How to Sew Welt Zippered Pockets

Bag patterns include a lot of "inset" or "welt" zippered pockets. This tutorial will show you how to make them and the tips and tricks for making one without puckered corners or puffy edges!
Using a bookbinder trick courtesy of LadyCrafts ( / ladyinnominate .
The bookbinder tool I used: www.amazon.com...
1/4" Leather Tape used: www.amazon.com...
Live Streaming on Twitch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (9pm ET - 11pm ET)
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[@maureentreichler9256]

I have been sewing bags for 5 years and I dread every time I have an interior zipper pocket. I am OCD for sure and I hated the puckers. So I followed your video and they look so much better.. I agree with others who have responded that this is the best pocket video on KZbin. Thank you!!

[@fiercekittenz]

You're so welcome! You should see the overlay video. I think that's even EASIER!

[@cchatolate5562]

Love the tip "don't sew the ends". Thanks

[@asheryl1966]

Such a great video. Thanks. I always struggle with trying to get my fabric smooth around the edges. I'm going to try your method.

[@kimwarner3184]

This tutorial is FABULOUS!! Best one on KZbin, hands down! Thank you so much for the time, clarity, tips and precision that you have shared. I’m so glad I found you, PERFECT result, now I’m going to make my first beautiful welt pocket! I wish you much success! I will be tuning in...

[@fiercekittenz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mhorton54]

Really appreciate the time you put into your video tutorial! I really like your tip about not sewing the box ends! I Used to sew the outline of the entire box until 10 minutes ago. It was really hard not to clip the corner stitches. Now I can finish my tote bag I started making 4 years ago. I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks again!

[@Publicspectaclebethelight]

This tutorial is amazing, thank you! Your videos are so informative and your humor takes the stress out of sewing. You're awesome 😄🎉

[@irithschass9268]

Thank you. The best tutorial I have seen 💟

[@IrisMontgomery]

Thank you so much. I have been making bags and don't have this down. This is a game changer. I really appreciate you sharing - and sharing something you just learned.

[@ru4repeattoo]

10:49 -- Brilliant use of a score tool to help set your seams! 🎉😊

[@mistychappell5883]

This is the best tutorial I’ve seen!!

[@savelapappas3702]

Fierce, you are just awesome. I've watched hundreds and hundreds of KZbin videos. Everyone has good tips, but yours was the most helpful to avoid issues. Thank you for sharing and being a great teacher to help us all succeed.

[@seabreeze3906]

Love this. Is it possible to do a welt pocket, in an interior OR exterior bag pattern piece, that has been sandwich quilted? I sandwich quilt my layers (feature fabric, wadding, interfacing) - to avoid using fusible products and to pad up bags that I know will be carrying electronic devices (heavy, glass, metal). I would love to use these zipped velt pockets in the internal and external pattern pieces. I have prepared myself that the answer may be “no”, but live in hope. I’d thought it through in my head, and wondered, if I cut out a “window” around the zipper veld area, (to cut OUT the wadding and interfacing there, so leaving ONLY the feature fabric, or lining fabric, for the area of the veld pocket) would that make it possible? Making the velt, reminds me of a mailbox slot (after you’ve pressed it). Thank you for clarifying about ANCHOR KNOT stitch, I’d always wondered about that. I often sew those high stress points in a bag, three times, because I want them to stand up to lots of use. Will be hand-tying them from now on. Your explanations for topstitching are so on point, I love topstitching, makes things stay where they’re meant to. “Finagaling” word of the day 😊

[@fiercekittenz]

I think you're right - the answer would be no :( Without stitching through all 3 layers at once to do the welt pocket, not sure how you'd do it otherwise. That exterior fabric needs to be interfaced to support the zipper and weight of what goes in its pocket.

[@seabreeze3906]

@@fiercekittenz thanks, you’ve saved me from wasting fabric and frustration!

[@AprilHarveyStudios]

Zippers are the bane of my existence, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this video lol. 😃👍👍👍 VERY thoughtful tutorial. Saving to my favorites!

[@Karen626]

Just made my first welt zipper pocket following along your instructions EXACTLY, and it looks beautiful! THANKS!!!!

[@MoovinOnEstateSales]

That's why mine bunched up - THANK YOU!!!! Excellent video!

[@emilyparnell5717]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I just finished my first welted zipper pocket and I love it!!! It's not perfect but I am so happy with it! Hopefully the rest of my bag turns out this well 🤞

[@elhamalqassem5125]

Thanks alot

[@ejshelby5460]

can you pleeeaase also do one for the double welt version (the one with the lips conealing the zipper)?

