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Pattern for Zippered Oilcloth Market Tote

If You Hate Sewing Zippers, You’ll Love this Clever Pattern

This zippered oilcloth market tote is made in a unique, simplified fashion.

The picture above gives a clue. You can see that the zipper is sewn in, along with the straps, before the bag’s side seams are stitched. There are several advantages to this method. It’s easier to sew the zipper to a flat piece of fabric than to a finished bag.

By the time you’re done, the straps have been stitched four times for strength. It’s easier to get the zipper perfectly straight because it lines up against the edge of the bag’s hem.

The double-folded hem adds strength and means the stitch line to attach the zipper doesn’t show on the bag’s outside. Finally when the 1-inch hem is topstitched at the top and bottom to give a nice tailored look, the lower topstitching goes through the zipper fabric reinforcing its placement.

To obtain my zippered oilcloth market tote pattern including step-by-step directions for the unique zipper setting, please click here to order.

Make them for yourself, as gifts, or to sell. I sold many of them three and four years ago and a recent resurgence in orders has convinced me these bags are not a fad.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for sewers of all skill levels.

Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business
By: Kathleen Spike

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
By: Anne Marie Soto

Sewing for Dummies
By: Janice Saunders Maresh

The Complete Book of Sewing: A Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Every Technique
By: Chris Jefferys

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