Pouch Tutorial and replaced the continuous zipper tape with these fabulously fancy exposed zips.

The clear window on this pouch makes it super useful for storing craft supplies, stationery, toiletries for the aeroplane. The kids will love being able to play “I-Spy” and it’s a brilliant way to show off your fave fabrics. We adore how the Llama Nirvana double border print worked out! Look at those cuties!

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Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern & Tutorial

by Kellie Rose | Aug 17, 2022 | Project Ideas, Tutorials, Zips

For the love of cute! We are totally smitten with these decorative star zippers… Not only is there a cute star zip pull, but there are cut-out stars along the zipper tape! Inserting these decorative exposed zips has a slightly different construction method to regular zips so we just HAD to put together a tutorial for you to show off their star splendour. Read on for our Exposed Zipper Pouch free pattern & tutorial.

This free pattern has been sized and designed to fit these 25cm Star Lace Edge Decorative Zips. If you have smaller 20cm Lace edge Zips to hand then go check out this post as the pattern there fits a smaller length zip

In the free pattern there are 2 options available for you to sew.

Option 1: uses 1 fabric for the outer panel. This is ideal for a border print fabric, larger print fabrics or if you want a quicker sew

Option 2: uses 2 fabrics on the outer panel. Perfect to add a little more interest to your design and show off complementary fabrics

A sewing project for: Adventurous beginner
Finished Dimensions: 26cm x 17cm
Approximate sewing time: in an afternoon

Request the Free Pouch Pattern

free pattern and tutorial to insert a lace edge zip

Important Notes:

1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.

For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.

When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam

Prepare your fabrics as per the manufacturer’s care advice

WST = Wrong Sides Together

RST = Right Sides Together

Read through the instructions fully before starting

We use fusible fleece in this project which can add bulk to your seams. We trim these out but you may prefer to cut the fleece without the seam allowance

You Will Need:

For Option 1:

For Option 1
Item	Amount required	We used
The Pattern: Available here
Fabric A: Cotton Fabric for outer	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Dragonfly Flight Yellow
Fabric B: Cotton Fabric for lining	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Hexie Sprinkle Orange
25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip	1	Turquoise: 25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip
Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece H640 – White
Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium G700 – White
Removable light tack tape		Scotch Magic Invisible Tape

For Option 2
Item	Amount required	We used
The Pattern: Available here
Fabric A: Cotton Fabric for outer main	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Dragonfly Flight Teal
Fabric B: Cotton Fabric for lining	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Shooting Stars Hot Pink
Fabric C: Cotton Fabric for outer contrast	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Colour Wheel White
25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip	1	Turquoise: 25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip
Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece H640 – White
Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium G700 – White
Removable light tack tape		Scotch Magic Invisible Tape

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Sewing machine

Co-ordinating sewing thread

Pressing Cloth

Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler

Tape Measure or ruler

Pins or Clips

Bamboo Point Turner

Temporary fabric marker

Co-ordinating sewing thread

Basic Sewing Kit

Make Life easier with

Curved Tailors Awl / Hook

Wonder Clips

Applique Scissors

Let’s make the Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern!

Step 1: Request Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern

Print & Assemble your pattern pieces. You can request the pattern here. This pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

IMPORTANT: Use the 1” / 2cm test square to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option.

Step 2

Cut out your fabrics and interfacings according to the pouch option you are making

For Option 1

From Pattern Piece 1 :

2 x outer

2 x lining

2 x fusible fleece

2 x woven interfacing

For Option 2

From Pattern Piece 1 :

2 x lining

2 x fusible fleece

From Pattern Piece 2 :

2 x outer main

2 x woven interfacing

From Pattern Piece 3 :

2 x outer contrast

2 x woven interfacing

Step 3: Apply the interfacings

Iron the woven interfacing to the wrong side of your outer fabrics For full instructions on how to apply woven interfacing please check out this post
Iron on fusible fleece to the lining following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: (Option 2 only) Sew the outer panel

Take 1 x outer main and 1 x outer contrast & place RST & sew along the longest edge. Repeat for the other 1 outer panel.

