Inserting a concealed recessed top edge zipper? Part 2

In my last post, I ended with a picture of an installed top edge zipper with a huge , ugly gap at both top sides. How to solve this problem??

After some thinking I found this, very simple solution.
In my view, you get the best result with a gap width which is exactly the same as the height of the zip top band: for my bag 4cm + 1 cm seam allowance.
I also had to reduce the size of the top edge of my exterior bag: I cut from both front and back piece of the exterior, on each side the same 5 cm, starting at the top and cutting obliquely downwards ending halfway ,as I didn't want to reduce the width of my bag base.
After assembling lining and exterior bag I got this:

What do you think?
Warm regards
Kristien

Inserting a concealed recessed top edge zipper? Part 1

One of my sisters (I have 3) asked me to make her a bag to go to work.
She gave me a long list with her wishes about size, pockets etc.
It should have a closed top....
A long time ago, I wrote this post about a recessed zipper closure.
At that time, I was not completely happy with the achieved result.

So, this time I decided to use the "Slimline concealed top edge zip" chapter, in Lisa Lam's most recent book: A bag for all reasons, as a guideline.

 

 

I followed the steps on p.25-26 and first made a zip tab. I made my version:



 

Next, I cut the zip top band pieces. They are trimmed off the top edge of the lining fabric. These top band pieces will also be the top closure of your bag. I didn't want the lining fabric to be seen at the top; so I replaced these lining top bands by exterior fabric.

 

In the book (p. 25) it is suggested to use a top band depth of 4 cm for a medium to large bag. I followed this advice.

The height of the top band determines how deep the zipper will sit in the bag.

Then I had to determine the width of the gap at both ends of the zip.

I wanted the top of the bag to be as wide as the base, so I measured half of the bag base width and added 1 seam allowance. (10cm)

This was a mistake, you will see...

I followed steps 4-5 on p.25-26.

Have a look:

 

This is the result after stitching the zip top band onto the zip and lining (p. 26, fig.e)

I repeated step 4-5 with the other side of the zip, lining and top band:

 

 

 

 

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Then I completed the bag lining by stitching both sides together WSO.(I didn't add a gusset for this bag.)
I got this:

 

 

Do you see the problem? The gap at both ends of the zip is far to large. It didn't even fit the exterior bag.

How I got this result...

 

I will tell you in my next post.

Kristien

 

A sunglass case Christmas gift.

As a Chrsitmas gift I made my husband this case to carry his sunglasses:

Without knowing it was for him, I asked him which fabric men would like for a sunglass case. He chose this lovely green fabric from the 'Magnolia Lane collection' by Laura Gunn.
This fabric comes in many different colourways.
For the lining I chose a cheeky fabric with mouses crawling all over, referring to his love for computers.
I hope he will be happy with it.
Have a look:

 

 



I reinforced this little case with Vilene S 520, to give it body and make it sturdy.

It closes with a magnetic snap.

As a finishing touch I added the top part of a pearl snap to the front.

Similar cases will soon be available in my zest4colour etsy shop.

Here is a sneeky preview:

  

What do you think?

Warm regards

Kristien

 

 

 

 

Warm gift ideas...

Here I have some more interesting gift ideas.
This is a lovely warm yellow - orange treasury on etsy.
Have a look:

To go there , here is the link.
Enjoy
Kristien

Looking for a golden purse ...

Are you still looking for a purse to complement your outfit for the coming Christmas festivities?
Here are some golden beauties available on Etsy.

Here is the link.

Would you like another colour? Why not visiting my shop: zest4colour ? Or just send me an email with your wishes.

Warm regards

Kristien