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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.
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.)
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| 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.
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.
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| 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...
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😁🌷🌷
ReplyDeleteHa, ha... enjoy your explorations and hope you don't get lost.
Delete◕‿↼
😁 I'll try🤗🌷💖
Deleteᕙ(`▽´)ᕗ
DeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know how to put my name or would have.
Finding your blog, has brightened my day. Lisa Gifford
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