Good Day! Madame Samm has asked me to share a project today so I've made this tutorial for you! My name is Duff and you can meet me over at . link working now at my blog Bacon Then Eggs try to mix humor with quilting along with a dash of crazy. Well, maybe more than a dash...
The best part of this tutorial is the zipper--lots of photos and once you understand it, you can put a zipper in any size bag. Yes, really. If you try it and get stuck, you can email me, and I'll guide you through it.
Quart-Size Travel Bag with Window (this also makes a great pencil/pen bag)
Finished size is 6 X 8
Materials List:
1 fat quarter main print fabric (about 10 X 11 piece)
1 fat quarter lining fabric (about 12 X 13 piece includes tabs)
¾ yd. fusible interfacing
8-inch zipper (minimum, any size over is fine)
(1) key fob
(1) 8½ X 4½ piece of clear vinyl
Main print fabric Lining print fabric Zipper & key fob tabs (choose fabric)
(1) 8½ X 6½ (1) 8½ X 6½ (1) 12 X 2
(2) 8½ X 1½ (1) 8½ X 1½ -subcut into
(1) 8½ X 1¾ (3) 4 X 2
Directions:
1. Fuse interfacing to main and lining prints. Cut fabric to required sizes. All measurements in inches and seams ¼ inch.
Bag Front:
1. Stitch 8½ X 1½ main print to one end of 8½ X 4½ vinyl piece. Use a Teflon or walking foot if you have it. Press toward main print, making bag front top.
2. Sandwich bottom of 8½ X 4½ vinyl between one 8½ X 1½ main print and lining print,ensuring that main print will be sewn onto bag front. Stitch. Press away from vinyl--make sure iron does not touch vinyl.
(1) 8½ X 1¾ (3) 4 X 2
Directions:
1. Fuse interfacing to main and lining prints. Cut fabric to required sizes. All measurements in inches and seams ¼ inch.
Bag Front:
1. Stitch 8½ X 1½ main print to one end of 8½ X 4½ vinyl piece. Use a Teflon or walking foot if you have it. Press toward main print, making bag front top.
2. Sandwich bottom of 8½ X 4½ vinyl between one 8½ X 1½ main print and lining print,ensuring that main print will be sewn onto bag front. Stitch. Press away from vinyl--make sure iron does not touch vinyl.
Zipper:
1. Press both ends of 4 X 2 strips under ¼ , then fold strip in half so ¼ ends are together.
2. Open zipper and then hold together, marking a stitch line. stitch. Cut the overhang if necessary, enough to wrap zipper tab around the end.
3. Stitch line should be laying on the ¼ piece of the zipper tab.
4. Stitch the zipper tab closed, about ⅛ from the edge. Cut open zipper tab to expose the teeth of the zipper.
5. Cut the zipper end down to about ¼.
6. Lay the zipper on a mat and measure 6¼ from the edge of the sewn zipper tab.
7. Draw a stitch line on the zipper. Stitch.
8. Attach the tab to this end in the same fashion as the first. There should be (approximately) a 6⅛ length between tabs.
[On that note, now that you know how to make this zipper, you can put it in any size pouch--just subtract 2⅜ from the total length of the pre-sewn fabric pieces and you’ve got the distance you need between tabs. awesome, huh?]
Bag Front Sandwich:
1. Place 8½ X 1¾ lining piece right side up.
2. Center zipper on top, right side up, using zipper edge as a guide (tabs will be over-sized).
3. Place bag front on top of zipper, right side down. Stitch sandwich. Cut off edges of zipper along stitch line. Press.
4. Turn under lining so it matches the edge of the vinyl and finger press. Fold back piece and press in earnest. Return to prior position and re-press the zipper edge until the lining pieces lays flat.
Bag Back Sandwich:
1. Place 8½ X 1½ lining piece right side up.
2. Center zipper on top, right side up, using zipper edge as guide.
3. Place 8½ X 6½ main print on top of zipper, right side down. Stitch sandwich. Press.
Fob:
1. Iron remaining 4 X 2 strip in half long-wise. Open, press long raw edges to center fold. Fold in half so that raw edges are now encased. Press. Stitch ⅛ from edge and set aside.
Finishing:
1. Topstitch ¼ on all seams, making sure to catch bag front top lining piece that was ironed under to match vinyl edge.
2. Square up bag a little, being careful to keep width on both sides of zipper even.
3. **Open Zipper**
4. Pin key fob to top side edge so it is laying against the main print.
5. Fold bag in half, front and back right sides together. Make sure top zipper edges are as flat as possible and that the top inside seams match up.
6. Stitch sides and bottom using zigzag, straight stitch, or serger. Trim any exposed edges with pinking shears.
7. Turn bag right side out. Use instrument (e.g., crochet hook, knitting needle) to push out zipper ends. If vinyl is really stiff, place a piece of fabric over the vinyl and then iron until warm--that will make it easier to turn right-side out.
1. Iron remaining 4 X 2 strip in half long-wise. Open, press long raw edges to center fold. Fold in half so that raw edges are now encased. Press. Stitch ⅛ from edge and set aside.
Finishing:
1. Topstitch ¼ on all seams, making sure to catch bag front top lining piece that was ironed under to match vinyl edge.
2. Square up bag a little, being careful to keep width on both sides of zipper even.
3. **Open Zipper**
4. Pin key fob to top side edge so it is laying against the main print.
5. Fold bag in half, front and back right sides together. Make sure top zipper edges are as flat as possible and that the top inside seams match up.
