Ali asked if I could do a tutorial on how I constructed the zipper pocket in the lining of my It’s all about the zippers bag and here it is!
I incorporate this type of pocket in nearly every bag I make nowadays. It can be used on the outside and in the lining. It is constructed by first creating a window in the fabric behind which the zipper is placed.
You might think that this pocket is only suitable for bag making but you are wrong there! I’ve seen this type of pocket a lot on RTW trousers lately, for example, this pair from Michael Kors has 6 of these pockets! When these pockets are used in RTW trousers they’re usually not very functional because the pocket lining is very small, it is added more as a design feature.
It is also often used in coats and jackets. Just take a look at the coats in your household and I’m pretty sure you’ll find a pocket or two that was constructed using this technique. I’ve taken pictures of some that I found in our coats. Sometimes they have an additional flap that covers the zipper. I think this is a nice detail so as a bonus I am also going to show you how to add two types of flaps to your pocket.
Materials:
- Fabric to add the zipper pocket to
- Fabric for the lining of the pocket
- Fusible interfacing
- Zipper
- Double sided tape (I use Prym wonder tape)
- Pins
- Handbasting thread
- Sewing machine thread
- Regular zipper foot (I accidently put my invisible zipper foot in the picture)
- Scissors
- Fabric marker
- Ruler
This type of pocket has to be added to the pattern piece before construction of the bag or garment. So if you decide to add one to the lining of a bag you first make this pocket in the lining piece before you start assembly of the lining.
I am using contrasting fabrics and thread in this tutorial for the purpose of clarity but I do recommend that you use matching thread and fabrics.
Standard zipper pocket
Dashed line indicates pocket lining.
Step 1: Determine the size of your pocket. This has several aspects. The length of the zipper window and the dimensions of the pocket lining.
For a bag I prefer the pocket lining to extend at least 5 cm (2’’) from both sides and the top of the zipper window (this already includes seam allowances). This ensures easy access into the pocket but if you don’t have enough room to add this amount it will usually still work if you add less. I also make sure that the lining of the pocket is smaller than the outer fabric so that it doesn’t get caught in any seam allowances when the bag is assembled (for coat linings one of the sides is usually attached to the front facing though). I let the depth of the pocket depend on what I want to use the pocket for but I don’t want the bottom of the pocket to reach the bottom of the bag.
I made a small sample for this tutorial and decided on a 9 cm (±3 1/2”) long window. The lining pieces for this sample were 19 cm (length) x 15 cm (height) (± 7 1/2” x 6”).
Step 2: You will need 2 pieces of lining fabric. Cut both the size you decided on in the previous step. I recommend that one matches either the zipper or outer fabric colour because a small sliver of it will be visible from the outside. The other piece can be a fun print or contrasting colour. If you want to use the same fabric for both pocket lining pieces you can also cut one piece that is twice as long and fold it back up on itself to create the pocket lining.
When I add this type of pocket in a bag lining I will usually also use the lining fabric for one of the pocket lining pieces. When added to the outside of the bag (sturdier fabric) I try to find a piece of e.g. quilting cotton that is a close match in colour because it can become a bit bulky otherwise.
Step 3
Step 3: Add some fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the pattern piece you want to add the zipper pocket to. It should be placed so that the zipper window will end up more or less in the centre of the interfacing. This will add a bit of extra stability, a lightweight interfacing will do fine; you don’t want to add a lot of extra bulk. I cut my piece 15 x 4 cm (6” x ±1 1/2”) When I add this pocket to a bag exterior I’ve usually already interfaced the whole piece, in that case I don’t add any extra interfacing.
Step 4: Pin one of the lining pieces (the one that matches the outer fabric) right sides together to the main fabric. The fabric should be placed exactly how you want it to end up on the back.
Step 5: Draw the desired window opening on the lining piece using the ruler and fabric marker. For most zippers a 1 cm (3/8’’) wide opening works well. I drew my box 9 x 1 cm (±3 1/2” x 3/8”). Draw another line in the box that is in between the two long lines and makes a V-shape to the two corners starting ± 1 cm (3/8’’) from the side.
Step 6: Stitch around the box that you just drew, backstitch to secure. If your machine has a needle down function it can be useful for this step because you have to pivot in the corners.
Step 4, 5 & 6
Step 7: Use scissors or a seam ripper to make a small hole on the line inside the box. Cut the box open on this line and cut into the corners in the V-shape. Cut as close to the stitching as possible but be careful not to cut the stitches.
Step 7
Step 8: Fold the lining fabric through the hole you just cut and use your iron to press the lining neatly to the back. You want to see as little of the lining fabric on the front of the window as possible but it is a bit inevitable that some of it will remain visible.
Step 8
Step 9: Sew the zipper ends together at the zipper pull side. You don’t have to pull the zipper tapes very close together because that can distort the shape of the zipper a bit. I find that doing this step makes it easier later on to sew the zipper in place.
