How to Add a Recessed Zipper to Any Tote Bag- Tutorial by Crafty Gemini

[@doadirockwell9317]

I have sewn for 50+ years but I have learned new techniques from you. You are an excellent instructor.

[@szzukowski]

I just added a zipper for the first time. I must have paused and started this video 50 times, but the tut was awesome and my bag looks great! It's going to be a birthday present, but I was able to hide most of my mistakes ;)

[@samanthaleblanc4327]

I should also mention that your homeschool family was the final push of inspiration I needed to start our own homeschool journey! Where we live in Quebec there is not many who do - so online is where I get my motivation to keep trying. Thanks Vanessa

[@beakittelscherz5419]

What is this "homeschooling family" project? Sounds interesting 😏

[@cathypeterson2874]

❤Thank you, for all your video lessons. I always learn a lot from you. I couldn't join this bag of the month club... because I am watching this video six years later.. But I watch your youtube videos, and I am always learning from you! ❤

[@TheCraftyGemini]

We have a new bag club open for registration right now. Sale ends on Monday, 4/17 at midnight EDT. Details herecraftygemini.com/shop/crafty-gemini-bag-club-mini-edition-3/

[@joannmccraw7235]

You have just taught an old lady a new trick! You and your tutorials are great!!!

[@camey66]

I truly enjoy your tutorials. At 77 I'm just learning that these different tote/bag project are not as hard as they look. I love that I can stop & start the video so I can follow along step by step. Thank you from one Gemini to another :-)

[@MC-pl3we]

What is the hardest for me making bags is turning them inside out, & the bottom of the bag. This has been helpful.

[@jennifercooper279]

I know this video is almost 3 years old, but SO glad I found it! YOU ARE AMAZING!! I love your teaching style and the fact that you tell us we CAN do it!!

[@janiefox2479]

Definitely the best video for learning how to sew a recessed zipper into a bag, which is most intimidating for me.

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

I’ve been following you for years! You must have started as a teen! Your enthusiasm, dedication to simplifying instructions and encouraging students are just some of the reasons I have always loved your videos. Sometimes I just pick one to watch while eating a meal. Better than TV by far! Blessings to you and your family and your growing businesses. I can tell you are all hard workers. ❤

[@marisolgonzalez5244]

One of the best videos on how to install a zipper! Thank you!

[@MsAmericanMaid]

I have been looking for weeks for instruction on adding the recessed zipper. Yours is the first I actually understood. Thank you for the clear instructions so that I can adjust depending on what size bag.

[@jerrimerryknits1347]

I haven’t sewn in 20 years. I found this tutorial while I was looking for a way to line a knit purse. Your videos have shown me everything I needed to line my purse and given me inspiration to get back into the sewing.

[@kckc4833]

Love your videos. I purchased other bag tutorials on paper. Awful to try and follow. You are great.

[@lhm72052]

Well, holy ****! I've recently retired and taken up sewing again, and I've purposefully avoided anything with zippers because I remember them being a royal pain in the neck. I stumbled upon your video and decided to take a peek. What a revelation!! I can do this!! Who knew a zipper could be soooooo easy!!! THANK YOU C.G.!!

[@furfighter211065]

Whitney, that's brilliant, thanks. There's a gazillion videos on how to MAKE the panel, but this is the only one I've found that shows all the steps to attach it. You're wonderful 🥰💖

[@jennifermary2350]

I think you will find this is Vanessa not Whitney!

[@amandavangoor6942]

I love this. I am quick at making tote bags but got a request for one with a zipper. I have made a boxed diaper bag but hated making the squared corners and bottom and enjoy my basic tote bags. So this lets me add a zipper to them without fuss. And i love how quick it was and not drawn out like some videos. Nicely done and thank you!

[@annepace3400]

I'm getting reacquainted with sewing, now that I've retired. making handbags , pouches, & totes interest. I made a reuseable tote by watching your video.

