Welcome to Day 4 of the Atlas Zipper Case Sew Along!
Today, we’re assembling the Double Pocket Panel and then sewing both Pocket Panels to our Main Quilted Panel. These steps are extremely satisfying, because we finally get to see our zipper case take shape!
Assembling the Double Pocket Panel isn’t too different from assembling the Tall Vinyl Pocket yesterday, but I do want to mention just a couple tips.
If you find the panel is hard to manage with all the zippers and pieces, try sewing a line across the open end of the zippers at the far left side of the panel to keep the zipper tapes from flapping apart. This will also add a layer of protection so the zipper pulls don’t accidentally slide off! It might be hard to see, but in the photo below, I have stitched to the left of the zipper pulls–just inside where the vinyl ends. If you’re using vinyl (plastic) zippers, you can just sew right over the zipper teeth.
If you want to add a new option to your Atlas Zipper Case, try substituting one of the pockets for mesh. Mesh is a fun textile to use and it adds just a bit of stretch to the pocket, so you might be able to fit a few extra items in your case. If you’re wanting to replace one of the vinyl pockets for mesh, cut the mesh the same dimensions as the vinyl listed in the Cutting Instructions, then follow all the assembly directions exactly the same. My favorite brand of mesh to purchase is By Annie, as it’s easy to work with and comes in a handful of colors (links at the end of the post). In the photo below, I’ve replaced the fabric pocket on the bottom with a piece of mesh.
When attaching the two pockets to the Main Quilted Panel, sew the pockets on using a small 1/8″ seam so the seam will be hidden by the zipper and binding that we’re attaching tomorrow. I will regularly backstitch where the binding of the pockets begin at the top and bottom of the panel, because that is a spot of higher stress as the slip pockets are pulled forward to allow items to slide in. In the photo below, you can see that the stitch line attaching the Double Pocket to the Main Quilted Panel is right along the edge.
Those are my tips for Day 4! You can find the video that goes along with today’s assignment on my Instagram account HERE.
Links for products from today’s assignment:
By Annie Mesh (click HERE)
By Annie Zippers by the Yard (click HERE)
Juki TL2000 Sewing Machine (click HERE)
Happy sewing!
Kristina