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Saturday 22 July 2023

Triple Zip Project Challenge

Triple Zip Bags & Pouches
Looking for a bag or pouch with three zips?
Are you up for a challenge? Want to amp up your "Christmas in July" sewing? How about sewing a bag or pouch with three zippers?

Today's post features intermediate level projects — that's right, these aren't your run of the mill, easy peasy quick sews — that each require three zippers. Just the thing for those who are fans of zippers and maybe (?) one of these could be the cure for those of you who have fear-of-zipper-itis!

Even better, they are all conveniently courtesy of one YouTube channel: sewingtimes. I've made several of her creations in the past and she's also been mentioned here on numerous occasions for things that have intrigued me (but haven't made).

Each of the three projects features a distinctly different style from the other, although all bear a resemblance to things that you've likely seen before.

Links to the individual videos are not provided, but you can find all of them by searching for sewingtimes YouTube followed by the date of the video upload. Alternatively, you can search for them by name via her website at sewingtimes.net. In fact, those of you who are less inclined to learn via video will be pleased to know that her projects are presented tutorial style with (basic) written instructions and photos on her site.




Triple Zip Project #1: Triple Zip Pouch Bag


From a video released earlier this year (May 25, 2023), this first project is reminiscent of that ubiquitous quad zip organizer that's been around for the past decade. It's a series of three zippered pockets set inside accordion folds that in turn create additional storage compartments between them. 

In this version, the whole thing snaps closed with a flap and has a handle on top for carrying. Extremely cute; it drew my attention as soon as I saw it on my YouTube feed.

SewingTimes' Triple Zipper Pouch Bag
image courtesy of sewingtimes.net...

As far as making this goes, the zippers are actually the easiest to do... truly. With something like this, the curvy bottom will cause everything to "rise up" in 3D fashion when you sew it. The trickiest part of the construction will be securing the side panels to the base, after each zippered compartment has been sewn into its respective accordion fold.

I've previously made a couple of similar pouches without zippers: Sew4Home's quilted accordion pouch here and Shabby Fabrics' mini accordion pouch here that you may want to check out if you're intrigued by the option for multiple pockets and accordion style folds but want to avoid the curves. 

Just don't let any fear of zippers stop you from attempting this; it's actually one of those projects that will reinforce your understanding of how zippers are installed and improve your confidence with them.

Triple Zip Project #2: Triple Zipper Pencil Case


Uploaded on April 15, 2021, this dual zip-around case with center zippered compartment is a skill-building project that would be something to brag about. This time, the zippers are the most difficult part.

I have to admit, just looking at this strikes a bit of fear in my heart. The zipper in the main gusset would be the easiest of the three; the two along the front and back panels give me pause. I've made two cases with similar construction and neither one was a breeze. Needless to say, I had to check out this video to see how it was done.

SewingTimes' Triple Zipper Pencil Case
image courtesy of sewingtimes.net...

In the end, it wasn't much of a mystery as to how it has to be made. (That is, there was no magical easy way!) You will have to sew a panel on top of a zipper in a blind fashion (i.e., zipper tape on the bottom, unseen) and it'll have to be done twice.

Basting was one thing that I expected would be necessary, at the corners where the zippers had to bend at a ninety degree angle. I was glad to see that she did just that (as shown below).

SewingTimes' Triple Zipper Pencil Case
image courtesy of sewingtimes (YouTube)...

Having made the mistake of not doing so (initially) with my Yahtzee wallet years ago, I understand the importance of it now. When I made the perfect pouch for hubby last year, hand-basting the corners was a must.

This is something that needs to be tackled in the right frame of mind... slowly, carefully, with a steady sense of commitment. Definitely not a project to be rushing through.


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Triple Zip Project #3: Triple Zipper Bag


While the first two projects are pretty pouches for organizing your stuff, this one is a pretty purse. Uploaded on January 3, 2022, this finishes with five pockets in total and features a uniquely designed detachable strap. Like the first project, the zippers are not the difficult part of the design.

