How to Add a Zipper Pocket and Other Sewing Tips

Dec 4, 2024 by Susan Rosenbluth

By Debbie NC Stitches

Everything is easy if you know how, and find the right directions. Don’t expect to get it right the first time, and don’t give up. Practice makes perfect and enjoy the creative process. You can even use your skills to enhance existing items. I added a zippered pocket to a 13” tall and 12” wide tote bag. [If you want a larger or smaller bag, you may have to adjust the dimensions accordingly.]

Adding a zippered pocket to any bag keeps your items organized but the process can be intimidating. However, it is easier than you think. Creating a zippered pocket is a three-step process:

1. Construct the Pocket
2. Install the Zipper
3. Insert the Pocket into the Tote Bag

The Supplies You Need: 

• • 7” zipper
  • Cotton fabric measuring 10” wide and 18” long
  • Thread to match
  • Interfacing (Optional)
  • Pins (Magic Pin Fine Quilting Pins)
  • Sewing Machine (Any sewing machine that can sew a straight stitch.)

Step 1 – Construct The Pocket

• • Iron the 10″ x 18″ interfacing to the wrong side of the pocket fabric. Mark the center (5″). Remember to draw on the interfacing side
  • Draw a horizontal line 1 1⁄2″ from the top of the fabric. Draw a second horizontal line 2″ from the top.
  • 1″ from the edges, draw lines to create a rectangle Draw a line through the center of the rectangle.
  • Mark 3/8″ from the end of the rectangle. Draw a diagonal line from the rectangle’s corners to the center 3/8″ mark. This creates a “V”. Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 2 – Install the Zipper

• • Place the zipper pocket 2″ from the top of the lining.
  • Pin lining and pocket fabric together (right-sides together).
  • Stitch the outline of the rectangle.
  • Carefully cut the center line and both “V”s using small, sharp scissors. Be careful, it is easy to cut the stitched line so make small cuts.
  • Pull the pocket fabric through the lining fabric. Now, the fabric is right-side out.
  • Press the fabric to remove any wrinkles.
  • Using a zipper foot, stitch the zipper in place.

Step 3 – Insert the Pocket

• • Fold the 18” length in half.  Now the pocket should be ~ 9” deep.
  • Stitch the 3 open sides of the pocket. Be careful not to stitch the pocket to the bag lining.

That is it! – You have created and installed your zipper pocket.

Short Tutorial:  How To Topstitch a Landscape Quilt

Is Your Rotary Blade Dull?

Over the years, when my rotary cutters started skipping threads, I assumed it was due to a dull cutting blade.  I would buy a new blade but still had the same problem…some of the threads were not being cut.

I recently watched a video produced by Olfa about their rotary cutter and cutting mats and had an AHA moment. My problem might be the well-loved cutting mat, not the rotary blades.

After purchasing a new Olfa mat all my blades are cutting as if they are new.

If your rotary cutter is skipping threads, ask yourself “How old is this mat?”  It might not be the blade after all.

Cleaning your Iron Sole

 Making landscape quilts is one of my favorite pastimes but there are a few annoyances. If a hot iron touches the fusible side of the interfacing, it can create a brown sticky residue on your iron sole plate.  For years, I struggled with keeping my iron clean.

• Although a tube of iron cleaner cleaned the hot sole plate successfully, I often burned my fingertips.
• Ironing a dryer sheet gave me minimal results at best.
• I tried a baking soda and water method with negligible results.

Finally, I found a simple, safe, and easy way to get the sticky, brown residue off the sole plate of my iron using a sponge made primarily of melamine foam. Magic Eraser works like a charm. [Any melamine foam sponge should work. I found off-brand varieties for 30 cents/sponge.]

I use a spray bottle, wet the foam with water, and wipe the sole plate of my iron.  It takes little effort to clean the iron sole plate. Since the iron is cold, I no longer burn my fingers.

In less than a minute, my iron looks shiny again.