Master the Art of Sewing a Zipper Pocket with These Simple Steps

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Sewing is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations, with each new technique and skill adding to its charm. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, there’s always something new to learn and master. One such essential skill is sewing zippers, and more specifically, zipper pockets. These functional and stylish pockets add both character and convenience to any garment or accessory. So, if you’re ready to take your sewing skills to the next level, join us as we explore the art of sewing zipper pockets. Let’s dive in!

Sewing is a popular hobby that allows you to express your creativity and make custom clothing and accessories. One essential skill in sewing is adding a zipper pocket to your projects. Zippers provide a secure closure that keeps your belongings safe and organized within your bag or garment. However, many beginners may find the idea of sewing a zipper pocket intimidating. This guide will provide detailed steps on how to sew a zipper pocket with ease.

Understanding Zipper Pockets

A zipper pocket refers to a pouch attached to the inside or outside of a garment or accessory that contains a zipper for closure. It is commonly used in bags, jackets, pants, and skirts. The pouch has one opening with two sides and top edges that are usually finished with binding or fabric lining. The zipper can be sewn onto the seams of the pouch or sewn onto the edges of the fabric.

Zipper pockets come in different styles, including welt pockets, patch pockets, inseam pockets, and bound edge pockets. Each style may require different steps when sewing it onto your project.

Materials Required

Before you start sewing your zipper pocket, it is crucial to have all the necessary materials ready. The following are some materials you will need:

1) Fabric: You will need fabric pieces for both the inside lining of your project and the outside of your zipper pocket.

2) Zipper: Choose a size that fits well with the size of your pocket opening.

3) Interfacing: This is optional but recommended if you want to add more structure to your pocket.

4) Sewing pins: These will come in handy when pinning your pieces together before stitching.

5) Fabric scissors: Use sharp scissors for cutting fabric neatly.

6) Sewing machine: A regular sewing machine will work just fine for basic zipper pockets.

Preparing Your Fabric

The first step in sewing a zipper pocket is to cut and prepare your fabric. If you are making a pocket in a garment, the fabric should already be cut and ready. However, if you are making an accessory like a pouch or a bag, you will need to start by cutting your fabric pieces.

Make sure to cut out all the necessary pieces following your chosen pattern or measurements. Once done, iron out any wrinkles on your fabric pieces before moving on to the next step.

Attaching the Zipper

The next step is attaching the zipper onto your project. Begin by placing the zipper face down onto the right side of your lining fabric with the zipper pull facing towards the bottom edge of the fabric. Align the edges of your fabric with the edges of your zipper and pin them in place.

Next, sew along the edge of your zipper using a regular presser foot or an invisible zipper foot if available on your sewing machine. Make sure to secure both ends of your stitches with backstitching for added durability.

Once done, flip over your lining piece, and you will see that your zipper is now attached securely to one side of your project.

Creating Your Pocket Facing

Creating a facing for your pocket is an essential step that adds structure and finishing touches to your pocket. To do this, place one rectangle of interfacing on top of one exterior fabric piece with the fusible side facing down. Follow manufacturer instructions and iron out according to their recommendations.

Once fused together, place both exterior pieces right sides together and stitch along three sides, leaving one short edge open for turning later on.

Next, pull apart the two exterior layers from each other and fold down both top edges towards each other at half an inch. Press this fold in place.

Sewing Your Pocket Facing

To attach your pocket facing onto your main project, place your zipper on top of the exterior piece with the teeth of your zipper facing down. Align the top edge of your facing with the top edge of your project and pin it in place.

Flip over your project and sew another line along the folded edge, securing both sides of your pocket facing onto your project. Flip it over again, and you will see that two layers are now attached together on one side.

Next, take your zipper and pull it towards the inside of your project, so that it is now facing right sides together with the exterior fabric. Once in place, pin all four layers together along three open edges – one exterior fabric piece, one pocket facing piece, and both edges of your zipper.

Stitch along these pinned edges using a regular presser foot or an invisible zipper foot if available.

Finishing Your Zipper Pocket

To finish off your zipper pocket, trim any excess fabric and threads. Use a seam ripper to open up the bottom end of your pocket for turning. Turn everything inside out until you can see all layers properly aligned.

Next, stitch close to the fold at both open ends to secure them in place. You can use a slipstitch or an invisible stitch to close up any visible openings on the

What Equipment You Will Need

Before learning how to sew a zipper pocket, it’s important to gather all the necessary equipment. The following is a list of items you will need:

1. Sewing machine – This is the most important tool for sewing a zipper pocket. Make sure your machine is in good working condition and that you have the manual handy for reference.

2. Zipper – Choose a zipper that complements your fabric. It should also be at least 1 inch longer than the length of your pocket opening.

3. Fabric – You will need two pieces of fabric, one for the main body of the pocket and one for the lining. Cotton, denim, and linen are good fabric choices.

4. Interfacing – This provides structural support to the pocket. Choose a medium-weight interfacing that matches your fabric.

5. Marking tool – A washable marking pencil or tailor’s chalk is useful for marking where you will sew on the fabric.

6. Scissors – Have a pair of sharp scissors handy for cutting both fabric and thread.

7. Pins – These are essential for keeping your fabric pieces in place while sewing.

8. Sewing thread – Make sure you have matching thread to blend in with your fabric choice.

9. Seam ripper – This is optional but useful for unpicking any mistakes or unwanted stitches.

10. Iron and ironing board – A pressing iron will come in handy while sewing, especially when working with interfacing and creating crisp edges on your finished pocket.