[@judykski]

If you buy glass head pins, no need to worry about melted pin heads. Thanks for the tip on only sewing the upper and lower horizontal lines for the rectangle. I hadn't heard this before, but it definitely makes sense.

[@cheshkat6321]

These are my favorite pockets to make. Also the only type of zippers I can confidently do because I practiced so many times, specifically for making bags. Instead of tape, I just hand baste my zipper tape into place. I can do very long basting stitches faster than my machine. My basting stitches are easier to remove in just a few seconds because they are much longer than the longest stitches my sewing machines can make.

[@judydowney9434]

Have watched a few videos lol yous I really enjoy 😛 your explaining is just great you stick to the point n show an easy way to sew thk U

[@fiercekittenz]

Thank you! One of the things I hate is when some people ramble on for hours, THEN get to the tutorial part.

[@kiralycsavo0]

Very useful, thanks! A close-up at the end would've been good as a recap. Keep up the good work!

[@ejshelby5460]

your video on WELTED ZIPPERED POCKET is the MOST CLEAR, there is a Japanese video, amazing result but totally not a tutorial, more like a dazzling performance to awe.

[@bleeb90]

First of all, this is an amazingly clear tutorial for a welt zipper pocket, which is amazing, because even knowing all the steps myself for a regular welt pocket, I get dizzy just trying to remember them. What I did notice though, is that your welt zipper pocket - apart from having a zipper - differs from a regular welt pocket on one thing. Around 8 minutes in you start cutting open your welt pocket, and turn everything around, and iron everything neat so everything stays in place. So far so good. But what you did not do is pay any attention to those little triangles - I was taught fold them back, iron them, and sew a reinforced stitch over them while keeping the outside fabric out of the way, in order to reinforce the pocket for the weight it might carry while not showing anything on the outside. Do you intentionally ignore that because you sew right over when you sew the zipper in, and the zipper might carry some of the weight, or is there another reason? Thanks again for this amazingly clear tutorial, I'll be definitely be keeping it in my saved videos list to rewatch when I'll be making a welt zipper pocket sometime soon.

[@martinaoze221]

Great video!! I'm making a backpack and it has the instructions "Sew sewing line and cut cutting line and then 'Post' the pocket lining through the hole" and I was lost -- this video saved the day

[@karenulrich5930]

I am replicating a silk jewelry roll with multiple (3) pockets. The master I am using does not appear to have any interfacing. I'm not sure how to add three pockets to the lining piece. Help! lol. p.s. love your tutorial. Uh. NVM. You answered my questions. lol. ty

[@betford2]

Great video!

[@CelticHallows]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!!! The bunched up corners were driving me mad! This will make a big difference in my creations!!

[@26gabraanna]

Great tips

[@kittybrowning]

I score it before I push the fabric thru along the st line. Also I tried doing them with stitching only the top n bottom lines but find I can get it neater if I st the whole box. I also use tape but just a double sided one not for any particular purpose just a general purpose one as the zip will be stitched in place I only need it to hold temporarily

[@lorieubanks8501]

Understitching will achieve the same result as the method with book binder tool.

[@janicecook8776]

Great instructions and demo! Thank you!!

[@shanaazmohammed7713]

Thanks soooo much for the tip of not sewing the 2 short sides

[@tinahale5369]

I am glad I saw this video. You explained this in a way that I can do. Thank you.

[@tanyadonald149]

I have been wondering how the needle doesn't get jammed while crossing over the zipper teeth. I have always just snipped out that section of zipper and sew only the fabric strips that are remaining at the end to secure it. I would like to start doing this a more professional way though and I'm wondering how I can sew in zippers with thicker teeth. Any tips or tricks are much appreciated 😄👍

[@fiercekittenz]

Well for me, I use larger needles and the teeth are acrylic. I've never run into any kinds of problems sewing over the teeth. Of course if it's a metal zipper that's a totally different situation.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

You are using white fabric. I have a printed fabric…should it be wrong side up…..I don’t want to ruin my work…

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh sorry about that! So the fabrics need to be right sides together - so yes, wrong side up.

[@gwenodem7458]

I have had trouble with the leather tape gumming up my needles? How do you not have this issue. Loved this video!

[@fiercekittenz]

I haven't had that issue specifically. I'm using leather tape from Tandy Leather, so maybe it's a brand thing? I have more gumming up of needles with Decovil than anything else.

[@JuliettePepperell]

Thanks for the tutorial! very helpful. Could you share what type of interface brand you used?

