Open Wide Zip Bag

Today things got the tiniest bit festive around here. It is nearly that time after all. We are so close to knocking on the first advent calendar door!

I have been looking for stocking filler ideas and after browsing a few pins and tutorials I went for this zip bag tutorial from Noodlehead. I like the idea of the wide opening and there were three different sizes to choose from so perfect for making a few sets of bags. Present idea!



I only have a few zips in stock and so had to match up the fabric with the zip as opposed to the other way round. I had a fat quarter of this gorgeous Robert Kaufman fabric from last year to use up. I cut out the measurements for the medium size bag as I had a 12" zipper.

This is a really quick project and so I had it all done in an hour. I had to keep nipping upstairs to the youngster who was adamant she was not having a morning nap, but I still managed to have it all sewn up in about an hours time.

The tutorial is really clear and easy to follow and there is a size chart for the other sizes and also directions for making constrast panels instead of one fabric. The method called for boxed corners and with the medium bag I needed to take off 4" in width. Way too much for my bag! I measured it out but felt sad to be losing so much of my fabric. I wanted more bag for my time so I only snipped off 3" width on each corner. I would even go for less next time. It is still a good size inside but I would like a bit more capacity so will scale that cut down.

The medium size would be a great handbag makeup supply size, or if you are crafty a good travel sewing stash kit. 

It has made me think I need to order a few more of those lovely FQ bundles that are out there. I worked out that I could get two of this medium size from one FQ. That is a pretty good stash buster!