selvedge basket and zippered pouch tutorial

a few weeks ago I came across this QAYG basket and I wanted to try it

I have been collecting selvedge edges and wanted to use those but then realized I wasn’t making two pieces like the tutorial but ONE, so I kind of winged it, I started with grey in the middle and then found selvedges long enough and the writing facing the right way, I used a FQ on the bottom and scrap batting and got to this.

Then I trimmed it and sewed it together and made it a box bottom.

I used some scrap binding I had that was JUST enough, and used the 1/4″ bias tape from the warm company, which was AWESOME so I didn’t have to hand sew down the binding or pin it awkwardly and sew around the rim.

since it’s a QAYG method, you DO get the visible seams inside which I don’t really like, but it’s fine for now

after the basket was done I started thinking about a zippered pouch and you COULD do that as a QAYG method too but I don’t like the seams visible inside, so first I cut 4 squares 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ and quilted 2 to batting

then I used the 1/4″ tape again and added to the top of one of the quilted squares

the RIGHT side DOWN I added the top part of a zipper to that (the zipper is invisible so it looks wrong but it’s not)

then still on the top edge, I added more tape and added one of the lining squares

with a zipper foot I carefully stitched thru all the layers, so now the other side of the zipper is just “hanging” there.

now on the “flappy” side of the zipper I added more tape on the right side and added the quilted square to the top, the two pieces are right sides together

I flipped the whole thing over and added the lining fabric in the same way, it sounds confusing, but once you’ve done it a few times and understand how the pouch together together, it becomes easier.

then I stitched thru all that again, so now the bottom of the zipper had the lining pieces attached and you can fold them away from the zipper and it looks all nice

same with the front quilted pieces, now I opened up the zipper to half way

I then trimmed the zipper edges and pinned so the outer quilted pieces are right sides together and the same with the lining, I have two pins at the bottom of the lining right next to each other, it’s to remind myself to STOP there so there’s an opening for turning.

then I stitched all the way around with a walking foot, I had the zipper sections bend down toward the lining, I need to experiment with that some more I think. It’s very thick and kind of scare to sew over, but as long as the zipper teeth are plastic and you sew slowly, it’ll be fine.

I then cut out 2″ squares in the corners

and folded them together at 90 degrees and sewed together to create the box bottom like the box above.

I turned it all right side out thru the opening of the lining which I machine sewed closed then stuff the lining inside the outer part

and VOILA! the bag is done!

Since I tucked in the zipper ends like I did, the top edges are kind of rounded, but it’s fine I think.

what do you think? have you ever made a purse with a zipper?