4. Press seams open, and then towards the darker fabric. Topstitch close to the seam line, if desired.

Step 5: Prepare the panels

On the top edge of your pouch mark 1cm in from each edge on all the outer & lining pieces

Marck 1cm in from each edge on all outer and lining pieces on the top edge of your pouch

With outer panel & lining RST sew along the top edge between the marks you’ve just made

Sew along the top edge between the marks you've just made

Repeat for the remaining outer & lining panels
Cut away the fusible fleece from the seam allowance taking care not to snip through your stitching or fabric. Applique scissors are a great tool for this job.

Cut away fusible fleece from the seam allowance

Using a pressing cloth, carefully press the seams open ensuring the iron doesn’t touch the fusible fleece. Then press the seam allowance towards the lining. You should have a crisp seam line.
Understitch: open out the panel and make sure the seam allowance is pressed to the lining side. Sew the seam allowance to the lining side, sewing approx. 2mm from the seamline between the marks. This will ensure your lining is not vising and the panels “roll away” from the zip. Your lining will now look like this

Understitch and sew the seam allowance to the lining side, sewing approximately 2mm from the seamline between the marks.

Fold the panel along the seamline with WST, then cover with a pressing cloth and press.
Repeat steps 5-11 for the other outer & lining panel.

Step 6: How to insert a lace edge exposed zip

Check the zip works.
Open one panel out flat and position the zipper teeth so they are on the lining side of the seam, close to the seamline.
Tape the zip in place with the Scotch Magic Tape.

Sew the zip with co-ordinating thread using your zipper foot between the marks

Sew the zip with coordinating thread between the marks using zipper foot

Repeat steps 14 – 16. for the other panel ensuring the 2 panels line up. Folding the lining of the first panel under it’s outer.

Fold the lining of the first panel under its outer

Step 7: Assemble the zipper pouch

Check the zip then leave the pull halfway
Open out the panels to bring the 2 x outer and 2 x lining fabrics right sides together and pin/ clip the bottom edges together.
Sew both bottom edges, leaving a 10cm turning gap in the lining.
Align the zip tape ends and pin/ clip them together.
Pin/ Clip and sew the 2 sides.
[Optional but recommended] Trim out the fusible fleece from the seam allowances

One at a time open out the corners and align the side and base seam lines with the seam allowances open.
Align the edges, then pin then sew them together.

Align the edges, then pin then sew them together.

26. Turn the pouch out the right way

27. Sew the gap in the lining closed using either machine or hand sew with ladder stitch

And you’re finished. Congratulations!

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What are Continuous Zips? A Product Guide

by Kellie Rose | Nov 23, 2021 | Haberdashery, Haberdashery Guides, Product Guides, Project Ideas, Tutorials, Zips

Ever wondered what a continuous zip is?

Does adding a zip pull to zip tape seem daunting?

We’re here to help!

Here at Plush Addict we offer a huuuuge selection of zips for sewing to help your projects achieve the look you dreamt of!

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

With zipper tape choices ranging from rainbow to block colour… flat to flowery zip pulls, we’re sure to have something for your next project.

Read on for more info about what a continuous zip is, and why you might want to use one instead of a regular zip

Then… see our tutorial on how to add zip pulls to continuous zip tape… We’ve provided you with a photo tutorial, as well as a video demo at the end…

What is a continuous zip?

Continuous zips differ from others in that the zipper tape is sold by the metre, without zip pulls. This means you are able cut your zip to ANY size you like. It also means you can add TWO zipper pulls, cos… ya know… you have to love that look.

What are the benefits of a continuous zip?

Waste less: As you just use the amount of zip tape you need there is an environmental benefit to continuous zipper tape; with a little planning waste can be kept to a minimum and a length, with enough pulls ordered, can become multiple zips.

Any length: Cutting zip tape to size means you can have REALLY long zips!

Multiple zip pulls: It also means you can add TWO zipper pulls to your tape, giving you a funky zip just like this one

Greater personalisation – you can mix and match the zip tape and zip pulls to your heart’s desire

see our continuous zip range

Looking for info on other zip types? Then check out our Zip Types Guide Post

Photo Tutorial: How To Attach Zipper Pulls to Zipper Tape

You will need:

We used:

Important notes

Some zip tape comes with a pull/ slider, check the item description for details.
When ordering zip pulls check they correspond with the tape size/ brand being purchased.

