A Zipper Technique Sew Easy You’ll Think You Cheated
by admin — 27 Comments » The best easy zipper technique on this quick and easy cross body bag sewing pattern.
Lazies, My ‘Sew Easy’ zipper trick is so good you’ll think you cheated! Our Runaround Bag pattern has been one of our most popular designs since it came out a hundred million years ago. The secret it holds…a fantastic zipper installation that can’t be beaten. It doesn’t sound sexy, but there is nothing like learning a trick you can use over and over again. Read on for details, a video demo, and tips, then grab the COUPON CODE to save a little on the pattern later in the post.
Sew Easy Zipper – It’s Like Cheating!
I developed the Sew Easy Zipper technique just for our Runaround Bag, but you can use it on so many projects once you learn my handy trick.
The Runaround Bag is so quick and easy you can make a few or a slew!
Part of what makes the zipper technique so wonderful is that we totally ignore the zipper pull and the stops at the ends that can be hard to sew around. Instead, we just use the teeth – the good part in the middle. It’s like cheating!
A bold orange zipper bridges the gap between this pink print and the feature print.
Perfect Zipper Installation
My easy technique makes for a perfect installation from end to end every time. Notice that the bag fabric is evenly spaced from the zipper teeth for the whole length of the zipper. The topstitching on the fabric edge is also perfect.
Runaround Bag by Angie Syring. Feature a special print on the front of the Runaround Bag such as this cute sea turtle. A simple green fabric and coordinating zipper allow the feature print to shine.
Expert Tip: Use a Standard Presser Foot
I prefer to use my standard presser foot for this zipper installation for a few reasons. When stitching, keep the standard presser foot against the teeth as you sew to keep your stitches straight and parallel from the teeth. Doing so makes the stitches a little farther from the teeth than a zipper foot would, and that allows some of the beautiful zipper fabric to show. A standard presser foot also allows me better visibility while sewing, so I can see what’s going on.
Make a few Runaround Bags at a time and mix fabrics and zipper colors.
Features of the Cross Body Runaround Bag
The Runaround is just a little bigger than my hand, making it the right size for a little bit of this and that for a light day on the go. It has a zippered main compartment, just the right size for our small Wonder Wallet, keys, and a phone.
The Wonder Wallet, pattern LGD211, has four pockets for cards, cash, coins and more. Make one from scraps for every bag you sew.
The convenient slip back pocket and long shoulder strap making it perfect to wear cross-body. Use two or more fabrics to make this cute cross body bag. Wondering which zipper color is best for your project? See Choosing a Zipper Color for help.
Handy back slip pocket, perfect for convenience items for a day on the go.
Project Supplies For This Small Zippered Purse
You probably already have what you need to make a Runaround Bag. Grab a couple of fat quarters, a bit of fleece or batting, a zipper and you are good to go! I like to combine bold prints that make the most of this design. The Runaround Bag sewing pattern is a rotary cut pattern. Simply cut the strips and rectangles, then re-cut to the size needed.
Runaround Bag pattern back, showing supply list. Click to enlarge.
Video Demonstration of Runaround Bag Project and Sew-Easy Zipper Installation
The video starts playing at the zipper. Watch from the beginning to see more of the project.
Runaround Bag by Gail Laubenthal. Bold prints have a big impact on this small design. A yellow zipper acts as an accent fabric. I love the tassel and charm on the zipper pull.
Save Now! Get The Runaround Bag PDF Sewing Pattern
Click the pattern link below and use the coupon code to save 20% on the Runaround Bag pattern.
Coupon code: LazyGirlDesignsSewEasyZipper
Pattern Link: Runaround Bag.
It’s amazing that you can make this entire bag from two fat quarters of fabric. And it’s so quick and easy that it’s fun to make a whole collection at one time. Grab a fat quarter bundle, cut out a few bags, then mix and match the pieces in order to showcase several fabrics per bag.
Make Runaround Bags in every color, by Mindy Dudgeon.
Zipper Recommendation
The Runaround Bag needs one 12″ or longer zipper. Here are the ones I like: Zippers in Joan’s Essentials.
Remember that a zipper is a design opportunity. Gather all of the zippers that go with your fabrics, then audition them to see who brings the most to your project. I think of the zipper as an accent fabric, expanding my two project fabrics to three. A zipper can blend, accent, or stand out. So use this project as an opportunity to stretch your comfort zone, have fun auditioning a variety of colors, and try a bold decision.
That’s Pinterest-ing!
Get more Crossbody Bag ideas at Pinterest here and pin this post to your Pinterest boards.
Give the Runaround Bag a try and see how fantastic the zipper is for yourself. Post a comment and tell me if you’ve tried the Runaround Bag or how you will use this handle little gem.
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Enjoy!
