How to sew an inset zipper on a tote bag

This kind of zipper closure looks tricky, but it's actually quite simple! Let me show you how easy it is to make a professional-looking tote bag with an inset zipper closure. A big thank you to @MamaProject for this technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6TSdKKJn9iKf68
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My serger - an old Kenmore
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~Catherine
0:00 Intro
1:00 Preparation
2:00 Preparing the lining
2:40 Sewing the zipper
4:30 Side seams
5:20 Ends of zipper
6:18 Boxing corners
6:40 Preparing outer bag
8:00 Joining inner and outer bags
9:40 Turning the bag
10:20 Finish top edge
11:30 The finished bag!

[@cheryllynch3664]

Great video! Inset zippers are the best! I learned how to do them from watching Mama Project videos too! She has great designs.

[@19Celia57]

I made a beautiful embroidered tote bag for my bonus daughter. The lining was never put in because I wanted to do THIS inset zipper technique and I couldn't figure it out on my own. TY so much for putting this out there. The tote has been marinating in a To Do box for far too long. She lives out of state and will be visiting us in 5 days, I hope to gift it to her then. Again, thank you ever so much for the great video! Love from Minnesota, USA. 💓

[@JoAnnCundy]

This was perfect…I used a purse zipper (double sliders that open from the middle) …your directions were great! I love my new tote💚

[@Maplecook]

I still use the tote bag you gave me 12 years ago! That thing is the best!!

[@CatherineSews]

Really!?? Wow, I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know, MC!

[@Maplecook]

@@CatherineSews I have used it for my markbook carrying for all this time!

[@CatherineSews]

@@Maplecook Wow! I had no idea!

[@Elkycreates]

Joy Bernhardt recommended this channel and I love it already! Fabric shopping is so expensive these days but now I’m inspired to upcycle more and more! I have subscribed.

[@almacollum6429]

Love your way of teaching. You have a soothing voice. Thanks so much

[@hjisagirl]

Catherine, you are a really good teacher. I am getting a lot from your videos..thankyou

[@heidiwebber9744]

Thank you for your wonderful tutorial! I made the cutest bag! It's for my daughter to carry papers home from school to grade. 🥰

[@Natalia-e9j5z]

Thank you for this lesson. I tried. It works super 🙏👍🩷

[@susanvanhuyssteen]

Thanks so much for the tutorial!!!!

[@suecallen2160]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for such a clear description as you were sewing. You really did walk me through the whole construction.

[@vickiewilliams3259]

What a great way to do the inset zipper. The only other method I've used leaves gaps at either end and that's why I've never liked doing an inset zipper. I'll definitely give this a try. Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? I was all set to do a video on a zipper with the gaps at the end, and then I found this technique. It's SO much better, and it's much easier! Thanks for watching and leaving a lovely comment.

[@CatherineSews]

@Carlos Weaver I'm in the Vancouver area!

[@dorothydishman4664]

What a great tute.....it covers several issues involved in bag making. Thanks for your expertise.

[@hoovercj53]

This Catherine sews too! I just found your channel googling how to put an inset zipper in a bag. Thanks so much for the video. I will put this to use many times.

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love the inset zipper😊

[@janebrown3358]

Great video, Catherine you've turned me into a thrifty recycler, now I hunt for things to up size, downsize or repurpose, I'm greatful for your clear instructions.

[@rossbaglio8079]

Thank you so much. I have tried several ways to do recessed zippers. This is the best!!!!!!!!

[@LaughSewCreate]

Great job Catherine!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@bonitasamuels7500]

This is the first success I’ve had with a zipper. Thank you!

[@tarapreston8986]

Really appreciate this tutorial. Thank you.

[@zippan]

Such a great tutorial, thank you...and your voice is so soothing.

[@TheJaniebabe]

Hey Catherine, nice work, looked great.

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you, Jane! Cheers!

[@bhavikarochlanii]

So Useful! Thankyou so much for the simple explanation!!

[@gmchoate]

This is great! I’ve looked at several recessed zipper videos but this one is a keeper. I tried it for the first time and it worked so well. My bag was smaller and I made some adjustments and everything went well. It’s very adaptable for different sized bags. I’m always looking for ways to make my sewing easier and more streamlined. Thanks so much!

[@lysettekafat8596]

Thank you so much , just love it❤

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love this tote bag video. I’m gonna try to make one like this with a top zipper.