Method

1. Cut the tape to the required length. Use domestic scissors to cut through the teeth.

How to attach zipper pulls to zipper tape - cut the tape to the required length

2. Pull the bottom 10cm of the zipper teeth apart.

3. With the back of the zip pull and back of the tape facing upwards thread 1 end of the tape into the zipper from the top. To make this easier angle the teeth into the pull from the side.

4. Repeat step 4. on the other side. Both sets of teeth want to sit toward the top of the clasp.

How to attach zipper pulls to zipper tape - Both sets of teeth want to sit toward the top of the clasp

5. Keeping the 2 sides of teeth level with each other, hold the zip pull between one finger/ thumb then draw the 2 sides of the tape down through the pull with the other hand. The zip pull should then begin to move up the tape.

Alternatively, you may find it easier to place the zipper pull between the prongs of a fork (check out the video below!)

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6. Slide the pull toward the top of the tape (without coming off the other end) then pull it back down to check the zip works.

Slide the pull toward the top and pull it back to check if the zip works

7. If 2 zip pulls are required, repeat steps 1. To 5. from the other end of the tape.

And you’re done!

Handy Hint

If you find yourself struggling using this method try using a fork to hold the zip pull for you: tuck the bar of the zip between the central teeth (not the clasp where the teeth need to go).

…And if your fork won’t stay still; hold it steady with a blob of blue-tack.

Video Tutorial: How To Attach Zipper Pulls to Zipper Tape

Check out our video on how to attach zipper pulls to continuous zipper tape

Want to learn how to sew a zip in?

Find our tutorial on the blog where you can learn how to sew a cushion with piping and a zip or why not try making this reading cushion?

We hope you found this tutorial useful!

Let us know how you get along in the comments below 🙂

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3 Project Ideas Using Beguiled by Libs Elliott

by Kellie Rose | Jun 1, 2021 | My Makes, Product Guides, Project Ideas, Tutorials, Zips

This has to be one our faveeeeee collections of all time (can we say that?!). Truly, Libs Elliott really knocked it out of the park this time, so of course we had to whip up project ideas using Beguiled by Libs Elliott to provide you with inspiration on what to make with such a fabulous collection.

But not only did we give you 1 make… we’ve given you 3 different project ideas using Beguiled!

Which one will you be trying first seam-stars?

Clear PVC Vinyl Zipper Pouch

This zipper pouch is one of the project ideas using Beguiled by Libs Elliott. These pouches are SO handy and can save you time too as you can see exactly what’s in your storage pouch without even looking inside.

Use them in your crafting space to keep your scraps, notions & general haberdashery in check, or make them for the kids!

You can find the full tutorial here.

Eye Mask

In need of some “me” time, what better way to tune out your surroundings than to run a warm bath, light some candles and pop on an eye mask… and it might as well be a snazzy one!

Check out our eye mask tutorial here and shop ‘Beguiled’ prints here.

Ella Pouch

The roomiest of roomy pouches – a seam-star fav… the Ella pouch!

Perfect for any makeup bits or toiletries, it’s big enough for multi-purpose use.

Have a read of the full tutorial here.

Which project is you favourite? Which one will you be trying first?

Let us know in the comments below!

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We hope you found this tutorial useful! Let us know how you get along in the comments below.

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Sew A Clear PVC Vinyl Zipper Pouch: Free Pattern

by Kellie Rose | May 27, 2021 | My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials, Zips

Take your organisation to the next level by sewing up a clear vinyl zipper pouch with our free pattern! These pouches are SO handy and can save you time as you can see exactly what’s in your storage pouch without even looking inside.

Use them in your crafting space to keep your scraps, notions & general haberdashery in check, or make them for the kids! The see through window can help save time, and add some more interest and fun for them when looking for their favourite toys or craft supplies… Ya never know it might just encourage them to tidy some stuff away too 😲

You can request the free pattern is sent straight to your inbox. The file sent will include pattern pieces you can print & use, as well as with the rectangle sizes needed to make this pouch, if you prefer to draw your own.

We’ve used fabrics from the amazing collection “Beguiled” from Libs Elliot and paired them up with some funky zips to deliver a striking pouch that will be the envy of your friends!

You Will Need:

A copy of the pattern. Request a copy is sent straight to your inbox here.