[@fiercekittenz]

I have a few brands on-hand. It depends on when sales happen. Pellon's Shapeflex 101 (SF101) is great and widely available. I'm a little wary of buying from smaller shops, because I have seen so many of them close down over the years. That leaves you high and dry on a supplier in those instances.

[@lisabeaupre4266]

Great video! You taught it very well! Thank you!

[@paulacarter8930]

Excellently detailed instructions! You are extremely knowledgable and experienced and willing to share. Thank you! Also, I want to thank you for not using upturned end-of -sentence inflections like every declarative statement is a question. Ugh! Thank you for speaking like a literate adult! I can’t listen or really even concentrate when so many who do tutorials go up and the end of sentences. Your statements are better. We all need to be careful to not let that slip into our speaking. Thank you again for your help.

[@shannakashdan1924]

The last time I used the 1/4 tape I found it gummed up my needle. Am I using the wrong tape?

[@fiercekittenz]

Hmm maybe. Are you using the washaway tape or a leather tape? I've not had any issues, but I typically use my Juki DU-1181N industrial machine with size 21 needles.

[@janetgasston9888]

Thank you a perfect pocket.

[@mskss9411]

This is great! I just started making handbags using my own pattern design. I’ve been making just a flat boring inner pocket. I now can add a welt pocket inside. Thank you! I think I will make the inner fabric longer so I can flip it up and sew it close instead of using two pieces. I saw another handbag designer video doing that. Depending on the thickness of the lining I may not do a interfacing. I’m a new subscriber and have been enjoying watching your videos these last few weeks. Thank you!

[@gladtidings4all]

Unless you get glass head pins!

[@imariser1111]

So glad I found this! This was an excellent video! I just made my best zippered pocket ever! Thank you!

[@susankennedy8667]

I love this video. I am a new bag maker and have avoided patterns with welt pockets up to this point. Now I think I can do it! But I’m perplexed-I can never find the links that you refer to (I’m watching on KZbin).

[@dianne20010]

What size is your fabric

[@laurainda613]

I'd like to see a video of these pockets being attached. Especially adding on to the outside of a bag that is already assembled. There are tons of videos of making these, but I can't find anyone adding them on except during a whole bag tutorial. thanks!

[@fiercekittenz]

I'm a little confused - the tutorial does show you how to make this pocket without a whole bag being made. Do you mean literally adding it to an existing bag? That could be a bit tough without picking apart the lining.

[@laurainda613]

@@fiercekittenz yes, I meant adding it on to an existing bag. I guess it would probably just require hand stitching.

[@kerrough]

After melting many plastic pin heads over the years, I just shell out for glass heads or T-pins now so I can carelessly iron over them to my heart's content lol 😆

[@KarenGutzwiller]

Excellent Video. Your instruction is so much easier than what I have seen in other videos. I am getting ready to start a new purse so I will definitely be trying this out. Thanks!!

[@susandale5767]

OMG!!! Thanks so much for sharing your tips and tutorials.

[@beverlyrobertson9723]

Thank you so much. Now I can complete my tote bag for my customer. I really appreciate you.

[@anitaharvey7755]

Omgosh thank you so much for this video, I am always struggling with that part, and it always ends up looking horrible. Thanks again!❤️

[@TheShaKum]

Love your humour ... I’m a beginner and this tutorial makes me more confident to try a welted pocket.

[@Wrightn221]

Thanks so much! This video helped me a whole lot. I hate when the sides are bunched up. I used your technique and it's so much better.

[@Cullens_Workshop]

baby yoda!

[@ilifertor]

Thank you! You explained it very clearly. I always come back just to make sure I am doing it right!😊

[@aracelilindsley464]

Great video, thank you! Would you use the same technic when using vinyl?

[@fiercekittenz]

Yes, just without the ironing. I am not fond of raw edges being seen on vinyl.

[@aracelilindsley464]

@@fiercekittenz I used your technique in my vinyl bag and worked great! thanks, love your videos

[@curtriceennis2924]

WOW !!! The tips you gave about not sewing all the way around the opening and sewing the lining together with the right (top) side facing you to keep the bulkiness down when you are sewing the liner pieces together are really great. I never thought about how sewing all the way around could be a reason why my zippers almost always "pucker - up" when I have sewn them. I am so glad I found this video before I continued on with a tote bag I'm making. I heard in one video that ever how wide (or tall, as it may be) you make the opening is how far in you need to go on the line (on either side) to make the inner point of your triangle at the center of the zipper opening. Do you know if that is so ? TYSM for sharing your techniques and knowledge with us on this video. And, thank you for answering if you can. Love your channel. Hope to hear from you, soon. 👍

[@fiercekittenz]

Hmm, not entirely sure about that. I'll have to think on it a bit! I'm glad the videos are helping :)

[@lydiafox2937]

Thank you!

