This is a great design to learn to insert a zip for the first time. The result is a pencil case or makeup bag that sits flat so it is easy to find the items inside.
Lie-flat Pencil Case / Makeup Bag Tutorial
Step 1: choose a piece of fabric 23cm/9inches wide and approximately 30cm long.
Tips:
It is best to choose a heavy-ish fabric that will hold its shape as this design does not have a lining.
Use the salvedges along the 23cm edge so they’re next to the zip – this will help keep things tidy if you aren’t going to zigzag your edges.
Step 2: cut the fabric so you have two uneven pieces: 23cm x 10cm and 23cm x 20cm
This is so that your pencil case will sit flat –trust me.
Step 3: with right sides together, pin one piece of fabric along the zip. Using a zipper foot (pictured), sew this close to but not touching the zipper teeth.
Step 4: do the same with the other piece of fabric.
The end result will look like this:
Step 5: with the pencil case inside out (i.e. right sides together pin around the outside (3 edges).
Step 6: OPEN the zipper and sew around your 3 edges. Remember – needle down to turn around.
Step 7: turn the pencil case the right way around. You may need to use the back end of a pencil to poke the corners all the way out
Voila! Your pencil case is ready to use:
