The Art of the Overlay - how to add a zipper overlay to any bag (includes templates!)

In this tutorial I will go through the method I use to add a decorative zipper overlay to any bag pocket, interior or exterior.

How to calculate overlay size:

Overlay width (longer measurement) = pocket opening width + 3/4”

For 1.75” templates, measure 5/8” from each side and the ends to draw center rectangle. For 2” templates use 3/4” for the long sides, and 3/4” or 5/8” for the short ends depending on personal preference. This creates an opening that is 1/2” tall, and 1/4-3/8” narrower than the pocket opening in the bag fabric on each side, depending on the template size used. The pocket opening in the main bag material (not the overlay) should be cut at 3/4” tall, and if a facing is used in the pattern it should be omitted. If the pattern you are adding an overlay to uses the pocket lining itself as a facing, that step should be skipped and an alternate pocket installation method used, such as those described in this video.

1.75" Templates with shorten/lengthen line:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BDEz...

2" Templates with shorten/lengthen line:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zB5l...

To use the shorten/lengthen line to adjust the overlay size, cut at the zig zag and either overlap or expand the template to the desired width based on your pocket opening size.

For zipper pull installation tricks, see:
Get Your Pulls On! - Mastering zipper by the yard (without any aids!)
   • Get Your Pulls On! - Mastering zipper...