Preparing Your Fabric

Once you have gathered all your equipment, it’s time to prepare your fabric before sewing the zipper pocket:

1.Prewash and press – If using cotton or linen fabrics, make sure to prewash them to avoid any shrinkage once sewn onto clothing items. Press both fabrics using an iron to ensure they are free of any creases or wrinkles.

2. Pin the pattern – Place your pattern pieces on your fabric and pin them down securely. Take care to follow the grainline marked on the pattern for a professional-looking pocket.

3. Cut out the fabric pieces – Using sharp scissors, cut out the main body and lining pieces for your pocket from the fabric. Also, cut out interfacing following the same dimensions as your fabric pieces.

4. Apply interfacing – Iron on the interfacing to the wrong side of the main body fabric as per its instructions. This will give your pocket stability and prevent it from sagging.

Installing a Zipper Foot

Before sewing a zipper pocket, you need to ensure that you have a zipper foot attached to your sewing machine. This is because a regular foot can’t get close enough to sew right along both sides of the zipper teeth.

To install a zipper foot:

1. Turn off your sewing machine and unplug it for safety purposes.

2. Loosen the screw that holds on your current presser foot and remove it from your machine.

3. Hold up your zipper foot in front of you with its toes pointing towards you.

4. Locate where you need to place it by aligning its toes above where you attach normal presser feet, making sure they’re facing towards you when in contact with such an area, then lower it onto this point before tightening its retaining screw back up securely in place

Preparing for Sewing

Before starting to sew, take time to consider how you will orientate your project materials:

1.Place out prepared project fabrics – Lay down both fabric pieces facing wrong sides together flat on an even surface; one backing piece needs face-up whilst yet another lining piece should be face-down atop this too

2.Pin securely – Using straight pins, affix all layers together making sure everything is aligned square; additionally, it’s best to remove any pre-existing pins you’ve put in place just to hold said fabrics together for prep work.

3.Mark seam lines – Using a marking tool or tailor’s chalk, mark the sewing lines on the right side of the fabric. These will serve as a guide for sewing accurately and keeping your pocket straight.

How to Sew the Zipper Pocket

Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to start sewing your zipper pocket. Follow these steps:

1.Place zipper face-down – Lay the zipper right-side down on top of the main fabric piece with its teeth facing up. The edge of its stopper should be flush with the top edge of the main body piece.

2.Pin or baste – Pin or baste along one long side of the zipper tape onto this layer surface where you’d otherwise go about sewing an invisible zip!

3.Set up your sewing machine – Set your machine up to sew a straight stitch. Aligning both materials next to each other within their respective positions exactly as they were basted or pinned before – stitch like this through all layers excluding one backing section placed on table face-up.

4.Stitch close to zipper teeth – As long as you don’t catch any part of them, take however

1) What supplies do I need to sew a zipper pocket?
Answer: To sew a zipper pocket, you will need a zipper, fabric, scissors, thread, pins or clips, measuring tape, and a sewing machine.

2) Can I sew a zipper pocket by hand?
Answer: While it is possible to sew a zipper pocket by hand, it may be more difficult and time-consuming. Using a sewing machine will ensure a neater and more secure outcome.

3) Where should I place the zipper on my pocket?
Answer: The best place to put the zipper on your pocket would depend on the type of garment or item you are sewing. Generally, zippers are placed near the top of pockets for easier access.

4) What stitch should I use when sewing the zipper onto the fabric?
Answer: The most commonly used stitch for sewing zippers is called the straight stitch. This creates a clean and strong hold for the zipper.

5) How do I avoid puckering or bunching while sewing the zipper?
Answer: To avoid puckering or bunching while sewing the zipper onto your fabric, use pins or clips to hold it in place. Also, make sure that you use an appropriate amount of tension on your machine’s foot pedal.

6) Can I use any type of fabric for my zipper pocket?
Answer: Ideally, you should use a medium-weight woven fabric such as cotton or denim for your zipper pocket. However, if you choose to use a thinner or stretchier material, make sure to stabilize it first with interfacing before adding the zipper.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a zipper pocket can open up a world of possibilities for adding functional and stylish features to your sewing projects. It requires attention to detail, patience, and practice, but the end result is well worth the effort.

We began by discussing the materials and tools needed for creating a zipper pocket and emphasized the importance of choosing a proper zipper and fabric. Next, we broke down the step-by-step process of constructing a zipper pocket, from marking and cutting the fabric to attaching the zipper and topstitching. Along the way, we highlighted important techniques such as using stay tape or interfacing to reinforce the pocket edges and using a zipper foot to achieve clean and professional-looking stitches.

We also explored different types of zipper pockets, including inseam pockets, welt pockets, and gusseted pockets, each with its unique features and uses. This knowledge can be applied not only in garment sewing but also in various other projects such as bags, pouches, and home decor items.

Moreover, by mastering the skill of sewing a zipper pocket, you can elevate your designs by incorporating functional elements that add convenience and practicality. Additionally, knowing how to sew a zipper pocket gives you more creative freedom in customizing your clothes according to your own preferences instead of

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.