Joan
Joan’s Sewing Group | Pinterest
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This is one that my friends and I make over and over. Just a bit if fabric, easy and soooo convenient. My friend has one for about every outfit. I am not there yet but definitely on my way.
I have sewn several of these, some were gifts , but the others were for me!
So simple to cut and sew and such a great way to use coordinating fat quarters or just dig into that stash of yummy fabrics you couldn’t resist buying. There are at least two more in my immediate future and I know there will be even more down the road!
Ironically, as I was reading your email, my Runaround Bag was in hand and on the way out for a quick errand! I have one to go with jeans and one that is black for evening jaunts. I have also made a matching Wonder Wallet to use with each bag. Love your purse patterns! I have them for all seasons with matching wallets!!
I have had this pattern for years and finally used it last week. Could not believe how easy the zipper was to install and how simple the bag was to make in general. Now I know just what my friends are talking about when they say they love this bag and say it is a favorite go-to pattern.
The Runaround bag and Sassy are my two favorites! Small bags are for me, hands down. LOL
Thanks ever so much for your wonderful easy “Lazy Girl” patterns.
sewing with a smile, dottie
You are absolutely amazing, Joan! I can’t wait to try the incredibly easy zipper technique!!
I absolutely love this pattern. So easy to make different ones to match the occasion!
I have a question. I have made your Runaround Bag four times. Two of them have been correct, the other two the pocket ends up on the front. I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. Could you please enlighten me.
Thank you!
Stacy
Hi Stacy, You are doing everything right but the last step on the Runaround Bag. It has to do with where you put your hand when you reach in to turn it right sides out. First of all, for the ones with the pocket on the front right now, just reach into the pocket and ‘flip’ it to the back of the bag, like turning a cuff on a sleeve. Easy breezy! Next time, just make sure to put your hand in on top of the pocket. When it land on the front of the bag, that means you had your hand ‘in’ the pocket.
I’m a little confused about the stacking order of the Runaround bag. I have everything down to the front side. Do I place it right side up or right side down? I really am not a bag maker, so this is confusing for me. The pattern didn’t really say or show a picture for that step. Very cute and easy bag to that point.
Thank you in advance. Sherry Alsup
Didn’t like that the video you did on small flower bag was not complete with putting the straps and the back of the bag together.
Hi Maria, Thank you for posting a comment. The video is focused on my trick for an easy zipper installation and I hope you enjoyed learning my easy technique. The instructions for the bag project are available in the Runaround Bag pattern.
Hello. I purchased a Runaround Bag pattern last evening (September 16, 2018). I paid through PayPal and received my receipt. I didn’t get the pdf download though! Can you please look into this for me? Thanks, Fran
Hi Fran, It’s good to hear from you! Thank you for reaching out to me to ask about this. Please check your spam or junk folder. My guess is that it landed there. Please keep me posted and let me know if you find either of the emails and are able to download your personal copy of the pattern.
Very anxious to try this, I hope the zipper is as easy as you say
Thanks, Myrlene
I have many many bags from the runaround bag and love this bag while it was flimsy I used SF101 on all the pieces and the new Velcro that sticks to fabric to close the outside pocket.,, the round Velcro dot is the perfect size for the application and holds it closed nicely .., the SF101 gives this bag a little more body and I also added a pocket inside for my cell phone give it a try works wonderful with your pattern .. in the strap I chose to use twill tape ?
I didn’t understand how the zipper still works after you cut iff the ends you didn’t show that in the video
Hi Sherry, The ends of the zipper are sewn into the side seams and those stitchings act as zipper stops at both ends. The zipper head or pull is still on the zipper. It’s a fully-functioning zipper.
Very nice, but what if you have a machine where the needle can’t be adjusted?
Hi Claudia, If you can’t move the needle, then move your project and/or change/move the presser foot.
I had so much trouble with the instructions on the pattern, mostly about the zipper. I was so
thrilled to see the you tube! Thank you. My pieces were already cut out and after the you tube instructions I was done in less than 2 hours! Thanks so much
Hi, The purchased Becca Bags pattern & I need help with attaching the zipper head back on the zipper tape.
Is there a video about the zip I could watch? I would really appreciate your help!!
Hello, how the bag look in the inside? I don’t like raw edges. If there a full video tutorial?
It will be great if a full video will include with the pattern. I am more like a visual learner.
Thank you
Love this runaround bag! So much fun to make!
Made one for me and another for a relative.. I’ll be making more…I use mine when I go to work.. I added pockets inside and now I have a place to hold my license and my cc..
Really a great way to put in a zipper.
Can you tell me where you got the fabric? I love the flowers on there.
Thank you
This bag is beautiful, but…. There is no lining in this lil crossbody bag?
Hi Rebecca, Yes, there is a lining covering the batting/fleece. The Runaround Bag is lined and the interior seams are exposed, trimmed and finished with a zigzag stitch to secure.