This is part 3 in the series. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here and part 2 can be found here. There is a supply list for the project in Part 1.
In this part of the tutorial, we will be finishing the small zippered bag.
Step 1
Make the strap using the 2 1/2×10 inch strip of fabric. Iron the strip in half, lengthwise. You now have a “folded” edge and a “raw” edge. Fold the raw edge in about 1/4” towards the center. Stitch down the length of the strip close to the raw edge. Now take the “folded” edge and overlap the area that was just stitched and once again stitch down the length of the strap. This will make a nice sturdy strap. Do not worry about the raw ends as they will be sewn into the side seam of the bag.
Step 2
Fold the strap in half with the raw edges together. Find the placement for the strap by by laying the strap along the zipper line. The bag should be turned inside out. I like my zipper about 1 to 1 1/4 inch from the top. Pin and then baste the strap in place close to the outer raw edge of the bag.
Step 3
Sew, with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, down the edge opposite from the zipper pull using a straight stitch. It is really important to backstitch at the beginning and end as well as over the zipper area. (This is why it is important to use a plastic zipper instead of a metal zipper.) Trim the excess zipper off then stitch close to the raw edge with a zig-zag stitch to clean up the raw edge.
Step 4
Unzip the zipper. (IF you forget to un-zip the zipper, you will be pulling the stitching out!) Pin the edge in place, making sure that the zipper is lined up. Stitch down the side with a straight stitch, trim the excess zipper and then stitch along the raw edge with a zig-zag stitch.
Step 5
Turn the bag inside out and gently push out the corners.