[@HeatherNewsholme]

Brilliant method and clear instructions thank you

[@nancybulkley4857]

I have been wondering how to do this. Now, I know! Thank you!

[@Cestyoo]

Just what i was looking for 😍😍😍 thank you 🙏🏻

[@LMaxson235]

Thank you! I have been trying to conquer the inset zipper and I think I will nail it now. One question, the three inches for the inset depth, how is that arrived at, is that proportional to the bag? So, if the tote bag was a smaller size, how would I determine the depth of the inset? Or is it just a matter of eyeballing it?

[@CatherineSews]

Great question! Yes, I would say that it is proportional to the bag. A smaller bag would have a smaller inset. I hope you enjoy the technique as much as I do!

[@nancy9478]

Exactly what I needed!! Thank you!

[@karenward3542]

Wow thank you for sharing Iam new at sewing an I love it but I was just stuck on how I could put a zipper in my tote bag thank you ❤

[@rachelleeyoung5992]

Nice technique and well presented, thank you!

[@retroredo9850]

I just subscribed! Found your sweater update video first. Now on about 4th video. Manhy of your projects I do! I did look at the Mamma Project video for inset zipper in a tote but I think a few years ago and I wasnt up on all my bag making ideas yet. I first started just by cutting jeans into half and making 2 three seam simple cross body bags. I gradually expanded on that with button, elastic loops close, extending front pockets to fit cell phones, convetible straps. Now im doing purses with zipper tops and more. When we retired to this small high desert town in Southern california so many were asking where I got my bags. Especially the smaller ones because of this being a hiking, fishing are many like to be hands free. Many women hardly carry purses. I also do a flannel shirt vest adding extra pockets inside and out that both men and women love. I add graphics from tshirts to the back. Skulls for teens, peace signs, anything interesting. Again hands free. I got the idea for those because they often wear their fishing vests as "bags" even into the fancy restaurant here! But I keep looking for a way to inset a zipper into my small purses or tote bags when not doing a lining and keeping the waist band. I sometimes drop in linings so I can add an inside zipper pocket to the lining but it still leaves the top open. I may analize this again. I can fold over or drop in the zipper. I wonder if I can do only the zipper, no lining? I will revisit this idea.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, you sew a LOT! That's amazing. And yes, I think you could use this zipper technique without a lining. You'd just have to finish that edge some other way.

[@juliecarrolltontx2948]

Catherine she did it a little different she cut the 4 pieces and sandwiched them similar to making a zipper pouch but this looks much simpler. I tried her technique on a muslin and got it to work but I could not figure out how to change the measurements to fit my bag. I literally am in the middle of trying to make a tote for my mum in law and I watched her video over and over but just doing it with someone pointing is a little difficult. I was about to do a different technique when I saw your video by accident. I’m going to give it a go.

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, I hope it goes well for you!! Let me know!

[@goodnewsroasters714]

Awesome! Thank you for this lesson!

[@juliealtmark7166]

Love the inset zipper! Will definitely be using this & making a tote bag soon!

[@01doha]

Thanks, this was really well shown and explained.

[@elisabeteavila6492]

Obrigada pelo tutorial!! Fiz uma assim essa semana e tava difícil conciliar as medidas, mas consegui 😊

[@barbarakushner5718]

Thank you, good tutorial! 😊

[@cathyellington7599]

This is a question regarding quilting the fabric for tote bags. I like to quilt the fabric but finding that it alters the size of the fabric. I am just starting back on my sewing adventures. I started many many years ago but stopped. I started quilting using 2 inch squares then 1.5 inch. I noticed some change but with my last one I noticed a big change. I use foam as the stabilizer. Would you know if there is some rule of thumb I could use when cutting out the pattern? I ran into the biggest problems if I put the lining together or zipper inset and then do the quilting. The one inch really decreases the size. Would appreciate any of your vast knowledge. Would love to be able to sew like you do. Your skills are incredible and enjoy your videos.

[@CatherineSews]

I don’t know if a rule of thumb, but it would be easier if you quilt a larger piece and then cut the pieces you need.

