🧵 How to Make a Simple Zipper Shoulder Bag

 

Sure! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a simple zipper shoulder bag. This tutorial is designed for beginner to intermediate sewing skills and can be done using a basic sewing machine.

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🧵 How to Make a Simple Zipper Shoulder Bag

✂️ Materials Needed:

• Main fabric: ½ yard (cotton, canvas, denim, or any sturdy fabric)

• Lining fabric: ½ yard (light cotton or polyester)

• Fusible interfacing (medium weight): ½ yard

• Zipper: 12-inch (or according to your desired bag width)

• Webbing or fabric for strap: 1–1.5 yards (adjust based on your height)

• Sewing thread (matching color)

• Sewing machine

• Iron and ironing board

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Pins or clips

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Optional: zipper foot for sewing machine

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🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions:

🧩 Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut the following pieces:

• Main fabric:

  • 2 rectangles, 12” x 10” (front and back)

• Lining fabric:

  • 2 rectangles, 12” x 10”

• Interfacing:

  • 2 rectangles, 12” x 10”

• Strap:

• 1 long strip 2” wide by 40–50” long (or use 1.5” wide webbing)

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🧲 Step 2: Apply Interfacing

1. Iron the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of both main fabric pieces.

2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions (usually press with a hot iron for about 10–15 seconds).

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🧵 Step 3: Install the Zipper

1. Place one main fabric piece face up.

2. Lay the zipper face down along the top edge.

3. Place one lining piece face down on top of the zipper — sandwiching the zipper between the outer fabric and lining.

4. Pin and sew along the edge using a zipper foot (if you have one).

5. Flip the fabrics so they’re right side out and press.

6. Repeat for the other side of the zipper with the second set of main and lining fabrics.

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🧵 Step 4: Sew the Bag Body

1. Open the zipper halfway (very important!).

2. Pin the main fabric pieces right sides together, and the lining pieces right sides together.

3. Sew all around the edge, leaving a 3–4” opening in the bottom of the lining for turning.

4. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, being careful not to cut the stitches.

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🔄 Step 5: Turn and Finish

1. Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining.

2. Push out the corners and edges neatly.

3. Stitch the lining opening closed (either by hand or machine).

4. Tuck the lining into the bag and press all around the zipper edge.

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🧵 Step 6: Attach the Strap

If using fabric strap:

1. Fold the long fabric strip in half lengthwise and press.

2. Open, fold raw edges to center, then fold again to create a ½” wide strap.

3. Topstitch both edges.

4. Sew each end of the strap to the side seams of the bag, about 1” below the zipper line.

If using webbing:

• Just cut to desired length and sew both ends onto the outer bag sides.

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✅ Final Touches

• Give everything a final press with the iron.

• Optional: Add a fabric label, button embellishment, or inside pocket.

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👜 Done!

You've made a simple, functional zipper shoulder bag — perfect for everyday use, gifts, or even to sell at craft fairs.

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