Zipper panel on tote bags tutorial

As I live in Tokyo and take subways and trains to my office, I think all of my bags should have zippers. Even tote bags. But attaching zippers to tote bags can be difficult. At least for me, before I dicided to do this method it was difficult.

Here's a tutorial about how to attach zippers on tote bags. I think this is the easiest.(And sorry for my dirty iron board...)

1. Make a tote bag as usual. To have or not to have lining does not matter in this method.

2. Cut two pieces of fabric for zipper panel. They should be a bit shorter than the top of your tote bag, and the same width of your tote bag's deep. My bag's top measurement was 21.6 inches (55 cm) and depth was 5.9 inches (15 cm), so I had two pieces of 53 cm X 15 cm.

3.Fold the fabric half, then 0.4 inches (1 cm) each side (seam allowance). Press them neatly.
















4.Place a zipper in the middle of two pieces of fabric, as if the fabric "sandwitch" the zipper. It should look like this.

 5. Pin the fabric to zipper.
















6. Sew the fabric and zipper. First shorter side, then longer side. Remember to "sand-witch" the zipper with the fabric.





























7. This is how it looks after I have sewn two fabric pieces to a zipper.














8. Attach the zipper panel to a tote bag. Just bring a already-made-tote, and pin the zipper panel to the opening of the bag. Sew around the zipper panel.

Dada!

It is so easy and I think every person who can sew can do it. As this is my first tutorial, there must be a lot of unclear parts. Feel free to ask me anything, if you have questions!