More Tips For Top Zips: Tricks for thicker fabrics, and top stitched linings with no-dent corners

In this tutorial I will go through steps to achieve a straight zipper and non-dented corners when using trickier fabrics such as vinyl and waterproof canvas. I include a detailed explanation of an alternative top zipper installation to the method used in • Perfect Corners, Perfe... , and I will show you how you can topstitch your lining while still getting squared corners at the ends of your zippers. I am again demonstrating on the OKSew Betty Zipper pouch, templates for which can be downloaded free directly from Google drive (link below), however these techniques can be used on any applicable bag pattern.
For this pouch you will need:
- Exterior fabric, I am using vinyl from www.geekgardenfabric.com
- Lining fabric, I am using waterproof canvas and scraps of cotton canvas
- A single zipper or zipper by the yard with teeth length measuring at least 8.5"
Double-sided tape, stapler, a Teflon presser foot, and narrow zipper foot are recommended. Other suggested tools are detailed in the video.
I am sewing on a domestic Juki HZL-DX7.
Betty Zipper Pouch with curve template:
drive.google.com/file/d/12U1T...

[@MargieBowles]

Thank you so much for your easy way of teaching!! I have learnt so much!! 😁🧡

[@OKSew474]

You are so welcome!

[@juliepearson5880]

Love your tutorials Nicole ❤

[@OKSew474]

Thanks so much Julie!

[@aileenhindley5964]

You are the BEST!

[@OKSew474]

You are too kind, thank you. ☺️ I’m glad you are finding useful info!

[@sm1lerno1]

Should’ve watched this one before making 10 of the boxy corners pouch, as not one of the corner seams weren’t twisted in. We live and learn. Thanks.

[@OKSew474]

That’s so frustrating! I’m sorry, I wish I could include every tip and trick in all my videos!

[@sm1lerno1]

@@OKSew474your tips are amazing. No apology necessary. We are always learning ❤

[@maryequilter31]

This is one of the most thorough tutorials I have ever watched, without being overly “beginnery” if you know what I mean. I’ve been quilting and making bags for many years but this was so informative. Thanks so much

[@OKSew474]

Thanks so much, Mary! I'm glad with all your experience you still found it helpful!

[@teresahightower5692]

Hello, Great Sewing Tips. I would love to see you make this pouch using Cork Fabric. I have a lot of scrap pieces left over from making bags and would love to make this pouch using them up. However I would like to line the pouch with waterproof canvas! Thank you for your wonderful Tutorial! I love them all! Thanks, Teresa.

[@OKSew474]

Thanks Teresa! I will add a tutorial using cork to my list. :)

[@teresahightower5692]

Thank You so much!@@OKSew474

[@Katbird88]

This is the BEST channel! You are wonderful teacher❤️

[@OKSew474]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@victorialowe3198]

Your lining is the best. Thank you.

[@lindahughes4373]

Thanks for another great tutorial. I'm going to order myself some vinyl! First though, I'll be fine tuning my Betty pouch made with quilting cotton before I move up to vinyl. Slow and steady wins the race 😃

[@OKSew474]

Thanks, Linda! It certainly does! "Slow is fast" is one of our favourite sayings around here.

[@sherry7153]

Love your videos! Can you show how to install a zipper with one end tab that hangs over the edge of the bag?

[@OKSew474]

Absolutely, I’ll make sure to do it that way on my next pouch tutorial, it is on my list so I will bump it up!

[@jeanmanna9471]

Excellent tutorial!!!! Thank you

[@ritacantrell738]

Great tutorial thank very much🤩

[@michelesawyer5049]

I learnt so much thank you 😊

[@andreadennis4171]

Great tips.😊 Thanks for sharing

[@OKSew474]

Thanks for watching!

[@liz.mcdonough]

I just came across your channel. Thank you so much for a wonderful, informative tutorial. Great information .

[@OKSew474]

Thank you Liz!

[@beyondtherabbithole]

thank you sew much for another great skill builder. Is there a trick to getting a square bottom corner to look straight or look like a nice 90 degree angle mine are sorta bowing in.

[@Missy_Made_It]

Love your videos! So helpful! What DST do you use?

[@OKSew474]

Thanks Missy! I like this DST: a.co/d/1a36UBe I use the 1/8" most of the time, but I do keep a roll of the 1/4" and 3/8" on hand for some projects.

[@Missy_Made_It]

Just ordered some of the tape! I like not having to grab my scissors to cut tape! I am nearly out of the 1/8” that I use. This tape is a much better price!

[@Katbird88]

What brand double side tape do u use? The backing comes off so easily, much better than mine

[@OKSew474]

This is the one I use, I mostly use 1/8" but I do keep 1/4" and 3/8" on hand for occasional use. a.co/d/1a36UBe

[@Katbird88]

@@OKSew474 thanks

[@juliast.jean-capuano5312]

2 questions: what measurements did you use to make your corner template? Also: could/heat press??

[@OKSew474]

Hi Julia! I will have to double check to remind myself but I am fairly sure it is 3/8” in from the edge, and that the original curve was drafted as a 2” diameter circle so it would be a 1.25” curve for the template. Your second question, I am saying cold heat press, meaning my heat press that hasn’t been recently used so it is just the pressure of the closed press that flattens the fold.

[@janniefoy7309]

What is the benefit of folding the tap on one end and adding a tab on the other end.

[@OKSew474]

It’s personal preference, but with the folded ends you can open the pouch wider than if you had tabs at both ends so it is my preferred method.

[@janniefoy7309]

I have a lot of trouble removing the backing from the double sided tape. I wonder if the reason is that it’s getting a bit old ?

[@OKSew474]

It could be, but there is such variation between brands that it may just be that yours is extra sticky. When I am struggling to get it started I fold the backing over onto itself about 1/4” and can usually then peel the tape off the backing a little easier to start if off than peeling the backing off the tape.

[@janniefoy7309]

@@OKSew474 Thank you. I enjoyed your video. Taught me a lot.

[@dianetrieloff4798]

I tried this but the double sided tape was sticking to my machine when I sewed the zipper on

[@OKSew474]

I’m sorry to hear it’s giving you trouble! There is certainly variation between brands. I use 1/8” double sided tape so it stays within the seam allowance, that way I only ever sew a tiny bit in the side seam.

[@gladtidings4all]

Do you have an Etsy store to buy that bag?

[@OKSew474]

Thanks so much for your interest - I share items I am selling on my Facebook page, Facebook.com/lionandloch; I anticipate going the Etsy route sometime soon as it’s easier to access for people who find me through this channel than my page but it is not presently open. You are welcome to contact me through my Facebook page however!

[@janetrobertshaw6487]

Where can i buy your patterns ???

[@OKSew474]

There is a google drive link to the template for this pattern in the video description!

[@generalruler]

what is your accent!!!?

[@OKSew474]

I call it “Ameristralian” - expat Aussie who has been living in the US most of my adult life.