Ok, are you ready to make dumplings???
These cute little pouches don't take long to make, and the construction is pretty basic. But keep in mind the zipper is attached to a steep curve, so these are a sewing project for those with intermediate sewing skills. The tutorial assumes you know how to sew zippers, attach binding, etc.
There are pattern pieces for two sizes are right here:
You might want to try "The Easier One" first. This one measures 5.25" x 2" at the base, and about 3.5" high (13 x 5 x 9cm).
The one labeled "The Harder One" is even smaller and cuter, and a challenge to sew. Just pay extra attention to getting the zipper lined up neatly before sewing the final steps. This one can be made with a 12" zip, but then it is even harder! The Harder One measures 4" x 2.5" at the base, and about 3" high (10 x 6 x 8cm).
Supplies
- fabric for exterior & lining
- fusible interfacing
- 7" of binding (seam binding, bias tape, fabric tape)
- 14"+ zipper
- ribbon for zip pull
1. Cut and interface pieces.
2. Mark zipper & clip.
On one end of the zipper tape, draw a guide line across the zipper at 2" (5cm) for The Easier One, or 2.5" (7cm) for The Harder One.
Clip the zipper tape on both sides. Clip about 0.25" (7mm) in from the edge, with about 0.75" - 1" (2 - 2.5cm) in between clips.
3. Unzip zipper and then hand baste it to exterior fabric. Zipper and exterior fabric piece are RIGHT sides together. Match the guide line to the fabric edges.
4. Hand Baste lining in place on top of exterior fabric piece with attached zipper.
5. Machine sew pieces together & then notch curves.
6. Turn right side out, and finger press seams around zipper. Topstitch around edges of zipper.
7. Sew both ends & trim zipper.
Zip dumpling up so the lining side is facing out. If the fabric has shifted during sewing, the ends might be uneven. Use a straight edge and pen to draw a straight line across the end as a sewing guide.
Make sure the zipper teeth are lined up evenly on each side before sewing the ends in place. At the top end of the zipper (where pull rests when zipper is closed) you might find it beneficial to hand baste the two sides of the zipper together to keep them even.
Open and close the zipper as necessary when sewing. Make sure zip is open somewhat before sewing the end with the top of the zipper (i.e. pull needs to be somewhere along the dumpling curve before sewing the end).
8. Cover the raw edges of both ends with binding.
P.S. You can sell your dumplings. If you can give me credit by linking to the tutorial or my pattern shop that would be great.