SewingTimes' Triple Zipper Bag
image courtesy of sewingtimes.net...

That said, I'm not sure what I would classify as the most difficult part of this design. I've made a similar style of bag before: the five pocket zippered pouch. It was completed with only two zippers, but the overall construction of three connected pouches is pretty much identical.

SewingTimes' Triple Zipper Bag
image courtesy of sewingtimes (YouTube)...

Making it requires some careful turning and keeping track of what piece is what. In this case, all of the panels are the same size (the pouch that I made had a centre pocket that was smaller), which increases the possibility of getting confused if you're not paying close attention.

If you get through it successfully, however, you would have good reason to be proud of yourself.

A Controversial Backstory


Now — because the issue is important to me — let me add my input to concerns that have been raised about this project. In the comments section of the YouTube video, several people have written that the pattern is a plagiarized version of a "patented" pattern from a French brand called Sacôtin. (I don't think it's possible for sewing patterns to be patented.)

{ChaChaCha} 3 compartment bag pattern by Sacotin
image courtesy of sacotin.com...

Having had intellectual property stolen from me (very recently in fact), I would never condone stealing.

However, I'm quite familiar with how sewing pattern designs seem to have no traceable origin. The theft that is being accused in this case would not hold up to legal scrutiny. First of all, one is a PDF, the other a video; it's two different mediums. Second of all, while the bags look pretty much identical at first glance, closer examination shows that the sewingtimes' project incorporates open pockets between the zippered pockets. (That's how the purse ends up with five pockets, as opposed to the Sacôtin version which only has three.) Third of all, the purses have different finished dimensions.

Are the differences more or less insignificant? One could say so, but it's open for debate. Should sewingtimes have simply said in her notes that she based this project on the Sacôtin version? Yes... if, in fact, that's where her inspiration came from. (Because neither you nor I know where her idea came from; only she knows.) In the end, this is simply a textbook example of copying that should have had some attribution.

Give credit; avoid drama.


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Now that I've turned your thoughts elsewhere, let's try to refocus on the topic at hand.

Care for another suggestion on a triple zip project? This is a triple zip box pouch that I made three and a half years ago that hasn't been put to use very often. As for difficulty level, I would say this one is probably no more difficult than the easiest of the previous three.

Owl Be Sewing Triple Zipper Pouch crafted by eSheep Designs
A nice use of some Tim Holtz fabric...

By the way, let me clarify about the title of this post: I'm not planning on making any of these. ಠ‿ಠ

The challenge was made to you, so do let me know if you plan to make any of them!

'Til next...

6 comments:

  1. I have sewn the first triple zip bag several times...as pencil bags for the grands, and shaving bags for the men in the family for camping. The other ones you have posted needs some investigation...thanks for leaving a crumb-trail😁🌷🌷

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your collection is amazing. I am a beginning sewist. I have sit for hours looking for patterns that made me want to sew. I just could not find a style that I wanted to try. Then, tonight, I come across your blog and I am so grateful. I absolutely love your style. Probably above my skill level but I am going to do my upmost best. But where do I begin?! It all looks so fun and beautiful. Thank you for your kindness by sharing.
    I didn't know how to put my name or would have.
    Finding your blog, has brightened my day. Lisa Gifford

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome, Lisa, and many thanks for your message; you have made my morning! I know just what you mean when you search high and low for something that speaks to you. I'm grateful you think my blog fits the bill. I noticed you also subscribed, so I will send you back a more personal response to your email. (◕‿◕)

      Delete

You have the power to brighten my day. Leave me a comment; I'd love to hear your thoughts... you can even remain ANONYMOUS! And rest assured that I acknowledge all comments, either here or via email. (That is, if you don't see a response from me here, I would have responded privately to the person.) Spam or generic comments with unrelated links, however, are promptly removed... and I may take appropriate action or report you to Google. Thanks for reading! (✿◠‿◠)