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If you've ever sewn a zipper pocket and ended up with a zipper that shifted, rippled, or somehow wasn't straight anymore... you're in good company.
It's one of those steps that feels much harder than it should.
When I first started making bags, I thought I just needed steadier hands. I'd pin everything carefully, start sewing, and by the time I reached the other end, the zipper had moved just enough that I wanted to grab the seam ripper.
The good news?
It wasn't me.
I simply didn't know there was an easier way.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use in my own sewing room and genuinely think will help you on your bagmaking journey.
Double-sided sewing tape has become one of those supplies I reach for on almost every bag I make. I personally use Dritz Double-Sided Sewing Tape, and it's one of the supplies I recommend for beginner bagmakers. You can find it, along with my favorite handbag zippers and zipper tools, in my favorite zipper supplies list.
Instead of trying to hold a zipper perfectly in place while sewing, the tape temporarily secures everything exactly where you want it.
No shifting.
No fighting pins.
No wondering if the zipper moved halfway through.
It simply lets you focus on sewing.
Double-sided sewing tape is a narrow adhesive tape designed specifically for sewing.
Unlike regular craft tape, it's made to be sewn through without permanently gumming up your machine. I personally use the Dritz brand and have had great results with it over the years.
Like any sewing product, different brands can behave differently, but this has been a reliable staple in my sewing room.
Whenever I'm adding a zipper pocket to a bag lining, this is my process.
That's it.
Because nothing is shifting while you sew, it's much easier to get a clean, professional-looking result the first time.
If your needle ever starts feeling sticky or you're noticing skipped stitches, try one of these:
I've personally had very few issues with the Dritz tape, but these tips can help if you're using another brand.
Where I Buy Mine
I keep a few rolls in my sewing room because I use it so often.
If you're putting together your bagmaking supplies, I've rounded up my favorite zipper products in one place, including:
Sometimes it's much easier to see a technique than read about it.
I've put together a quick YouTube tutorial that walks through exactly how I position the zipper using double-sided sewing tape so you can see the process from start to finish.
If you enjoy beginner-friendly bagmaking tips like this one, I'd love to have you subscribe while you're there.
Little tips like this can make a huge difference in how your bags turn out.
If you're just getting started—or you'd simply like more confidence before tackling your next project—my Beginner Bagmaker Starter Kit is a great place to begin.
Inside you'll find beginner-friendly resources, helpful tutorials, and guides that answer many of the questions I hear from new bagmakers every week.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is that better results don't always come from working harder.
Sometimes they come from learning one simple technique that makes the entire process easier.
Double-sided sewing tape is one of those techniques for me, and I hope it helps make your next zipper pocket a little less intimidating too.
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Nancy Olson
August 06, 2026
I love the look of a zipper pocket zipper. I hadn’t made one for quite some time because I have been making baby quilts lately. Well, a few weeks ago I decided to make a new bag for myself. So I gathered up everything I needed and started sewing. I don’t like to spend money on patterns, and instructions just get me confused. When I got the bag finished I realized that I had that nice zipper pocket on the outside of the bag instead of the lining inside. It works just fine, but looks funny. That’s what I get for not reading instructions.
Have a great day…I love your tutorials.