[@barbaramccloskey7084]

😊I have been struggling with zipper installation and have had to get out my ripper! Ticks. I will watch this information so much. Thanks.

[@janomalley]

I'm making a bag for a friend and it calls for a recessed zipper but the written instructions are terrible. I'm so thankful I found your video and it's so helpful. I've now watched it twice and I understand what the concept is! I can't thank you enough!!!!

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Yay!! Glad to help! 👍🏽❤️

[@janomalley]

@@TheCraftyGemini I just finished my bag. Did some ripping out of stitches but kept referring to your video and it came out so well. Thank you again.

[@zinacherkus9778]

You have the best and clearest tutorials ever. I am an experienced seamstress but new to bag making. Thank you so much. ❤

[@charliekryszewski3801]

I should know when it comes to a sewing technique I'm trying to figure out, come to you FIRST. I've made a few messenger bags, and just this past weekend someone asked if I could do one with a zipper. Now I KNOW I can. I might end up watching the video 20 times to make sure I've got it right, but I know now I CAN do it!!!

[@ninadanao3515]

I absolutely love your channel! ❤️ That zipper trick blew my mind! I'm learning so much from you. Thank you sharing craft with us.

[@jeannettebarnett2107]

wonderful, I volunteer at Cancer Treatment of America in Tulsa and I am teaching candy bag purses and the zipper was a problem, you are great, Thanks again. Jeannette Barnett

[@jodevenish6507]

I love your tutorial. I am 77yrs and I have taken to sewing. Xx

[@marierlohia5111]

Thank you Vanessa🎉, As you inspire me with your teaching style, I am able to inspire another here at my end.❤

[@robertmorrison3420]

Definitely enjoyed your video. A beginner here. I know after watching this video I will be able to make a ham band. Great job.🎉

[@belindawaldo3678]

You are awesome...Clear, easy to follow, cheerful, and a can do attitude to help novice and experienced sewers to get it done. Love the tips that you throw in. Also like the fast forward parts that save time on a more mundane step, essential yes, but time consuming and gives you time to share a tip or two. Thanks.

[@soniaguzman762]

I bought a super cool tote bag from Miles to Go. It was a Harry Potter tote but totes are pretty much useless because they are just empty space without a lining. I made a lining with two zipper pockets and made a recessed zipper on top. Now, I use it all the time and I love it.

[@anthonypage8946]

Thank you so much for the video it was a blessing , I make purses for a living and I never made a purse with a zipper you are my teach for now on . Thank you !

[@lucindadixon9775]

I was wondering how on earth I would be able to add a zip to a bag pattern and this video has been a godsend. So clear and easy to follow, thanks so much!

[@davidmammone6167]

You are brilliant! I had a conversation with my husband today about how frustrated I am about my bag attempts for this same bag! Thanks so much!

[@susan1098]

Your videos are awsome! For the first time I understand how to add a zippers to my project. Your tutorial was precise and very easy to follow. All the other tutorials on how to add a zipper was just so confusing. I’ve subscribed to your videos along with a thumbs up 👍 and turned on my notification bell. Looking forward now on how to add a lining to my bags. Thank you ☺️

[@khailsdesigns859]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. Your instructions are the first one that I have found to be clear. I have watched many tutorial, and yet I was still confused, but thanks to you I will now be able to add recessed zippers with confidence. Thank You Again!

[@patchingmagic]

I love how thorough you are with all the little details. Excellent

[@smcclain772]

Really enjoy videos. So clear and down to earth. You have so much energy which helps with watching. You make me feel as if I can accomplish this though some of the projects may be a bit challenging for me.

[@maplelassuk]

Yay, I finally did this after watching this tutorial a dozen times or more ( slow learner!). I added the zip to your improv tote, it's fabulous, thank you Vanessa! 😊

[@donnaoliver5642]

This is a great tutorial! You explain every detail so that it is easy to understand. I’m surprised I didn’t wear out the tutorial from pausing it dozens of times. Thank you for all you do!

