How to Sew a Zipper - Zipper Bag Project

Learning how to sew a zipper is an exciting step for young sewists! This zipper pouch project teaches how to layer fabric, attach a zipper, sew around the edges, and turn the project right-side out. Once they learn this skill, kids can make pencil bags, makeup bags, toy pouches, mini first-aid kits, and more. zipper bags

Sewing Materials Available

Intermediate Kids Sewing Projects

You will need the following to learn how to sew a zipper bag:
Standard Zipper Bag

(2) fabric rectangles - 8" x 12"
(1) interfacing piece - 8" x 12"
(1) 7" zipper

To Make Different Sizes
Small Bag:

Cut interfacing + fabric: 5" x 9"
Use a 4" zipper

Medium Bag:

Cut interfacing + fabric: 12" x 7"
Use a 6" zipper

Use the same steps- only the size changes.

Learning How to Make a Zipper Bag

Step 1 for Intermediate Lesson 3 -Prepare Fabric & Interfacing

Lay the interfacing on the table.
Place one 8" x 12" fabric rectangle on top, right side facing up.
Fuse the fabric to the interfacing using an iron, if your interfacing is iron-on. (If not, simply layer and sew around the edges to secure.
Place the second fabric rectangle on the back, also right side out.
Pin in the center so your layers don't shift.

Now you have a sturdy, double-sided piece of fabric ready for adding a zipper.

**Set aside until the next lesson, where you will learn about adding zippers.

Step 2 for Intermediate Lesson 4 -Attach the Zipper

Fold your layered fabric piece in half so the short sides meet. This creates the top edge where the zipper will go.
Lay the zipper along the top raw edge. Pin it so the zipper teeth face inward toward the fabric. If using a separate lining fabric, the zipper attaches to the outer fabric first.
Unzip the zipper halfway. Begin sewing along the zipper tape. When you reach the zipper pull, raise the needle, move the pull out of the way, then continue sewing.
Fold the fabric so the other raw edge meets the opposite side of the zipper. Pin the zipper in place. Sew the second side the same way as the first.

Now you have a tube with a zipper running along the top!

Step 3: Sew the Sides & Turn the Bag

Pin both side edges together (right sides inward).
Sew down both sides with a ¼"½" seam allowance.
Unzip the zipper first or you won't be able to turn it!
Turn the bag right-side out through the zipper opening.

Your zipper bag is finished!

**If you'd like a smaller bag, cut out interfacing and fabric 5x9 inches and use a 4 inch zipper.
Cut interfacing and fabric, 12x7 for a 6 inch zipper.

zipper bags sewn