When sewing a bag, there are parts that I really find tedious. Cutting the fabric is one. I used to hate sewing zippers, too, but I discovered the magic that is the zipper foot. This tutorial is on sewing a zipper to a messenger bag or tote. This is the kind of zipper that is set an inch from the top of the bag, in the lining. I don’t know what the proper term is so let’s just get on with it.
For this zipper part, you will need:
Two pieces of fabric that are 2 inches shorter than the top of your bag. The width of each fabric should be half the width of your bag. One long side and the two ends should have enough allowance for folding. Let's call these parts A1 and A2.
Two pieces of fabric that are an inch thick. The top part of these pieces should follow the shape of the top part of your bag. That is why mine are curved in shape. These are basically the top parts of your lining. These are our B1 and B2.
The lining of your bag. Since the top of the lining (mentioned previously) already follows the shape of the top the bag, the top of my lining (white fabric) is not curved. Its straight.