[@jennifermccart5275]

Thank you 😊

[@kimmcaulay3240]

Thank you!! I've been struggling with these. Gonna go try it right now!

[@SublimationVacation]

This was great! Thank you for a clear tutorial!!

[@RabbitCrafts]

Another home run. I loved watching this. Starting to really feel confident about that technique. Thank you!

[@pegasus8873]

I absolutely love ❤️ 💕 your shirt! Your videos are awesome too. 👍

[@fiercekittenz]

Thanks! The shirt is actually from the shopDisney website. Search for “the child spirit jersey”

[@pegasus8873]

@@fiercekittenz Thank you!

[@WuffieWolflullaby]

Thanks

[@GrammaPatriot]

What do you mean toward the end when you say “ tie your ends”?

[@lynnbrassington1788]

Thank you you made it so easy to follow❤️

[@CJane1978]

Thank you! Great video 😊

[@queenslanddiva]

Wow, amazing. I'm new to all this and this will be the way I do it from now on. Thanks

[@fiercekittenz]

You should see the more recent video on doing this with an overlay! It's even easier!

[@lidadifelice7677]

Thank you I love all ur tips

[@nkosiakinlabi3135]

Excellent, thank you!

[@MissChea]

Thank you! Perfect!

[@2Peachcobler]

I like that material. Personally I'd do it differently. I'd sandwich the zipper between the lining and outer fabric so once you completed the pocket you don't have the zipper webbing on the inside of the pocket giving a smooth inside .

[@fiercekittenz]

B Cobler you can totally do that too, though I like this method because I have greater control of what the zip looks like in the end. With zipper tape edges being finished, I don’t mind if they show. They’re pretty tight pockets so you’d have to be digging around to even see it.

[@oliviamader6250]

@@fiercekittenz I really want to know how to do this sipper sandwiching for a shoulder bag I am making. I want to use this technique for the main zipper compartment but can't figure out how to do it while keeping the edges covered. To be clear, I am trying to make a Prada re-edition nylon mini bag. Is there a tutorial you recommend for something like this? Where the zipper is sandwiched. BTW this would be an oval shaped welt if that is even a thing. Just bc of the shape of the bag. I want to use a single piece of fabric for both the front and back outer main panels.

[@janicemulder8489]

I know you're on twitch but honestly can't figure out how to use it it says you're in another castle.

[@fiercekittenz]

janice mulder WEIRD! Https://www.twitch.tv/fiercekittenz? Maybe I goofed and put the wrong domain type.... woops!

[@idiatolawuyi4684]

You’re an excellent teacher. The best video I’ve ever watched

[@fiercekittenz]

Thank you!

[@janelbrieske1862]

I love your videos, they are very concise!

[@salgueroro]

May I know what is your domestic sewing machine ?

[@fiercekittenz]

I have a Janome M7 Continental!

[@lynle1083]

Best YT channel. 🥇

[@gladtidings4all]

Which machine are you using?

[@fiercekittenz]

This is my Janome M7 Continental!

[@maryjowestphal1057]

Can leather tape be sewn through with macine

[@fiercekittenz]

Yep!

[@tharindunirasha1400]

Thanks ....👏👏👏

[@faustakapofi8299]

This is perfect

[@Stempelmaus]

Genial danke fürs zeigen

[@fiercekittenz]

Bitte!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Thank you

[@virginiathomas8543]

You are a very good teacher.

[@fiercekittenz]

Thank you! 😃

[@tharindunirasha1400]

👏👏👏💖

[@jas8815]

Great demo of a tricky process! ♥

[@fiercekittenz]

I think the hardest part is making sure I get the right angles and show the steps correctly. Sometimes the steps that involve flipping things are hard to demonstrate.

[@jas8815]

@@fiercekittenz Difficult as it may be, you did a great job. Give yourself a pat on the back, you earned it! My very favorite thing about the internet is the ability to learn absolutely anything, thanks to KZbinrs sharing their knowledge with the rest of us. It's like having an instructor come into your home and give you private lessons. You can't beat that! 😄

[@joannabachuta9252]

Thank you so much for "not sewing" fhe edges! I love the way you explain thjngs.😊

[@gladtidings4all]

The best tutorial I have seen! Thanks!!❤️✂️🪡🧵❤️