(Step-by-Step presented by crafty corner) for more information contact us. You can also click here to watch the video on how to make this item.
Published Jan 2026
Step 1: Prepare the Zip Tabs
Start by taking one of the zip tabs and placing it flat in front of you. Fold the zip tab in half lengthways and crease it firmly with your fingers, then open it back up so that the centre fold line is visible.
Take one short end and fold it into the centre line, then fold the other short end into the centre line as well, enclosing the raw edges inside. Press the zip tab firmly with your fingers so it holds its shape. Repeat this process for the second zip tab.
Step 2: Attach the First Zip Tab
Lift your zipper and place one of the prepared zip tabs over one end of the zipper tape.
Make sure the zipper teeth are centred neatly inside the folded zip tab and that the ends are even. Hold the tab firmly in place with your fingers to prevent it from shifting.
Use a clip to keep the zip tab in place
Step 3: Attach the Second Zip Tab
Move to the other end of the zipper and repeat the process with the second zip tab. This side can be slightly more difficult because you are working with both sides of the zipper at once. Carefully hold the two layers of the zipper together, slide the zip tab into position, and pinch everything tightly. Use a crocodile clip or pin to hold all the layers securely in place before sewing.
Step 4: Sew the Zip Tabs in Place
Take the zipper with both zip tabs attached to your sewing machine. Sew straight across the first zip tab from one side to the other. Instead of reversing, leave the needle in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and rotate the entire project. Sew back across the zip tab to create two neat rows of stitching, which helps secure it firmly. Repeat this process for the second zip tab, making sure both tabs are stitched securely and that the fabric underneath is properly caught.
Step 5: Position the Zipper on the First Fabric Piece
Place one piece of your main fabric right side up on your work surface. Lay the zipper facing down onto the fabric, ensuring it is centred with an even amount of space on both sides. The zip tabs should sit slightly in from the fabric edges so they are not caught in the seams later.
Step 6: Sew the Zipper to the First Fabric Piece
Take the fabric and zipper to your sewing machine and begin sewing where the zipper tape starts, not at the edge of the fabric. Sew along the length of the zipper until you reach the end of the zip tab, then reverse slightly to secure the stitching. Trim off any loose threads before continuing.
Step 7: Open and Press the Fabric
Once the zipper is sewn in place, open the fabric away from the zipper and press it flat. You can press it firmly with your fingers if the fabric is stiff, or use an iron if the fabric is softer and needs more structure. This step helps the zipper sit neatly and prepares the fabric for top stitching.
Step 8: Top Stitch the First Side
Return the piece to your sewing machine and top stitch along the edge of the zipper. Start stitching at the zip tab and sew neatly down the zipper, stopping again at the opposite zip tab. Make sure to reverse at the beginning and end to secure the stitching, and avoid sewing past the zip tabs.
Step 9: Attach the Second Fabric Piece
Place the second piece of main fabric right side down on top of the zipper, carefully lining up the edges. Take the layered fabric and zipper to the sewing machine and sew it in place exactly as before, starting at the zip tab, sewing along the zipper, and reversing at the end.
Step 10: Press and Top Stitch the Second Side
Open the fabric so both pieces are now attached to the zipper, then press everything flat with your fingers or an iron. Take the piece back to the sewing machine and top stitch along the zipper again, starting at the zip tab and finishing at the other zip tab. The remaining fabric edges will stay loose at this stage, ready for the final construction.
Step 11: Prepare to Close the Bag
Fold the bag so the two fabric pieces are right sides together and neatly aligned. Because the zipper does not naturally lie flat, use clips along the zipper area to hold everything firmly in place.
Step 12: Sew Around the Pencil Bag
Begin sewing as close to the zip tab as possible without sewing over it. Sew down the side of the bag, then when you reach the bottom corner, leave the needle in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and turn the bag to sew along the bottom edge. Repeat this process at each corner, always leaving the needle in when turning, and sew back up the final side, again stitching as close to the zip tab as possible. Reverse at the start and end to secure the seam.
Step 13: Trim and Clean Up
Once the bag is fully sewn, trim away any loose threads. For threads that are too close to the fabric to cut neatly, you can carefully melt the ends with a lighter. This prevents the threads from pulling through and gives a clean, professional finish.
Step 14: Trim the Corners
Using a pair of scissors, cut off all four corners of the bag at a 45-degree angle. Be careful not to cut into the stitching. Removing this excess fabric reduces bulk and helps create sharp, clean corners when the bag is turned.
Step 15: Turn the Pencil Bag Right Side Out
Open the zipper slightly and turn the pencil bag right side out through the zipper opening. Gently push out the corners with your fingers so they are fully shaped. You will notice that the zip tabs sit neatly at the ends and the zipper is not trapped in the corners, creating a very clean finish.
Step 16: Final Shaping and Finish
Adjust the fabric so everything sits evenly and push out any remaining areas that need shaping. Once complete, you will have a beautifully finished pencil bag with neatly installed zip tabs, sharp corners, and a professional look. Zip tabs add a refined finish to the bag and solve the common problem of unattractive zipper ends, making this pencil bag both practical and well presented.
If you would like to order these pencil bags as a completed item please go to our online store