Messenger Bag Zip Pocket

This tutorial shows you an easy way to add a zippered pocket to the Messenger Bag. These instructions work for all three sizes of the bag. Size 1 is the bag in the pattern and pattern pieces for the smaller Size 2 & Size 3 versions are available in this document.

These steps replace steps 7.a - 7.k in the pattern for the exterior of the bag. They can also be used for a pocket in the lining by replacing steps 11.a -11.f.

Zipper: The zipper will be trimmed, so use a polyester coil zipper. It's easier and faster to sew this pocket if the zipper is 2"+ longer than the width of the fabric pieces (see cutting chart below). Using a longer zipper means you won't have to fiddle around moving the zipper foot around to get past the pull. You can just sew a straight line. As you'll notice in the photos, the zipper I used is much longer than needed, but it was also very simple to sew! If I'm buying zippers to stash away and they aren't for a specific project, I try to get 12" or 14" zippers so they'll be long enough for just about anything I might sew.

michellepatterns.com page 1 of 4 ------1. Cut ------

The fabrics below are for making one zippered pocket for the exterior front of the bag. Cut all fabric pieces from the lining fabric if you want to make the pocket on the inside.

The B pattern piece is the only pocket piece from the pattern used to make the zippered pocket. In the original pattern, the B piece is visible on the exterior of the bag. For this pocket, it will be hidden under the zipper and attached fabric pieces.

Size 1* Size 2* Size 3* Exterior Fabric (w x h): Exterior Fabric (w x h): Exterior Fabric (w x h): ✔ (1) 7" x 2.25" (18 x 6cm) ✔ (1) 6" x 2" (16 x 5cm) ✔ (1) 5" x 2" (13 x 5cm) ✔ (1) 7" x 9.25" (18 x 24cm) ✔ (1) 6" x 8" (16 x 21cm) ✔ (1) 5" x 6" (13 x 16cm) Lining Fabric (w x h): Lining Fabric (w x h): Lining Fabric (w x h): ✔ (1) 7" x 2.25" (18 x 6cm) ✔ ((1) 6" x 2" (16 x 5cm) ✔ (1) 5" x 2" (13 x 5cm) ✔ (1) 7" x 9.25" (18 x 24cm) ✔ (1) 6" x 8" (16 x 21cm) ✔ (1) 5" x 6" (13 x 16cm) ✔ (1) B ✔ (1) B ✔ (1) B Interfacing (w x h): Interfacing (w x h): Interfacing (w x h): ✔ (1) 6.75" x 2" (17 x 5cm) ✔ (1) 5.75" x 1.75" (15 x 4.5cm) ✔ (1) 4.75" x 1.75" (12 x 4.5cm) ✔ (1) 6.75" x 9" (17 x 23cm) ✔ (1) 5.75" x 7.75" (15 x 20cm) ✔ (1) 4.75" x 5.75" (12 x 15cm) * Size 1 is the bag in the main pattern, and Size 2 & Size 3 are available as extra pattern pieces.

------2. Interface ------

a) Trim about 1/2" (13mm) from corners of interfacing pieces. Trimming is to reduce bulk at intersecting seams & doesn't need to be exact.

b) Apply interfacing to the WRONG side of the exterior fabric pieces. Follow interfacing manufacturer guidelines for heating setting and press time. michellepatterns.com page 2 of 4 ------3. Attach Zipper ------Note: Either a zipper foot or a 1/4" foot with a guide can be used for installing the zipper. If your zippers seams are wobbly, or you have a tendency to sew too close to the zipper, try using a 1/4" foot.

a) With zipper closed, and the pull to the left, center the zipper on the RIGHT side of the small lining fabric piece.

b) Place the small exterior fabric piece RIGHT sides together with the zipper and lining fabric.

c) Sew the pieces to the zipper using a 1/4" allowance.

d) Press fabric away from the zipper.

e) Center the zipper on the RIGHT side of the large lining piece.

f) Place the large exterior fabric piece RIGHT sides together over zipper & lining fabric piece.

g) Sew the pieces to the zipper using a 1/4" allowance.

h) Press the pieces away from the zipper.

i) Topstitch at 1/8" along each side of the zipper.

michellepatterns.com page 3 of 4 ------4. Close Off Pocket Bottom ------

a) With B RIGHT side up, match the edges of the zipper pocket pieces to B. Trim the edges of the pieces to match B if needed.

b) Fold the bottom exterior fabric piece up and stitch a seam at 1" (25mm) for Size 2 & 3 or 1.5" (38mm) for Size 1.

------5. Baste Pocket to B ------

a) Open the zipper so the pull is in the center of the fabric pieces.

b) Baste around the edges at 1/8".

c) Trim off the ends of the zipper tape.

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