Crooked zipper pocket windows are the worst! In part 1 of my Zipper Pockets series, I'll show you how to mark a perfectly straight, perfectly centered zipper window in seconds with our Zipper Window Template. It works with any bag pattern, not just Sew Hungry Hippie patterns.
What You'll Learn
How to mark an accurate zipper pocket rectangle on any pattern piece, centered every time. The template's center window fits many pocket sizes, and its straight edges double as a ruler. We made it large enough to cover even big bag zipper pockets.
Skill level: Beginner. The video is under 4 minutes.
Supplies
- Zipper Window Template
- Your bag pattern piece (I'm using the Santorini Tote)
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Optional: a Sharpie to mark the template's center line so it's easier to see
How to Mark a Zipper Pocket Window
Step 1: Make the center line easy to see
I marked the center of my template with a Sharpie because the etched lines can be hard to see. Tip: leave the brown protective paper on if it helps you see the markings better.
Step 2: Find the center of your pattern piece
Fold your fabric or pattern piece in half and press a centering crease.
Step 3: Line up the template
Place the template's center mark right on the crease, positioned where your pattern says the pocket goes.
Step 4: Count out and draw the window
Count out half your zipper window length on each side of center. For a 10" window, that's 5" each way. Draw down and across along the template edges while it's still in place. Boom, there's your zipper pocket rectangle!
Step 5: Use it for any pattern
Need a smaller pocket? For a 6" window, count out 3" each side. That's the size for the Lola Bag by Swoon, for example. The Santorini Tote has four zipper pockets, and this makes marking all of them quick and accurate.
Tips for Better Zipper Pockets
- Template sliding? Add non-slip grippy dots to the side without the etchings.
- Practice on the lining first. When I teach classes, students make the lining zipper pockets first, then the exterior pockets once they've had some practice.
- The more you do, the better you get. Zipper pockets are a skill, and practice really pays off.
Zipper Pocket FAQ
How do I keep my zipper pocket window straight?
Find the center with a fold, line up a template or ruler on the crease, and measure out the same distance on both sides. Draw the whole rectangle without moving the template.
Does the Zipper Window Template work with other patterns?
Yes. The center window fits many pocket sizes and the straight edges work as a ruler, so you can use it with any pattern.
What size zipper should I use for a zipper pocket?
It depends on your bag. See my guide to #3 vs #5 zippers.
How do I make zipper pockets on vinyl?
Vinyl needs a slightly different approach. Check out Make Flat and Neat Zipper Pockets on Vinyl.
More Zipper Tutorials
- Make Flat and Neat Zipper Pockets on Vinyl
- How to Sew Straight Zippers
- 4 Tips for Zipper Tab Corners
- #3 vs #5 Zippers: Which Size to Use
Shop acrylic templates, zippers, sewing courses, and tools and notions in the Sew Hungry Hippie shop.
Thanks for sewing along! If this helped, please subscribe on YouTube and join our email list for new tutorials and restocks.
Peace, Love, Sewing,
-Natalie