If your zipper is a lot longer than you really need for the pocket it is usually a good idea to shorten it. You do this by first creating a new zipper stop by sewing over the zipper teeth as shown in the picture and then cutting off the excess. You really want to do it in this order because if you first cut and then decide to test the zipper before you have sewn the new zipper stop you will end up with two separate pieces that you have no way to put back together into a functional zip. I don’t think you need to ask me how I know…
Step 9
Step 10: Position the zipper behind the window. There are at least 3 different methods to do this 1. Pin the zipper in place. 2. First pin in place, hand baste in place and then remove pins. 3. Use double sided tape to stick the zipper to the fabric. The last method is my favourite because it is fast and ensures that the zipper stays nicely in place when sewing. Pinning is my least favourite method because the pins can get in the way when sewing and the zipper can more easily shift during sewing when you remove the pins.
Step 10
Step 11: Use your regular zipper foot to topstitch around the zipper window to sew the zipper in place. Unless you are really confident that your topstitching is absolutely spot on I recommend to use a matching thread. If you have a needle down option on your machine it is really helpful to use it for this step because you have to pivot in the corners. When the zipper pull gets in the way carefully unzip the zipper with the needle in the fabric.
Step 11
Step 12: Pin the other piece of lining fabric to the piece that is already sewn to the window. I like to use a contrasting colour or a print for this piece because it gives a nice surprise when the pocket is opened.
Step 13: Sew around the two lining pieces with a 1 cm (3/8’’) seam allowance. Make sure not to catch any of the outer fabric into your stitching. For an extra sturdy pocket you can finish the edges of the seam allowance with a zigzag stitch or use an overlock stitch.
Step 12 & 13
You are done and have successfully made a zipper pocket! Continue assembly of the bag or garment.
Zipper pocket flap variations
Now I will show you 2 variations on the zipper pocket. In the first variation a flap is incorporated that covers the whole zipper so that you can’t see the zipper from the outside until you lift up the flap. In the second variation two smaller flaps are sewn right next to the zipper teeth. These cover the zipper tape and can add a nice touch of colour to your pocket.
For both variations you will first follow steps 1-9 of the standard zipper pocket tutorial to create the window and prepare the zipper.
Single flap that covers the zipper
Step a: Cut a piece of fabric for the flap. My window was 10 cm (4”) long and I cut the piece 12 cm (±4 3/4”) long and 5 cm (2”) wide.
Step b: Fold the piece of fabric in half lengthwise and press.
Step c: Use a zigzag or overlock stitch to finish the 3 raw edges.
Step a, b & c
Step d: Position the flap behind the zipper window. The fold should touch the lower edge of the window. I first pin and then hand baste. It is important that the handbasting stitches don’t get too close to the edge of the window because you don’t want to topstitch over them.
Step d. Note that I made a sample for this tutorial and used a scrap for the pocket lining piece. For a real pocket I would have used a larger piece of lining fabric.
Step e: Position the zipper behind the flap. The zipper teeth should end up in the centre of the zipper window. I again prefer to use double side tape but you could also pin or hand baste.
Step e
Continue with step 11 of the standard zipper pocket tutorial to complete the pocket.
Completed zipper pocket with flap.
Zipper pocket with two flaps that cover the zipper tape
Step I: Cut two pieces of fabric for the flaps. For my 10 cm (4”) long zipper window I cut them 13 cm (5 1/8”) x 2 cm (3/4”). I chose a width that was 2x the width of the zipper tape.
Step II: Fold the pieces in half lenghtwise and press. You could finish the raw edges with a narrow zigzag or overlock stitch (you don’t want these stitches to be visible in the window) but it is not really necessary.
Step I & II
Step III: Place the folds of the flaps right next to the zipper teeth and pin in place.
Step IV: Sew the flaps to the zipper tape, stay quite close to the edge of the zipper tape because you don’t want these stitches to show up in the window.
Step III & IV
Step V: Position the zipper behind the zipper pocket. I used double sided tape but you could also pin or handbaste. You want the zipper teeth to end up in the centre of the window.
Step V
Continue with step 11 of the standard zipper pocket tutorial to complete the pocket.
Completed zipper pocket with 2 flaps.
Do you think you will give this type of pocket a try in one of your next projects? Which of the 3 variations that I showed is your favourite?
Wow! This is so clever. A great post on how to achieve it, thanks.
Thank you, the first time I saw how the window was created I was really amazed how simple it really is.
Thanks for the great instructions, the ones with the flaps I haven’t done before, now I know!
The flaps make it a little bit more fiddly but if you work slowly and carefully it’s very doable.
Very nice tutorial. I like that you showed us some variations as well. I don’t think I’ve seen the zipper with the two flaps before. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for a great tutorial – detailed, clear, logical instructions and excellent photos. It must be your scientific background. I like knowing self-contained techniques like this so that I can include them in future projects and modify a pattern.
Thank you, these pockets are really easy to add to most existing bag- and lined coat patterns and usually make the final product more special.
