This Friday’s tutorial is a continuation of last week’s, where we sewed a zipper into a basic piece of knit or crochet. This week, let’s go a step further (Are you ready? Don’t be scared, it’s fun!) and sew a zippered pouch.
My new Peepshow Zip Pouch crochet pattern, now available in the etsy shop or as a ravelry download for $2.50.
Supplies:
In addition to your sewing supplies from last time, you will need-
a ruler
sharp fabric scissors (you know, the good ones that never touch paper)
lining fabric-I usually use quilter’s cotton, but any relatively thin, close weave fabric will work.
a 4-7″ zipper-you can adjust length to fit
two matching knit or crochet pieces 3-7″ wide, any length
crochet hook to match gauge of yarn (a little too small is better than a little too big)
matching yarn
First, measure your handcraft pieces for length and width. Measure and mark your fabric 1/2″ larger on both measurements (example: 4″x4″ pieces of knitting would need lining pieces that measure 4.5″x4.5″ each) and cut two pieces to these measurements.
Shorten the length of your zipper if needed, then pin into place and baste (see part 1). Once sewn down, remove pins.
Lay your lining right side down flush against the edge of one side of your zipper on the back side of your work. Pin into place as shown.
This is how the layers line up:
Working on the front side of the work, backstitch (flashback to part 1 again) zipper in place, being sure that your needle goes all the way through the lining with each stitch.
Remove basting thread and flip your work to the wrong side. Fold lining over, and if you care to bust out your steam iron, this is a good time to press.
Repeat this whole shebang for the other side of your zipper.
Partially unzip your zipper to free up both ends. Lay lining pieces right sides together as shown, making sure everything lines up square, especially around the zipper ends. Pin into place as shown. Beginning at the top edge of lining next to the zipper edge (you can feel it, but not see it), sew with a basic running stitch one quarter inch in from your lining edge. Unless you plan on toting around your entire Franklin Mint collection in this baby, in which case I would recommend a sturdy backstitch instead.
Clip your lining corners at a 45 degree angle, being careful not to clip your stitches. I should really be using smaller, more accurate scissors for this:
We’re almost done! Fold your knit/crochet pieces down over your lining. Your lining edges will stick out, but just fold them neatly inside. Carefully tuck your zipper ends in too, and pin if you want the extra support. I just go wild and dive right in to the next part.
At the top left corner of whichever side you’ve deemed to be the front, attach yarn as close as you possibly can to your zipper. Chain one, then work a round of single crochet around your work, ending as close as you can to your other zipper end. Cut yarn and use your ends to tighten up and gaps in your work at the zipper ends, then weave them in (I just yank them through to where they won’t show using the crochet hook.).
Open up the zipper and check the inner corners for any gaps in the lining. Tack the lining in place with a few extra stitches with your needle and thread if needed.
Taa-Daa! You are done!
Like the zipper pouch above? It’s my new Peepshow Zip Pouch crochet pattern, now available in the etsy shop or as a ravelry download for $2.50.
Questions? Comments? Let me know what you think below.
