How to Add a Zipper Pocket to Any Bag

April 8, 2025

Pockets are a super fun aspect of bag making but what happens when the pattern you're using doesn't call for the pocket you love. Well, you add your own and I'm here to show you how.

Let's learn how to add zipper pocket to any bag!

Here's a video tutorial. There's also a written tutorial below.

For the purposes of this tutorial we'll be adding the zipper pocket to an Outer Panel piece.

Take a look at the panel you’re adding the zipper pocket to. Measure how long you’d like the zipper to be and where you’d like it to be placed. Be sure to take into account the seam allowances or any other important detail of that panel. Once you’ve determined the opening size, you’ve also determined the zipper length.

So, if the opening will be 6” then your zipper is also 6”. If you're using zipper tape add 2" to the length of your zipper.

Use the illustration below to help with placement and measurements.

The pocket lining has to be wider than our zipper opening. I like to add 2" to the zipper opening to determine the width of the pocket lining. In this case that 8".

Now, you’ll want to determine how deep you want your pocket. So, measure your panel depth and be sure not to go into the seam allowance or any other important design feature of your bag. Once you know how deep you want it, double it. So, if I want a 6-7” deep pocket, I’ll make it 14-15”.

We know pocket piece is 8” x 14-15”.

Take your zipper pocket lining piece and place it WRONG side up. Measure down from the center about an inch and place a mark.

Your zipper marking needs to be centered about 1” down from the top (short end) of your pocket. If my zipper opening is supposed to be 6” I’ll draw a line 3” to either side of my center mark. Then ½” down on either end and then connect with a bottom line. I’ve now made a rectangle that will become my zipper opening. See illustration below.