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Pattern for Zip Top Handbag
This handbag is a good size for everyday use, providing you don't carry the kitchen sink.

Posted by Gabrielle S. • Published 9th November 2008 • See Gabrielle S.'s 3 projects »

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Tally83 added Zip Top Handbag to Bags DIY 18 Feb 22:38
Monica C. favorited Zip Top Handbag 28 Jun 20:40

Step 1
You need: (All measurements in inches. Seam allowances must be added.)

Sides. Cut 2 in fabric, 2 in lining and 2 in fusible wadding. Mark centre points at bottom and top.
Step 2
Base. Cut 1 in fabric, 1 in lining, 1 in fusible wadding and 1 (with no seam allowances) in plastic canvas (or other rigid stiffening). Mark centre points of each side and also corners where seam lines intersect.
Step 3
Top. Cut 2 in fabric and 2 in fusible wadding.
Step 4
Strap. Cut 2 in fabric.

Additionally you will need 2 small scraps of fabric, and a zip. I used continuous zip and cut it 11 inches. The finished opening is 10.25 inches.
Step 5
To Make

Fuse the fusible wadding to the sides, base and tops.
Take the straps and fold them in ¼ along the length, so the raw edges are enclosed. Topstitch down both edges.
Sew the two sides together along the sloped seams.
Position the handles so there is one per side, 3inches in from the ends, and tack in place. Make sure they are not twisted.
Sew the two small scraps of fabric to the ends of the zip.
Step 6
Sew the tops to either side of the zip, continuing the stitching onto the scraps of fabric, but leaving the ends unsewn for 1in. Fold the tops down and topstitch where you have sewn. You will now have a rectangle of fabric with a zip in the middle.
Fold this in half along the length of the zip, and sew the two ends together. Now fold the ends back along the zip, and sew across the triangle formed. Open the zip.
Step 7
Place the top inside the sides and sew together around the top.
Step 8
Turn right sides out and topstitch around the edge.
Step 9
Take the base and align the middle of the short ends with the seamline of the sides. Pin the rest of the short edges to the bottom of the sides. Sew between the corner markings ONLY.
Step 10
Sew the remaining long edges of the base to the bottom of the sides.
Trim a little from the edges of the plastic canvas and place it inside the bag.
Step 11
If you want an inside pocket, sew it to one of the lining sides.
Sew the lining sides together along the sloped edges.
Sew the lining base to the lining sides using the same method as sewing the fabric base to the fabric sides.
Place the lining inside the bag and hand sew it around the edge of the zip tape.