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If you've ever had your tote bag tip over in the car and watched everything spill across the floorboard, you already know why a zipper closure is worth having.
Or maybe you've carried a diaper bag with a curious toddler who thinks every trip is a treasure hunt.
A zipper closure turns an everyday tote into something that's a little more secure, a little more practical, and gives you extra peace of mind whether you're running errands, traveling, or carrying it through a crowded store.
One of the questions I've been asked for years is:
"Do you have a tote bag pattern with a zipper closure?"
Instead of creating one more tote pattern, I wanted to teach a technique you can use again and again. I'm putting the finishing touches on a new workshop that will show you how to add a zipper closure to many lined tote bags, giving you the security of a zippered bag without having to start from scratch. I'll be demonstrating the technique on my Kathy Tote, but the method can be adapted to many lined tote bags.
Join the waitlist, and you'll be among the first to know when this workshop is released.
Open-top totes are wonderful because they're easy to pack and easy to reach into.
But there are plenty of times when a zipper makes life easier.
A zippered tote helps keep your belongings contained if your bag tips over in the car. It gives curious little hands one more obstacle before they can empty your diaper bag onto the floor. It keeps everything together while traveling and adds a little extra peace of mind when you're walking through airports, shopping centers, or busy public places.
Whether you're carrying a work bag, a travel tote, or an everyday bag, a zipper closure gives you the confidence to toss it onto a chair, slide it under a stroller, or place it on the passenger seat without worrying about everything ending up on the floor.
This is probably the question I get asked most often.
The answer is...
Many lined tote bags can be adapted to include a zipper closure.
That's exactly what inspired this workshop.
Rather than teaching one specific pattern, I wanted to teach the construction method so you can use it on many of your favorite tote bags.
I'll be demonstrating the technique on my Kathy Tote, but the concepts can be applied much more broadly.
The Kathy Tote has been one of my most popular beginner-friendly tote patterns because it's roomy, structured, and packed with storage.
It includes:
Adding a zipper closure takes everything people already love about the Kathy Tote and gives it one more practical feature.
For this sample, I used Primrose & Parsley by Poppie Cotton because I couldn't imagine a sweeter combination for a diaper bag.
While the fabric inspired this version, the real star of the project is the zipper closure itself.
The technique works whether you're sewing with quilting cotton, canvas, cork accents, faux leather accents, or something completely different.
This workshop isn't another tote pattern.
It's a bagmaking technique.
Inside the workshop, I'll show you how I:
It's the same style of bagmaking I teach in my sewing classes and use throughout my own bag patterns.
If you enjoy learning the 'why' behind bagmaking techniques, you'll also love my Sew Better Bags eBook, where I share many of the tips and finishing techniques I use in every bag I make.
I'm putting the final touches on this workshop and companion guide now, and I hope to have it available very soon.
If you've been wishing your favorite tote had a zipper closure, I think you're going to love what's coming.
Join my waitlist so you'll be the first to know when it's released.
If you're looking to build your confidence as a bagmaker, here are a few more resources you might enjoy.
I can't wait to share this new workshop with you. Until then, happy sewing!
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If your zipper tabs disappear into the seam instead of standing out, this simple sewing tip will help you create cleaner, more polished zipper pouches every time.
Learn how to sew a keychain wristlet (key fob) two simple ways—stitched or riveted. This beginner-friendly sewing project comes together quickly and is perfect for using up scrap fabric while creating something you’ll use every day.