1 x #5 10 inch zip (or longer) OR 12 inches of continuous zipper tape plus 2 x zipper pulls

1 FQ Cotton Outer Fabric

1 FQ Cotton lining fabric

30cm x 25cm Clear PVC Vinyl Fabric

0.25m woven interlining (We used Vlieseline G700)

30cm x 30cm Fusible Fleece Vlieseline H640

6mm Double Sided Tape

Thread

You Will Need:

A copy of the pattern. Request a copy is sent straight to your inbox here.

1 x #5 10 inch zip (or longer) OR 12 inches of continuous zipper tape plus 2 x zipper pulls

1 FQ Cotton Outer Fabric

1 FQ Cotton lining fabric

30cm x 25cm Clear PVC Vinyl Fabric

0.25m woven interlining (We used Vlieseline G700)

30cm x 30cm Fusible Fleece Vlieseline H640

6mm Double Sided Tape

Thread

We Used (General sewing kit):

Rotary Cutter

Self Healing Mat

Quilting Ruler (We used Stainless steel edge ruler)

Quilters Sewing Clips

Copy-of-PRODUCT-LISTING-Vinyl-pouch-Pinterest-Pin-1000-×-1500-683x1024

Important Notes & Guidance

For more tips on handling PVC clear vinyl fabric check out our other post here
1cm seam allowance is throughout, unless directed otherwise
For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end
When sewing vinyl use a stitch length of 3mm. When sewing fabric only use use stitch length 2.5, unless otherwise directed
Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
When cutting your interfacing & fusible fleece cut your pieces without seam allowance (marked on the pattern pieces)

[mailerlite_form form_id=4]

How To Sew A Clear Vinyl Zipper Pouch

Step 1:

Print off your pattern (you can request your copy here) . The pattern has both rectangle sizes and complete pattern pieces so you may choose your preferred pattern method

If you are using the pattern pieces as templates you need to tape pattern piece A1 with pattern piece A2 matching up the coloured circles.

Step 2:

Cut Your Vinyl: clear vinyl can be difficult to cut accurately because it can be difficult to see!

I have found the best way is to place your pattern piece underneath the clear vinyl & cut around the pattern piece using a rotary cutter & ruler

Step 3:

Cut out your fabrics using wither the pattern pieces or the rectangle sizes provided

Cut your interfacing & fusible fleece smaller by the seam allowance (1cm seam-allowance, with the exception of the seams adjoining the zip, which is 1/4″ .

If using the pattern pieces the seam allowance is marked by a dashed line.

Step 4:

Adhere the sticky side of the interfacing & fusible fleece to the wrong side of the corresponding fabrics with an iron, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

The fusible fleece should be fused to the wrong side of lining fabric for pattern piece A1+A2

zipper-pvc-pouch-Instagram-Post-1024x1024

Step 5:

Sew the vinyl window to the exterior fabric: With RST align the long edges of vinyl window Piece D with the lower edge of exterior fabric piece B & clip together.

Clear vinyl can be sticky! If you are having trouble consult our “Sewing with vinyl” tips.

We have found stitching over a strip of tissue paper to be very effective in stopping the vinyl sticking to your machine bed, the tissue paper can then be torn off easily.

Finger-press the exterior fabric away from the vinyl window.

Step 6:

Sew a guide stitch: Take the lining fabric of pattern piece B and stitch a 1 cm guide stitch (use a long stitch length approx 4mm) then press up to the wrong side along the guide stitches.

This ensures a neat edge later. Set to one side.

Step 7:

Prepare the zip: This pattern has been sized for a #5 zipper but you could use a smaller #3 zipper.

It will just mean your front portion is a little shorter than the back portion but you can correct that when you’re sewing it together at the end.

I am using a #5 continuous zip to achieve the double pull look.

Step 8:

Add zip pulls to the continuous zipper tape: The only way to achieve the double zipper pull is to add your own pulls to the tape. Check out our video here.

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Step 9:

Insert the zipper: Insert a zipper foot on your machine.

Take the exterior fabric with the vinyl attached and lay the long edge RST with the zipper teeth.

Baste in place using a ⅛” seam. If the zip pull is obstructing your stitch line, lift your machine foot & move the zipper pull(s) out of the way and carry on stitching.

Step 10:

Once basted, align the unfolded long raw edge of lining piece B with the basted zipper tape and vinyl piece. Also ensure the short edges of lining B and exterior B are aligned.

