Adding a zippered pocket to any bag keeps your items organized but the process can be intimidating. However, it is easier than you think.
Creating a zippered pocket is a three-step process: Construct the Pocket, Install the Zipper, and Attaching the Pocket to the Tote Bag.
Supplies needed:
7” zipper
Cotton lining fabric measuring 10” wide and 18” length
Thread to match
Fusible Lightweight Interfacing (10” x 18”)
Step 1: Construct The Pocket:
- Iron the 10” x 18” interfacing to the wrong side of the pocket fabric
- Mark the center (5”). Remember to draw on the interfacing side
- Draw a horizontal line 1½ from the top of the fabric
- Draw a second horizontal line 2” from the top of the fabric
- 1” from the edges, draw lines to create a rectangle
- Draw a line through the center of the rectangle.
- Mark 3/8” from the end of the rectangle. Draw a diagonal line from the rectangle's corners to the center 3/8” mark. This creates a “V”. Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 2: Construct The Pocket:
- Place the zipper pocket 2” from the top of the lining.
- Pin lining and pocket fabric together (right-sides together).
- Stitch the outline of the rectangle.
- Carefully cut the center line and both “V”s using small, sharp scissors. It is easy to cut the stitched line so make small cuts.
- Pull the pocket fabric through the lining fabric. Now, the fabric is right-side out.
- Press the fabric to remove any wrinkles.
- Using a zipper foot, stitch the zipper in place.
Using a zipper foot, stitch the zipper in place.
Step 3: Attach the Pocket to the Tote Bag
Fold the 18” length in half. Now the pocket should be ~ 9” deep.
Stitch the 3 open sides of the pocket. Be careful not to stitch the pocket to the bag lining.
That is it! You have created your zipper pocket.
My tote bag is 13” tall and 12” wide. If you want a larger or smaller bag, you may have to adjust the dimensions accordingly.
