How to Sew a Recessed Zipper Tote Bag: A Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial, by Sewingly Carol on YouTube. 9 min 39 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 39 s
- Time to do it
- 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Draw your cutting diagram first. Cut two outer body panels, two lining panels, two strap pieces, the recessed zipper panel pieces and the pocket pieces. Add a seam allowance to every piece.
Make the zippered pockets. Place the zipper face down on the pocket fabric, sew along the tape, fold the fabric back and press. Topstitch close to the zipper teeth on both sides.
Pin the finished pocket panel to the front of one outer body piece and sew around the edges to attach it. Repeat for the back panel if you want two pockets.
Fold each strap piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the long edge, turn it right side out, press flat and topstitch both sides.
Baste the strap ends to the top edge of the outer body panels where you marked them. Check that the straps sit at equal distances from the side seams.
Sew the outer body together: place the panels right sides together, stitch the side and bottom seams, then box the bottom corners for a flat base.
Build the recessed zipper panel. Sew the zipper between the two panel strips, press the seams open and topstitch along both sides of the zipper.
Pin the zipper panel to the top edge of the outer bag, right sides together, and sew all the way around. Clip the curves so the seam lies flat.
Sew the lining the same way as the body but leave a gap of about 4 inches in the bottom seam. Turn the bag right side out through that gap.
Push the lining inside the bag, match the top edges and sew around the opening. Close the lining gap with a small hand stitch or machine stitch.
Tips and common mistakes
Press every seam as you go, since crisp pressing is what gives the bag its structure.
Open the zipper halfway before you sew the final top seam so you can turn the bag through it later.
Use a zipper foot so your topstitching stays close and even along the teeth.
Keep pins and the needle away from your fingers when sewing through thick layers, and sew slowly over bulky seams.
Questions
What fabric works best for this tote?
A medium-weight canvas or cotton with fusible interfacing holds the shape well. Quilting cotton works for the lining and pockets.
How big is the finished bag?
The tutorial says the interior fits A4 folders, books and a 16-inch laptop, so size your panels to those measurements plus seam allowance.
Can I skip the zippered pockets?
Yes. Plain slip pockets or no pockets still work, but the recessed zipper closure is what defines this bag.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