[@khadijajabrot3649]

hey mam....i have been waiting for your video tutorials since last few days...i love your work...its too easy to make using your guidelines...you are my teacher in one way...i learned many things from you....thank you so much

[@cindyhoglund9701]

I wanted to take a minute to thank you for your awesome tutorials, I have learned so much following you. I am attaching my tote bag that I created using my embroidery squares. I could not have finished the bag without your help on the strap and recessed zipper. I look forward to visiting your shop some day in the near future and meeting the talented Crafty Gemini. Thanks again

[@MsDjvinson]

I to was born on June 1st I am just starting to get interested in making bags, so glad I came across this. Have been a subscriber for years, oh and did I mention I lost the use of my right hand a couple of years ago, but I spend most of my time in my Happy Room trying to make things, wish me luck with your bags. Love your channel

[@rondamuench4918]

Thank you, I lost sleep last night trying to reminder how to add a recessed zipper into a tote. Great job!

[@adriannegentleman83]

always remember, if you've forgotten a crafty issue, then you tube lol, never loose sleep lol

[@janetteaguirre-terry2986]

your awesome! i really want to take more classes but with quilting now for almost a year its been quite expessive to buy all the notions, fabric, and interface. but I must say I have the notions that are higher end. Ive had my Juki 8 months and have made so far several rag quilts, baby quilt, pouches, notions organizers, hot pads, and rug mugs. love my Juki and love sewing. im trying to perfect my free motion quilting and would love to get a Juki TL, serger, and sashiko machine. eventually. love your tutorials and will save up to take your purse club subscriptions. Great job, Vanessa! God Bless you and your beautiful family!

[@samanthaleblanc4327]

Girl your hair is awesome! I have notices the last few videos its looking really cool. As for bags the hardware intimidates me!

[@mariecloutier3548]

Thank you for this awesome tutorial. I was working on a purse and decided kind of late in the game that I wanted to add a recessed zipper and this was PERFECT for what I wanted. THANK YOU!

[@sueswift6196]

What a brilliant idea, I thought, till I tried it out. Not surprised you fast forwarded the turning out of the zip. I have arthritis in my hands and found this very painful to do. I'll find another way to do this in future.

[@backusk]

Thank you SO MUCH for this tutorial! I just completed a bag for my friend who wanted a zipper, and this was exactly what I needed to do that for her! Excellent video and very helpful.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Glad to help! 👏🏽

[@BlueRaven_71]

Omg, Your tutorial is amazing. I'm just starting to make tote bag patterns and just like you said most free patterns you find don't have a zipper or a way to close them or if they do its one of those awful magnetic snaps. I want to be able to make a nice bag to sell that is going to provide the security that a zipper does. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all I greatly appreciate your help.

[@manjulaparameshwar6427]

Hey........I like the confidence with which you talk .so that any one can make it or even try to make it Love you Vannesa

[@bettystambaugh8533]

Just finished a denim bag using your video, You made it so clear and easy!! Now I'm working on a tote and plan on putting a recessed zipper in it. I used a split rail design for it. Thanks for your help.

[@susangardem1354]

Fantastic tutorial. I love making bags and as you say it can be intimidating to follow written instructions. Your techniques are so concise, I can't wait to start another bag with an enclosed zip. Thank you very much

[@ornelladay2041]

Hi Vanessa - great tutorial. I'm in the middle of making a baby changing bag for my daughter and decided I needed a zipper as the bag depth is 6" As the bag is wider than the one you are demonstrating with I was able to attach the second side using the free arm and sewing through the open zipper. It's looking good, just need to add hardware and I'm also using your adjustable straps tutorial. Good luck with the live chat this evening.

[@jennifermassello8670]

That’s so awesome! Zippers and inside pockets- especially those with zippers intimidate me!