6. Stitch sides and bottom using zigzag, straight stitch, or serger. Trim any exposed edges with pinking shears.
7. Turn bag right side out. Use instrument (e.g., crochet hook, knitting needle) to push out zipper ends. If vinyl is really stiff, place a piece of fabric over the vinyl and then iron until warm--that will make it easier to turn right-side out.
If you'd like to WIN this bag, comment below and over on my blog Bacon Then Eggs!

60 COMMENT HERE:
What a great tutorial. I have a zip phobia so I should sit down and work through your steps. Thanks for taking the time.
Oh yes I'd like to win
This bag is so practical yet pretty and feminine. I travel a lot and could use a bunch of these. Will keep my eye open for vinyl and try making a few myself!
Very cute travel bag! Thanks for the tutorial....and I'd love to win!
Fantástico tutorial!!
...voy a jugar!
What a great bag and tutorial! Thanks for sharing!
Always wanted to know how to do that nice clean finished end to a zipper. Good job. Yes I would like to win.
Your zippy is sweet! And your technique for the zipper is new to me but looks oh so easy! Thank you!
What a wonderful tutorial - thank you! I've downloaded it but also pinned it to my tutorial board on Pinterest - I don't want to lose it. :) blessings, marlene
Great tutorial! I need all the help I can get with zips. :) Lovely bag too. Where do you buy your clear vinyl from? Cheers Elly
I love the bag! and would love to win it!
Do you know if it qualifies for the airlines "quart baggie" rule?
Thanks for sharing a terrific tut!
This was a wonderful tutorial. Thanks for the download too. Would love to win this even though I'll be making it for my friends. Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for such a great tutorial. Super cute bag and the fabrics are beautiful too.
Cute, cute bag. Love the tutorial. Have to make me one or two of these.
Catherine
Wow - I do believe that I'm going to try to tackle this! Thanks for the great tut! Wouldn't this be great in Ghastlies for all those ghastly things we need! lol
Wonderful tutorial!! Love the fabric choice!
what a great tutorial. Thanks.
Love the detail you put into these instructions and pictures. I have some vinyl...must make some.
THANKS for the positive feedback, ladies!! Your questions:
1. I purchase the vinyl from Joann's
2. This is within the size specifications for airlines but I can't say with certainty if they'd accept it. Bring a clear ziploc just in case :O)
Oh I am so afraid of zippers, but I really want to learn to make this and with your tutorial I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! Or I know who to ask for help!!
I love this tip. I've made several purses over the years (using Tammy Tadd patterns) and have added zippers to all of them. This is much easier than the ones I've done in the past. Thank you.
I will have to overcome my fear of sewing vinyl to try this I love this bag with it's window! Thanks for a chance to win :)
I have enjoyed your blog and love the fellowship that comes from it and my sewing family here in Auburn. Thanks for sharing with us all. God bless you! Reba
Thanks for a great tutorial...nice clear instructions on the zipper! I've never worked with vinyl before - any tips of thickness or brand, or is there a standard?
Super cute!
Thank you so much for that tutorial. I have made lots of bags with zippers and have always wondered if cutting them down that short would work and take out the terrible bulk at the ends. I will do this from now on!!!
Que explicación tan fantástica!!!!!
I love the little travel bag. It will be perfect for my up and coming trip to Hawaii.
That is fantastic, of course I would love to win! Thanks for the chance. This is a great tutorial, I'm saving it for later.
February's banner is Sew Fabulous, Samm. Duff, this is such a good tutorial. Thanks
great tutorial duff! very thorough and lots of great pictures!
Good Afternoon Duff..now how lovely is this..great tut, love the daisies, neat way to zip it all up in one bag!
So much prettier than a plain quart ziplock!
What a great tut! I just don't have enough bags and one with a window!????? WOW!!!!
Love it! Makes zippers look very easy.
I'd be thrilled to win this bag! Thanks for the opportunity.
Great tutorial! I love all the pictures for the zipper - that is always the most intimidating part!
Of course I want to win that bag. And the tutorial is exactly what I need! Thank you.
I really need to try this method of putting in a zipper. Thanks for the tutorial!
Such a cute bag. I love the dotted fabric.
Thanks for the great bag lesson. I need to make some with the vinyl but was timid to try, but I will go home tonight after work and make one, you made it look so easy.
Love this tutorial. The bag will come in handy for so many things. Love the way they look for travel. So much nicer than darn zip locs.
Great tutorial - cute bag. Thanks!
Fun bag to win, Thanks for the tutorial!
Thank you so much for your detailed tutorial, and you giveaway. Love the bag and they will make great gifts.
Clever, cute, and versatile. Thanks for a great tutorial.
What a great tutorial! I love the bag! :)
This bag is really cute. Thanks for the tutorial and a chance to win.
Thank you for this very nice tutorial. I would love to win, of course!
I love this bag and would love to win it...thanks for the tut....
Good job Duff.
Thanks for the tutorial! I want to win.
I love any tutorial that shows me how to put in zippers. Maybe if I keep trying, I won't have to keep looking at the tutorials. Thanks.
I love this ! Never sewed with vinyl ; so thanks !!!
great job on your tutorial!!
This is really clever! I've always been scared of vinyl, but I'll have to give it a go!
Thanks so much for the tutorial - can't wait to try one
very cute little bag. I'd like to try to make one:) thank you.
Janita
Zippers have always scared me...Thanks for a tutorial I can follow :)
Thank you for the tutorial. It was difficult to follow though. If contrasting colors of fabrics & zipper would have been used in the pictures, that may have helped. Looking at so much black (in the pictures) made it difficult to figure out many of the steps - I'm a very visual person. Also, I figured out there was an error on step #1 of the Bag Back Sandwich - it should be the 8.5 x 6.5 lining piece, as you have already used the 8.5 x 1.5 lining piece.
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