[@lindafecteau52]

I Am in the process of making a bag with your insert zipper . My concern is the two panel’s for the zipper, I’m using cotton print and the wrong side of the fabric will show. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I love the way the zipper fits. Thanks for a great video

[@lightofgodindarkness]

Great job sister, New friend here stay connected God bless you

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@MGM-ej8wx]

Great video! What if I want the end of the zipper to stay longer, what changed would be made? Thank you!! 😊

[@reginaabbrey9007]

Perfection!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sharonjones6201]

Ok. I didn't use your zipper in the end, but I have harvested so many useful tips from your channel in particular, I gave my creation a go! My son asked for a beach bag for his family (4) with a hidden pocket (at the bottom, inside, using an invisible zip). The final creation also has 4 patch pockets that I divided to make 8, plus 4 water-bottle holders. The zip and lid were by far the most difficult bit. The bag part measures 16 inches by 8 inches and is 14 inches high. I'm hoping to find a way to send you pictures

[@CatherineSews]

Amazing! If you’re on instagram, post your pics and tag me! I’d love to see!

[@sharonjones6201]

I sent you an email with a few pictures. I'm not on instagram

[@lindafraser3202]

Would a wider zipper require a larger cut out for the corners of the zipper insert?

[@kathyburt3294]

I want to add a zipper to a tote bag that I finished. it has snaps on each end but it's really long and I need to add a zipper to the middle. Open on both ends of the zipper. so far I can't find a video on that. Thought I'd ask you since you do things with finished projects. Thanks.

[@kathydavid2897]

Great video!! Do you have an easy video on how to shorten armholes on sleeveless womens tops? New to sewing here!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks! Can you describe what you mean by shortening the armhole, and on what kind of garment (tank top, T-shirt, shirt)? It's difficult to raise an armhole because there won't be any extra fabric there, unless it's really large and you can just re-cut the armhole and sideseam, or if it's something with straps that you can shorten. Sorry that it's not a simple answer!

[@amandagraham5117]

High there, how do you decide what height the insert material is? I have a tote bag in progress which has a 3 inch boxed bottom and i wanted to use this insert zipper method. TIA, Axx.

[@misturaamusa5650]

Nice job ma'am 😮but can you please drop how to get the measurements for the totebag and linen

[@Melsfreetime-hi5ej]

What is the width of your fabric piece (that you are attaching the zipper to) compared to the width of the bottom of the bag? 4" bottom = 4" fabric? or something different?

[@sharonjones6201]

Genius!

[@angelastandridge7498]

Can you add a zipper to a store bought tote bag .

[@jeanninej224]

Genius!

[@thecheekyquilters]

How do you get the city banners?!?

[@jannabiffert7064]

I've watched the video and it looks very easy, but i have a question. Why do you cut off 4" off the lining and the replacement is only 3". I'm making a bag for a lady which didn't call for a zipper but she wants a zipper put in. The bag has an oval bottom insert not the boxed bottom. I just need to have it clarified so I don't make a mistake in having the lining too short. Thanks for understanding.

[@CatherineSews]

You cut off 4 inches in the total length, so it’s actually 2” per side. So the 3” replacement is 2” plus seam allowance for each piece.

[@lhountras]

I’ve watched this and mama project over and over and am still having a question on this… my tote outer is 2 pieces that are 21”w x 17 1/2” h. My lining is also in 2 rectangles of that size currently. Do I need to cut down my two lining pieces to 15 1/2” H or 13 1/2” H? (I have the two 3” x 21” strips to go alongside the zipper already)

[@CatherineSews]

@@lhountras 15 1/2.

[@linde5934]

​@@CatherineSewsI was wondering about the same issues for two days!! I saved this part for last to have more time to think about, but could't figure it out. Then decidid to go in the comment section to hopefully find an answer, and I did! Thank you for this very helpfull video!

[@kirandutta1458]

Did not understand when you say that the lining has to be 4" shorter than the outer bag?

[@CatherineSews]

At 1:40 I hold up the whole rectangle that will make the bag. The lining is cut 4” shorter than the rectangle for the outer bag. That’s 4” shorter in the total length

[@kirandutta1458]

​@@CatherineSews so if the outer measures 35" wide by 31" tall, the lining would be 35" wide by 27" tall, if now I have understood it ?

[@CatherineSews]

@@kirandutta1458 yup, you got it!

[@kirandutta1458]

@@CatherineSews I checked more of Mama project, and this is a good method she follows. Thanks so much. Have a nice day.

[@jhwilliams6550]

So if you have two pieces of lining you take 2” off each piece?

[@Haberdasherheather]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sandraaigner1009]

Note to self and fyi if using zipper tabs because your zipper is too small, it is a B---h 😅to sew around.

[@Jennifer85987]

I simply hate zippers 🙈