[@nolapancho8614]

thank you for doing these tutorials for beginners like me and the world at large, I enjoyed it and will definitely be making one of these for my sister

[@seemarajderkar3019]

Crafty Gemini,you have magical fingers !!! You can transform any fabric into a lovely little useful piece of art !!! Great !! When you do and show something,it seems so easy,but not when I try to do it later !!! Maybe with practice,I too can reach near you !!!Happy Sewing !!

[@almacollum6429]

Hello, Had to tell you how much I absolutely love your tutorials. For me, a picture / video is more helpful than printed directions. I tried the recessed zipper. part of it went well but I messed up a little bit . I am going to try again. Thanks so much. Sincerely.

[@AChippendale]

Thanks for this great tutorial! I've been making bags for a long time but I'm still learning new skills. The thing that is the most intimidating is cutting into very expensive fabric! But so far so good. I usually make prototypes until I am very confident about my pattern (and my skills).... Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a really cute bag and then taking her out for a test drive!

[@swaybackranch8979]

What intimidates me the most is choosing the type of material, the color and/or the print.

[@szzukowski]

I usually search google for tote bag designs, find one I like, and then modify it to the bag style I want to make. I'm not good at coming up with design ideas out of the blue, but I love taking a base design and personalizing it.

[@Sabrina1998]

Love your videos and teaching style. I have learned so much from you and have gained the confidence to finally actually sew and create things by following your step-by-step videos. It’s fabulous. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. 🙏🏻 P.S. I love your professional confidence in your ability and gift. Makes all the difference!!!

[@Lemmikki2011]

What an excellent tutorial. I was wondering about the measurements and you explained them so well. Thank you, Vanessa. I love your tutorials.

[@marshawaggoner8544]

Outstanding!! I've just started creating my own bags, and I must have looked at 50 zipper tutorials in the last few days. Yours is far and away the best, clearest, easiest to follow I've found. Thank you so much for posting this!!

[@handmadebyMickie]

Thanks Vanessa! I'm getting ready to make totes for children in foster care and putting zippers in them will give them some added privacy!

[@bq1428]

You are a exceptional teacher! You describe in detail to accomplish the feat . Thank you 😉

[@jennifermary2350]

Thank you Vanessa this looks such a great method - I wish I had found you 2 weeks ago as I made a recessed zipper & it’s too big for my tote bag😬 think I am going to redo it as it’s such a bulky thing! Waiting for more outer fabric to arrive as messed up the side zipper pocket too, was a silly avoidable mistake! 🙄😬oh well we learn by our mistakes😊

[@ksandry1]

Thanks so much for another great tutorial I am a quilter and have now started to make bags and think your way of putting the recessed zip in is so easy. There are few bags that I have made that I am going to go back and put zips in them. Also I have signed up for the Bag Club and am looking forward to starting.

[@estherannaspears9017]

I've been doing my inset zips this way for many years and I just love it!!

[@outlander5706]

Absolutely loved watching you insert a zipper into a bag.Always wondered how to do this. looking forward to learning more from you!

[@rebeccakarp1532]

I love your tutorials. They are easy to follow.

[@cindychristie6314]

Well done, i have made many bags, but have trouble with zippers insertions in a bag, this helps, thanks!

[@debrariley2057]

What a great tutorial, so clear and interesting zip insertion … the burrito method for zips … thank you for taking the time to share.

[@deborahgottschalk2344]

Thank you for sharing this. I have watched so many tutorials and your is the best. 😊

[@michelejones7385]

Hi! Im a total sewing newbie I have been buying supplies and different fabrics and even looking at and printing patterns of things I'd like to make but have been afraid to take the plunge maybe this is just what I need to get me going thanks so much.

[@DugRut]

I've been making bags for a few years, many with zipper closers but this a different way to install it. Thanks. I'll try it tomorrow.

[@affinitybee8441]

I am a beginner. This video has helped so much. Many thanks!

[@sorodoke]

Just had to come in here and THANK YOOOOOOUUUUUU for this easy to follow tutorial. You solved a lot of my problems with this. I am genuinely grateful! Namaste!

