Zipper and Bag Tutorial

Want to make these?  If you are like me, you'll take one look at the zipper and run for the hills!!!! I hate projects with zippers, do anything to get around them, and basically avoid them like the plague. At least, that's how I used to feel until my friend taught me the easiest way EVER to sew in a zipper. 

This is the zipper master... also known as Kim.  Our husbands worked together at Beale AFB in California, but I doubt that our paths would have ever crossed had Brendon not volunteered to help them move.  I'll explain. Kim and Gus were moving into a house and needed help loading and hauling their stuff there, so guys from work said they'd help. The morning of the move, Brendon's alarm went off and I contemplated sleeping in.  I'm so glad I got up and went to help! We drove to their apartment, went upstairs... I shuffled a couple boxes from one side of the room to the other, but other than that I was basically worthless. The guys were moving all the furniture, boxes, getting sweaty, eh---as Kim and I watched them work, we decided the best way we could help was to go get bagels. Kim, James, and I loaded up in the car and went to Panera. I'm sure this errand could have take just a few minutes, but we were having so much fun talking (and skipping out on the manual labor) that we decided to sit down for a little breakfast of our own.  That little breakfast turned turned into a long breakfast as we talked and laughed and talked some more. We did finally get the guys their bagels, but had to meet them at the storage unit because the apartment was already empty. (I told you we were having fun talking)   As I handed Brendon his breakfast, he quietly asked if everything was going okay (it can sometimes be awkward to be forced to hang out with "a guy from work's wife") but it definitely wasn't awkward, in fact it was just the opposite--- that day I met my best friend.

I know, I know, you thought I was going to tell you how to sew in a zipper. I was just trying to say that Kim taught me this trick (over the phone, no less) and I got a little sidetracked.

To make these, you'll need 3 rectangles of your fabric, 1 rectangle of stiff-iron-on-interfacing, and a zipper. The larger bag will hold 6 diapers or 1 pack of wipes. It started as a 8x11inch rectangle. 

Fold one piece of fabric in half and press a light crease.  

Put 2 rectangles together with the good side of the fabric touching. Sew a line down the middle, using the crease as your guide.... make sure you set your machine for a really long stitch (this is just a temporary stitch you'll be removing later)

Once you've sewn them together, flip the sides out so that your seam is running down the middle and iron it flat. 

(I like visuals) This is what your project should look like at the point. 

Open your zipper and line it up on the right side of the seam. Then, sew it down. (I didn't change the foot on my machine, just use the regular one)

Now, re-zip the zipper and sew the left side down.

My zipper was way too long, so I stitched across the bottom and cut off the excess. 

Flip your fabric over and rip out the seam that runs down the middle. 

Done. You've just installed a zipper! Kim's method is so simple, right?!?
 {Keep reading if you want to make the zipper pouches}

Iron on the interfacing to the back of your 3rd piece of fabric.  

Stack your fabrics. The unfinished side of the zipper panel and the interfacing sides should be on the outsides.  Sew around the perimeter.  Note: Before you sew, make sure the zipper is slightly open. 

Flip the pouch inside out and admire your work!