The right side of lining B be touching the wrong wide of the zip. Ensure your pressed folded edge is NOT the one sewn in to the zip – it should still be free.

Your zip should now be sandwiched between the outer and lining fabrics. Pin or clip the layers. Stitch in place using a ¼” seam allowance moving the zip pull(s) out of the way if they are obstructing your stitch line.

Optional: Finger press both the lining and exterior fabrics away from the zip.

Top stitch through all the layers with ¼” seam allowance.

Step 11:

Attach the lining piece B to the vinyl: Using tape here can help when it’s tricky to use pins or clips along the fabric fold.

Fold up the lining piece along the guide stitch and add some double sided tape along the fabric edge.

Score the backing paper with a pin & tear off to stick the lining piece to the vinyl to hold in place. Stick down aligning the folds on both the exterior and lining pieces.

Step 12:

Top stitch through all layers using a 3mm stitch length.

Step 13:

Repeat steps 9, 10 & 12 using pattern piece C (note – you will not have the vinyl window attached to the exterior piece so omit step 11).

Step 14:

Assemble the pouch: Unzip the zip halfway then sew the vinyl exterior with RST to the exterior back piece A (fused with the interfacing)

Trim back any excess zip tape to align with the fabric edges.

Stitch in place all the way around without leaving a turning gap.

Step 15:

Take the vinyl exterior piece and place face down on the table with the zipper tape wrong side facing up.

Place the exterior piece A (fused with the fusible fleece) on top placing right side against the wrong side of the zip. Clip the layers in place.

Leave a turning gap of 10-15cm opening in the lining at the bottom of the pouch.

Use tissue paper if the vinyl is sticking.

TOP TIP – to make sewing the turning hole neater & easier : Place your needle down in the fabric 1cm from the edge. Pivot the fabrics 90 degrees and sew the the fabric edge and back again. Repeat at the end of your stitch line. This helps to pull the excess fabric through to your turning gap and provide a neater edge.

Trim back your seam allowance to ¼” all the way around clip your corners to reduce bulk.

Step 16:

Turn through the turning hole: Before you turn your bag through, run a hot iron over an ironing board to heat up the board, then place your pouch vinyl side down on the heated ironing board and let the heat penetrate the vinyl.

This will make turning the bag easier.

Make sure you don’t let the iron touch the vinyl otherwise it’ll melt!

Step 17:

You now have the pouch turned so the right side of the lining is exposed.

Once turned machine sew the length of the bottom seam with a scant ⅛”, starting and stopping 1/4″ from each end. (If you just sew the gap closed then you’ll see a step in your lining through the vinyl window). Use a zipper foot here if this helps you get a narrow seam.

Repeat step 16 before turning completely to the right side to make turning the vinyl easier.

Step 18:

Poke out the corners with a point turner.

And you’re finished, well done!

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Pin For Later!

Copy-of-PRODUCT-LISTING-Vinyl-pouch-Pinterest-Pin-1000-×-1500-1-683x1024

Large Wash Bag Tutorial – FREE Pattern

by Kellie Rose | May 18, 2021 | My Makes, Project Ideas, PUL Projects, Tutorials, Zips

Sometimes Dads are the trickiest to buy for aren’t they?

On this occasion we thought about going for something practical with that special touch that comes with being handmade. And as an item we all need from time to time, every use will be a little reminder of how much he means to you.

This roomy wash bag is perfect for all dad’s toiletries – it’s big enough for a 2 week holiday! It is 22cm x 17cm x 12cm and lined with waterproof PUL fabric we’ve also given the exterior some Odicoat layers maxing the water repelling properties of this bag. Perfect for splashing around in the shower or by the pool!

A Sewing Project For Adventurous Beginners

You Will Learn:

How to apply Odicoat
How to sew with PUL
How to insert a chunky zip
How to sew a boxed corner

You’ll Need:

The pattern. If you don’t have a copy you can request one is emailed to your inbox from here
50cm Cotton Fabric Outer (We used Victorian Vintage Flight from Nutex)
Odicoat (Grab a cheeky 10% discount off your next Odicoat purchase with WATERPROOFME10)
50cm PUL Fabric Lining
50cm Medium Sew In Interfacing
16” Chunky Zip (We used 16” Dark Grey Chunky Zip)
Thread

Want a ready-to-use pattern? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download the wash bag pattern.

