Tote Tuesday Part 2: Zippered Pocket

I include 2 different types of pockets in the totes I make.  I like to include a zippered pocket for all those things I don't want to fall out, but I also include a basic open pocket for the things I want to be able to grab quickly: a chapstick, pencil, etc.

SUPPLIES:

• Tote lining
• Fabric for pocket: less than a fat quarter

STEP 1: 

Cut Fabric

• 1-28"x18"piece of fabric you are using for lining
• note that the piece of fabric for the lining is the same dimensions as the fabric cut for the tote body, therefore if you are making a tote of different dimensions you just have to make sure the lining and tote body are the same size

• 1-10"x18" piece of fabric for basic pocket
• again, if you would like a larger, smaller, skinnier, fatter pocket you can adjust accordingly by determining how wide you would like the pocket (plus 2 inches for seam allowance and zipper placement), and how tall you would like the pocket (when figuring the height, multiply it by 2, because you will be folding the pocket over, and then add 1 inch for a seam allowance

• 1-8" zipper

STEP 2:
Mark zipper placement.

• Fold fabric for pocket right-sides together, hamburger bun style.
• About an inch under the top fold of the pocket is where the zipper will be placed, draw a rectangle about 7 1/2" long by 3/8" wide. As shown in pictures.

STEP 3:

Sew pocket to lining.

• Open the pocket up and lay flat on top of the opposite side of the lining, right sides of the pocket and lining together. Pin around the rectangle.

• Sew through the lining and pocket following the rectangle you made. 

STEP 4:

Cut zipper opening. 

• Carefully cut down the center of the rectangle through both layers of fabric. Stop a little ways before you get to the corners and make two angled cuts towards the corners.  As shown in the picture.

• Turn pocket to the other (wrong-side) side of the lining as shown.

STEP 5:

Install zipper.

• Center the zipper over the rectangle hole you have just made in the pocket and lining.

• Turn the lining over and the zipper should look something like this centered under the hole:

• Pin the zipper in place and using a zipper foot sew close to the edge around the pocket opening.

STEP 6:

Close pocket.

• Fold pocket over the newly attached zipper matching sides and bottom edges.  

• Pin the edges together if you need to making sure not to catch the lining fabric.

• Making sure not to catch the lining fabric, sew around the 2 side edges and bottom edge of the pocket.

• Turn the lining over and realize that you now have an attached pocket with a super easy zipper!
• Seriously, I am soo much more likely to put zippers in totes and things I make if I can use this technique...dare I say it's soo successful it's almost addicting.

There you go! Stand back admire your handi-work! Tonight I'll post on how to attach handles, a button closure, and finally put all the pieces together! Hope to see you back!