A very nice clear, well-illustrated tutorial. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for taking the time to do this, can’t wait it give it a go. 😀
Yes, I’ll be expecting a bag project from you pretty soon! 😉
What a great, clear tutorial, thank you.
You’re welcome. It takes quite a bit of time to make these tutorials but I think it’s worth it if it helps other people to give these techniques a try.
Wow, the single flap is no where near as complicated as I thought. It looks technically difficult but your explanation make it fairly simple. Thanks – I’ve bookmarked to future reference.
Yes, it really isn’t that complicated, I was surprised as well when I first tried it after closely looking at a couple of examples in RTW clothing.
I’ve never thought of making a zipper pocket. I guess I’ve been avoiding them and usually end op making a buttoned pocket. Now it’s in my mind I might start making them. In clothes they can be useful. Especially since my husband has a need of big pockets in has jackets to put has car papers and such. (He has this huge wallet.)
For the flap variations you might think of taking it a step further and use the more difficult welt pocket technique as shown here:
http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/10/tutorial-how-to-sew-a-welt-pocket.html
It looks more difficult than it is ones you’ve figured out how the folding works. And I think the corners end up better this way. I always have difficulties with them when folding the lining through the hole, mostly because I never now how far to cut into the corners without fraying them. And since the lining is actually the same as the flap, you don’t have to think about whether you see the lining.
Thank you, I’m going to give that a try as well!
This was a great, in depth, well-photographed and worded tutorial, thank you. I have been searching for a way to add zippered side pockets to a denim vest of mine & I have used this type of pocket many times in purses before, so I had a laugh when you mentioned multiple uses for it! Truly an ah-hah! moment. I also enjoyed the bit about covering the zippers with the flaps; that was new info to me. Thanks again!
Thank you! Good luck with your side pockets! 😉
Yay, thanks for this tutorial. Made my first zipper pocket this way. https://instagram.com/p/3HwMgkxJTl/
next step will be making the adjustable shoulder straps, my design can be seem here https://instagram.com/p/2D9T__RJel/ hope it works out the way I want it
Looks good! That what I love most about bag making: designing a unique bag with all the features that I find useful. Good luck with the straps!
Wonderful tutorial! I was having trouble figuring this out and you made it look so easy. Thank you!
I’m glad you found it useful!
Thank you for this tutorial !
Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful!
Thank you, Emmely, for a great tutorial. I’ve just found your blog and love it – you’re very generous to share your knowledge!
Thank you! I am glad you found it helpful!
Emmely, thanks for the thorough explanation, I’m trying to draft zipper pockets into a cosplay jumpsuit I’m making, in the pictures I’m trying to follow (from a tv show) the zippers are almost completely hidden, something like the 3rd sample from top down on the left of your first photo, only everything is done in one color (black)… can you give any assistance as to how to that sample is done?
Hi Roberto, the 3rd picture from the top on the left looks most like the two flaps method. If you use black fabric for everything (outside, lining and flaps) and a black zipper, the zipper will end up looking more hidden than in my multicoloured examples. You could also consider to make the two flaps overlap the zipper more (maybe so the edges touch) so it ends up covered. Either do this while you attach the flaps to the zipper as in the two flap tutorial or attach the flaps to the window first like in the one flap tutorial. Good luck with your costume!
Yes! thank you! I’ve made some examples and I think that’s exactly it. I hope it works with the super heavy fabric I’m using, or else I might have to use some lighter fabric for the flaps.
Using lighter fabric should work. Perhaps if the zipper tape is wide enough you could make the window slightly wider to create more room for the flaps. Good luck!
Thank you honey… at 10:40pm in Australia I’m sewing pockets lol. 🌹
Never too late to sew pockets! Glad you found the information useful. 🙂
Thank you Emmely. This is just what I needed for the winter Kelly anorak I’m making. I really appreciate your clear and thorough instructions and now I want to put zipper pockets on everything!
You are welcome! Zipper pockets are the best! Good luck finishing your coat.
Emmely, I ended up choosing a lapped zipper for my project, but I followed your directions and made a couple of practice welt zipper pockets first. Your explanations are clear and so much better than any videos I found. I had trouble making the welt lining lay flat when I pulled it through the slit. I was experimenting with installing a welt over a thick flat-felled seam (overalls/dungarees bib) and decided that the bulk is too much for me to master, at least with corduroy. I also tried the oliver and s method linked by one of your commenters, describing how to fold the lining to make the flap in the window. That did help hide the mess I had made of the back, but adding a zipper to it was beyond me. I will try to remember to tag you on IG when I get far enough along to post a photo. I’m @artandstole over there.
Thank you for your kind comment! Bulky corduroy does sound challenging. With denim you can try hammering the seams to make them flatter but with corduroy I worry that may damage the look of the whales in the fabric. I looked on Instagram and it turns out I am already following you there so I am looking forward to seeing your project appear!