Zip-It Reusable Shopper PDF Pattern

The market tote you’ll actually remember to bring.

Designed to help you ditch single-use bags (without sacrificing style), the Zip-It Reusable Shopper folds neatly into its own built-in zippered pouch, small enough to tuck into your pocket or everyday purse. Toss it in and forget about it… until you need it.

This beginner-friendly project walks you through sewing a regular zipper and beautifully finishing curved edges, all while creating a practical piece you’ll reach for again and again, from farmers’ market hauls to last-minute grocery runs.

SKILLS

• French seams
• Zipper application
• French bias binding method
• Edgestitching

PATTERN DETAILS

• Digital pattern files include 1 size
• Skill level: Beginner
• PDF pattern includes illustrated instruction document, A0 copy shop files, print at home files prepared for A4 & letter size paper, and projector files.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Self fabric (your main fabric)
• Matching all-purpose thread to your fabric
  
• 18” (45.7cm) regular zipper
  

Optional:

• Combo fabric (your combination fabric) - To use for the bias tape, if you want an accent trim around the edges of your bag!
  
• Readymade Bias Tape - 3/8" (1cm) single fold bias tape (If you do not want to make your own) ***Make sure it is 1.5” (3.8cm) wide when it is unfolded, flat.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

The Zip-It Reusable Shopper is designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics. A wide range of materials can work for this pattern. Just remember that you want the fabric to be able to fold up into the little zippered pouch, so choose a fabric that folds down easily for a better experience with daily use. The thicker the fabric, the more room it will need when folded up, so you run the risk of it not fitting into the zippered pouch if it is TOO thick or heavyweight.

A good benchmark for weight would be staying under 6oz or 200gsm. If you are planning on this being your everyday go-to tote bag, then consider how your fabric wears and washes. Linen is a great choice as it wears beautifully and holds up well after many washes. Cottons of many varieties would be wonderful for this pattern; think cotton broadcloth, batiste, quilting cotton, shirting, etc. For an elegant, more elevated approach, try making your bag in an organza! Show off those citrus fruits you grab from the farmer’s market in style. The options are truly endless, especially if you start thinking about fun fabric print/color combinations for the main structure and the bias binding.

For your zipper, you need at least an 18” (45.7cm) long regular zipper for ease of construction. A non-separating, closed-end, nylon coil with #3 size teeth is the recommended option, but not strictly necessary! You may choose to use a metal zipper, but be careful about the fabric choice as the metal teeth can damage lightweight fabrics.

SIZE GUIDE

One size:

• flat: 15.5” x 26” (39.4cm x 66cm)
• pouch: 4.25” x 4.5” (10.8cm x 11.5cm)

TECHNICAL SKETCH