The April challenge for Island Batik Ambassadors was self-directed, so I chose to learn a new skill. I made a boxy pouch and sewed my first zipper! Gold star for me! Let’s take a look at what this project entailed.

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Since we could use any fabric that was included in our first shipment, I chose to work with the Mystery Collection – designed by Claudia Pfeil of Claudia Pfeil Designs. It has gorgeous shades of blue, green and purple. 

My friend Donna, of www.sewingsquares.com, just happened to be having a class featuring her Blossom Box Pouch, so I knew I would be in good hands as I attempted my first zipper project.

Preparing the quilted fabric

First, I used my Accuquilt Go! to cut 2-1/2″ strips.

Then I pieced smaller units so that I had a wide variety of colors and prints in my bag.

For the quilting step, I switched to a Schmetz 90/40 Quilting needle and Aurifil 40-weight thread.

Straight line quilting was a fast and easy option for this project. Here you see my quilting lines on the solid fabric, which becomes the lining of my bag.

Sewing my first zipper

Then, I followed the pattern to cut my quilted piece into the correct shape.

Time for my first zipper – this was the scary part. I had heard many people complain about sewing with zippers so I avoided it forever.

Shop for zippers here.

But, there was really nothing to worry about. I used a zipper foot on my machine and sewed the zipper to the edge of the bag using a zig-zag stitch. I did not have the right sides facing, so you do see a raw edge on the finished bag. Lesson learned for next time!

The next step was to sew the ends closed, which felt like magical origami.

Success!

Now I have a cute little pouch, and I conquered my fear to sew my first zipper.

What should I make next?!?  Tell me all about your experiences with zippers! I am excited to make all sorts of bags now that I have this new sewing skill.

Thank you to Island Batik, Accuquilt, Schmetz, Aurifil and Hobbs Batting for providing the materials to make this project.