[@jaynewebster2484]

First time I have watched one of your videos it was excellent thankyou for sharing your skills and knowledge

[@znycelondon5313]

Loved this video..... I was looking on line for a bag that had to have a zipper. Started searching you tube to make one. So so glad I found your tute! I can now use any of my fav bags and add a zipper to them. Thank you so much. 🌹❤️🌹

[@camey66]

Yea! I did it! Mine was much bigger but it came out perfect, I'm so glad I found you.

[@log20800]

You are a born teacher. Just loved this video.

[@elizabethrobbins8562]

I really glad you did this video I have watched others on zippers and they can be confusing and I didn't know about how to do the zipper tabs. So thanks!

[@annefarnham718]

I LOVE how clearly you explain these steps. What Juki do you have? I'm thinking to buy one that can handle sewing 6-10 mm of fabric layers. Could this one handle that?

[@gretchenm7669]

I just finished my zipper handbag!! I plan to make a couple more as Christmas presents. Thanks Vanessa.

[@iwitness173]

You are so right your videos are so easy to follow! Now what I would love to see is how to make inside pockets or one of those bag organizers that you can just pull out the insert and place into a different bag; making changing purses easy!!

[@lisaohanlon7782]

I love the music that plays when you sew. It's just great. Thanks.

[@rochelleflores1972]

This tutorial has helped me so much! You are an amazing teacher! Thank you for the easy steps.

[@NinoFam12]

Yes this is an awesome tutorial...I love all your videos how instructions are put in simple terms and just love them...I did my first bag with the zipper...thank you

[@debbierucker2771]

The zipper intimidants me most. Love what you are doing

[@pernillestorr6987]

thank you for these turtorials. I just love them. you make it so clear and easy to do the various things. I loved this one, as I have been a bit scared to do zippers this way - as I did not quite understand how it was done. Now I am going to try it. Cannot wait for the bag of the month. I have done some of your other tutorials - like some of the smaller bags /toiletbag etc. I am looking forward to your videos. Great to be able to do this even though I am in Denmark and you are in USA.

[@kelvingreen9572]

I was looking for a tutorial with a recesses zipper, yours seems to be easy to follow, now I can add a zipper to my tote bag Thanks Melanie

[@Whitney_Sews]

Love this! I've had people ask me to do a set in zipper tutorial, but now I can refer them over here because this is perfect!

[@prashantjadhav7714]

Whitney Sews

[@janetteaguirre-terry2986]

Whitney Sews love your tutorials too! you are awesome as well. Thanks!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Aww! Thank you so much Janette :)

[@donnathompson3209]

janette aguirre-terr

[@conniegibson1915]

My most intimidating factor in making these bags is picking out the fabric! I'm getting a late start and it's causing stress not knowing where to start and I keep losing the link to the class. I've loved your tutorials for years and know that these bags will be awesome! Thanks for helping me to grow as an artist!

[@kschallert3569]

I've watched so many of your videos and I really appreciate you. Today though I would just like to compliment you on your gorgeous hair! You are absolutely beautiful!

[@micheledandrea9197]

Thank you Vanessa, great video, cannot wait for the bag of the month, very easy to follow all your tutorials for a beginner , i love making bags .

[@FicelleProductions]

Love. Fast and thorough.

[@leslierinaldi3131]

Love the ability to start and stop. Great job. Thanks to you my friends have some very cool totes!

[@isabelcoffiel698]

I would have said that adding a zipper would be the most complex, but watching this video, you made it so easy. Wow. Can you use this same recessed process for a bag / tote you already have that does not have a closure? I'm sure .

[@janemixon4711]

I love the way you teach! You explain it in great detail.

[@ninadillingham7574]

I had a little trouble doing the tab’s but I have did the rest,it makes the bag look 👀 nice 👍

[@ruthbutler6725]

This is amazing! I'm trying to make a purse for my daughter for Christmas and this will help so much! Thanks!

[@JERSEYTOMATO]

BING - BANG - BOOM! Another wonderful video - thanks