Sewing a Leather Zippered Case is Not Hard

My son requested a special Explorer's Pouch to keep his tiny flashlight, compass, bandaids and pocket knives.  I had some scraps of a soft black leather that were just the right size (roughly 8"x5").  I used regular all purpose thread and a regular needle.  Leather doesn't unravel so I didn't turn under or finish any edges.  I top stitched the zipper under the leather.  A small piece folded in 1/2 forms a loop.  Sew right sides together (leave zipper open for easy turning).  I boxed the 2 lower corners by pinching them and sewing across(forming small triangles in the seam allowance).  I don't backstitch on leather and it does stretch a little, but it really isn't scary or hard to sew. 

Try your hand at a small project first. 

Tennis Racket Case

I sewed this tennis racket case for my daughter, using the instructions from Gig Bag.

Fully lined with a zippered pocket and a zippered closing.  The strap is a cotton web belt.

It actually matches a skirt I made for her, earlier this year.

Remember to allow an inch at least, all around, for ease.



The Handy Pocket

Great as a gift- can be any size to fit keys or a phone etc.  I make them in two finished sizes 7"x4" and 5"x3".  To make one: cut 2 pieces of pre-quilted fabric (include seam allowance).  Stitch a zipper on, using a zipper foot.  At the same time, stitch on trim.  There will be fabric behind the zipper. Cut out behind the zipper.  Add a small hanging loop (see above left).  The photos above show the front and back of the same piece.

Place the back and zipper piece, right sides together.  Unzip the zipper.  Stitch around the outside edges.  Clip corners and turn right side out.

Add a colorful carabiner so you can hook it to your beltloop, backpack, purse strap etc.

Organizer to Go

I sewed this organizer a year or more ago to keep my class notes and samples together. I was inspired by another one I had seen, but I made this pattern to fit my needs. I used pre-quilted fabric, cotton for the bias, ribbon and a hand painted button to close it with.

Two big pockets outside, 3 pockets on each side of the inside. All of the large pockets fit standard copier paper. The shortest pockets have a zipper closure and are divided for holding smaller odds and ends.

I used ribbon printed like a tape measure for fun. The colors are so cheerful and the carrier is very handy, I love using it. Try making one yourself with pockets in custom sizes to fit your needs!

How To: Sew a Zipper, Corded, Pillow Case

First, decide on the placement of the pattern if it is large like this one. Cut one piece out the size of your purchased pillow form (this is a removable pillow case).

On each corner, measure in 1/2" and trim this off, tapering to nothing in the middle. This will prevent the corners from poking out rudely. Cut out the back. You will need 2 pieces with 3/4"-1" seam allowance for the lapped zipper.
.

Lapped Zipper:
Turn under one edge 1/2" and sew, using a zipper foot, close to the edge.

Turn under the edge on the other back piece (3/4"-1"). Pin in place, overlapping as shown. Sew the zipper to the fabric.

Cording/Piping/Welting: I have heard it called all three.

Cut bias strips (45 degree angle so the fabric is stretchy), 2" wide, long enough to fit around your pillow with seam allowances included.

Seam the strips together to make one long strip.

Wrap the strip around purchased cotton cord. Using a zipper foot, get close to the cord.

Stitch the cord to the right side of the pillow front. Clip the fabric at the corners so it will lie flat.

When you have sewn all the way around, cut off the extra cord but not the fabric.

Turn the ends under and wrap around the fabric.

Finish sewing. The extra rows of stitching you see are because each time you sew the cord, get a little closer. The last time you sew it, it should hide the other stitches and be nice and snug.

Open the zipper part way and stitch the front and back pillow pieces right sides together. Careful sewing over the zipper.

Clip the corner seam allowances to reduce bulk.

Here is the back of the finished case with the purchased pillow form inside.

Here is the front!

How To: Sew a Zipper Pocket

This is basically a window pocket with a zipper. Easier than a welt pocket! Cut 2 pocket bags 7" x 9" (mine are black). The brown print would be my garment or purse etc. I used a 6" zipper. It is easy to change the sizes though.

Start with one pocket bag piece, right sides together. Sew a rectangle that is as long as your zipper (6") and wide enough for the coil to show, but narrow enough to still overlap with the fabric.

The white piece of paper shows how to cut the opening. Clip as close as possible into the corners.

Push everything through the hole. Press. This is your window.

Position the zipper behind the window and stitch as shown.

Lastly, stitch the other pocket bag to the first bag, folding any other fabric out of the way.

Ta Da! A secure zipper pocket great for inside a jacket, on pants or skirt or purse.

How To: Sew a Lined Pencil Case

You will need to cut 1 outside fabric and 1 lining, both 12"x12". You will need a 9" zipper and thread.

Sew completely around, right sides together, 1/4" from the edge and leave a hole to turn it.

Clip the corners. Turn right side out and press.

Sew one side, with the fabric overlapping the zipper tape. I like to hand sew, but you could machine sew it.

Inside view.
Next sew the other side of the zipper.

Fold a small piece of ribbon in half, pin it to the end of the zipper. Unzip the zipper and sew across the ends.

A cute lined pencil case that could also hold money, makeup, etc.!

How To: Sew a Lingerie Bag

Lingerie laundry bags are great for protecting delicates. I just toss these in the washing machine along with my other clothes and wash. I chose a sturdy synthetic lace (usually very inexpensive too). Cut one piece of lace 32"x12" (you can vary the size depending on your needs). Turn under the short sides 1/2". Sew the lace to the zipper, leaving the zipper exposed as shown in the pictures. Topstitch a narrow ribbon or trim on top to dress it up a little. Cut 2 ribbon pieces, 3 1/2" long each. Fold each piece in half and stitch ,raw edges even, to each end of the zipper as pull tabs. Open the zipper, turn inside out. Position the zipper 1 1/2" down from the top (as in the pictures). Stitch the side seams, 1/2" seam allowance. I double stitched for strength. Turn right side out. Add a piece of ribbon for a zipper pull and you are done! Makes a great gift too.

How To Replace a Backpack Zipper

This is my son's favorite backpack, so even though it is wearing out, I decided to replace the zipper. First, measure the length needed and buy one as close to it as possible. I used one I already had on hand. Sometimes you can find a heavy duty one at the store. On another backpack, I used two zippers and had them meet in the middle. Next, pick out all the stitches to remove the old zipper. Notice how the original one was positioned. You will want to put the new one in the same way. Just pin in the new one and stitch, using a zipper foot. This simple repair can save a lot of money!