DOWNLOAD Pattern

Pin For Later!

Check out our other guides to help you with this project:

Here is our guide on how to sew PUL fabric
Here is our guide on how to apply Odicoat

Important Notes & Disclaimers:

1.5cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed otherwise
For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated
Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice

Step 1 – Apply The Odicoat

Before cutting, in case of shrinkage, apply the Odicoat to the right side of the outer fabric: Place your fabric right side up on a covered surface (greaseproof paper or plastic sheeting are ideal).

Step 2

Print the pattern and cut it out.

IMPORTANT: Use the 1” test square to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option.

The main pattern piece prints over 4 pages. Match the coloured circles up with their counterpart and sellotape together. Here’s a video explaining it should you not be familiar with putting together PDF patterns

Step 3 Cut your fabrics

Using the pattern pieces cut out the following transfering notches onto all pieces:

2 x Outer fabric
2 x Lining fabric
2 x interfacing

Also:

1 Strap from outer fabric
2 Tabs from outer fabric

Step 4

Clip the sew in interfacing onto the wrong side of each outer piece.

Step 5

Baste the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric all the way round with a 5mm seam allowance.

Sew The Strap

Step 6

Fold the strap piece in half lengthways and press.

Step 7

Fold the raw edges to the crease and press again.

Step 8

Topstitch along the 2 long edges, 2mm from the edge.

Sew The Tabs

Step 9

Fold in 1cm along the long edges and press.

Step 10

Fold the tab in half so the short edges are aligned, raw edges inside and press.

Step 11

Topstitch around 3 sides 2mm from the edge, leaving the bottom edge open.

How To Sew A Chunky Zip

Step 12

Check the zip works. Fold the top 2 tape ends at 45 degree angles.

Sew a few stitches along the outer edge of the zip tape to hold them in place.

Step 13

With one outer piece right side up, align the zip with the top edge, right side down.

The zip bar positioned by the notch. Clip the zip in place.

Step 14

Baste close to the outer edge of the zipper tape, between the notches.

Step 15

Place a PUL lining piece smooth side down, lined up with the outer piece; sandwiching the zip between the two.

Clip along the top edge

Step 16

Using a zipper foot, sew between the notches with a 5mm seam allowance.

*If the PUL moves too much, hand baste before sewing or use a walking foot*

Pin For Later!

Step 17

Open out the lining and outer pieces with the zip overlapping the lining, seam allowances underlapping the outer.

Top stitch between the notches on the outer fabric side (1.5cm from each end); Using a zipper foot sew along the outer fabric 2mm from the folded edge nearest the zip.

Step 18

Repeat steps 14. To 17. on the other side of the zip using the corresponding pieces.

Want a ready-to-use pattern? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download the wash bag pattern.

DOWNLOAD Pattern

Step 19

Open the zip halfway.

Open out the fabrics either side of the zip; aligning outer fabrics to one side and linings the other.

Clip the bottom edges together, leaving a 10cm turning gap in the lining fabric.

Step 20

Sew along the bottom edges, leaving the opening un-sewn.

Step 21

Press the seam allowance open on the outer fabric only.

Gently pull the outer and lining side panels outwards, allowing the bottom seams to line up with the zip then smooth/ flatten the fabric out either side.

Step 22

At each end of the zip, position a tab between the notches in the 2 layers of the outer fabric only.

Align the raw edges and clip in place, matching up the seam and zip ends, seam allowances open.

Step 23

Smooth the fabric out to either side of the tab and clip the raw edges of the outer fabric together.

Step 24

Sew along each side of the outer fabric only to secure the tab in place.

Backstitching over the tab for reinforcement and taking care near the zip ends.

*When sewing near the end of the zip/ across the teeth, the material may need moving forward manually to create a longer stitch: Sew to the side of the zipper teeth, raise the needle, lift the presser foot and move the fabric enough for the needle to enter the fabric on the other side of the zipper teeth. Reverse this step to go back over the zipper then come forward again to give added strength.*

Caution: trying to sew through the chunky zipper teeth can break the machine needle, which may result in injury

Step 25

Follow steps 22. to 24. for the lining fabric, disregarding the tab directions.

Move the outer fabric to one side but not the zip tape, to avoid gaps in the finished bag.