sewing the msq fancy zip travel tote (with an add-on!)

How do you feel about sewing zippers? They honestly make me so nervous that I don't think I've ever (until now) sewn one on a machine. I've hand sewn them, but that's different. But Missouri Star Quilt Co. sells Fancy Zips that have cute little designs and they go on the outside, and that felt less intimidating to me.

Now, let me start by saying that I'm an MSQ Partner, which means they send me things and I have an affiliate link, and sometimes I get to offer special discounts or giveaways from them. So this project is fully thanks to them, even though I chose all the materials and the pattern.



I got a pack of Fancy Zips first, then I found their Fancy Zip Travel Tote. I think they have a video for making this too, but I got the printed pattern. I prefer written instructions with photos or illustrations because that's how I learn and process things.

Then I found this SUPER cute cheater print with hexagons. This is from Riley Blake's Bloomberry line by Minki Kim. I love it. And the lining is from the Spring Gardens line (which I got much earlier this year).



One of the things I read about this pattern is that zipping and unzipping was a little harder because you need to hold the bag in some way while you do that. So I had an idea!

Since the outside would be all hexagons, what if there was a little hexagon tab at each end? And what if I added a face to make it very much "me"? Never mind that I was already sewing a zipper like this for the first time. I wanted to make the project my own! And I did.

Just to be clear, I had to sew the zipper twice. And it's still a little funky. First I sewed too close to the edge and then I sewed not close enough. Or maybe the sewing was in the right spot, but the fabric edge wasn't.

At any rate, I made the thing and I love it and I'm so glad to have the little hexagon tabs. So I'm sharing them with you here so you can add them too!



First, thread-baste four 1-inch EPP hexagons.

These linen hexagons were actually prepped like this on my Happy Hexagons templates and just sitting in my EPP box. Yay, past me!



Remove the paper templates, and if you want, stitch a face on one or two of the hexagons. I used my classic little smiley.



Next, stitch two hexagons together, back to back. Do this again with the remaining two hexagons. I used three strands of embroidery floss and running stitch.

Set aside the hexagons and start making the travel tote, following the pattern instructions.



After sewing in the zipper, but before you sew the ends together, place a hexagon between the layers at each end of the zipper. The front (face side) should face the zipper, with the top of the hexagon aligned with the raw fabric edges.

Finish sewing the bag, following the instructions as written.




And now you have a Fancy Zip Travel Tote with happy little tabs to hold while you open and close it! There are still times when I end up grabbing the bag a bit to finish zipping, but that's mostly due to my sewing issues. Seriously. Why is machine sewing still so hard for me? Ha!

It's okay. I also still love it. Especially when I can make a cute bag like this!



And for me, the real test of a pattern (sewing or otherwise!) is "would I make it again?" The answer is yes. I absolutely would make this again. I'd make this for gifts and I'd try modifying it in other ways too. Not to mention, I have more of these zippers to use!

If you'd like to make one, head to Missouri Star Quilt Co. (affiliate link), where you'll find all the materials you'll need. Search for "Fancy Zip Travel Tote" and you can choose between the printed and digital versions, and check out the video showing it coming together!

What would you carry in your super cute tote?