Zippers are one of the most functional parts of a bag — but they can also become one of the most eye-catching design elements!
In our Show Off Your Zippers Series, we’re exploring creative ways to feature decorative zipper tape so it becomes part of the style story. In Part 1, we showed how decorative zippers can shine through traditional interior applications.
Now we’re taking things one step further!
In this post, we’re sharing a simple beginner-friendly zipper hack that places the zipper directly on the right side of the fabric, allowing the decorative tape to become a bold design feature.
If you’ve ever wished you could show off more of those beautiful Tula Pink zipper designs, this technique is a fun and approachable way to do it.
Feature Decorative Zippers on the Exterior
Most bag patterns place the zipper between fabric layers so only the zipper teeth are visible.
With this technique, the zipper is sewn so the decorative tape remains visible on the outside of the project.
This simple change can:
highlight decorative zipper tape
add contrast to your fabrics
create a modern design detail
make small accessories feel more custom
The Floral Reef zipper collection works beautifully for this technique because the colorful printed tape naturally draws attention to the zipper.
Projects That Showcase Decorative Zippers
This zipper technique works especially well on small accessories and projects with straight zipper openings. We recommend selecting a pattern that uses nonwoven fabrics and has no lining.
Here are a few patterns that are perfect for trying this beginner zipper hack!
Buddy
The Buddy pattern is a compact project that makes a great introduction to decorative zipper techniques. Because the project is smaller, it’s easy to control the zipper placement while sewing. Applying the zipper on the right side of the fabric creates a fun design detail that makes the finished bag stand out.
Houdini
The Houdini pouch is another excellent option. This clever design already highlights the zipper as part of the project’s structure. Adding decorative zipper tape enhances that effect and makes the bag even more eye-catching.
Easy Box Pouch
The Easy Box Pouch from Create with Cork Fabric is another great project for practicing this technique. Box pouches have straight zipper openings, which makes them ideal for learning new zipper techniques. Decorative zipper tape adds a pop of color while keeping the project simple and approachable.
Apply a Zipper to the Right Side of Fabric
This beginner-friendly technique places the decorative zipper tape on the exterior of the project rather than hiding it between fabric layers. The result is a bold design detail that showcases the zipper tape while keeping construction simple.
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric Pieces
Cut and prepare the project pieces according to your pattern instructions. Complete any steps that occur before zipper installation
Step 2: Prepare the Zipper
Cut the zipper to the required length if needed and install the zipper pull before sewing.
Step 3: Position the Zipper
Instead of placing the zipper right sides together with the exterior fabric, position the zipper tape with the print facing up on the right side of the project so the decorative tape remains visible.
Position the zipper so the coil sits in approximately the same location it would in the original pattern. Depending on the pattern's seam allowance and zipper width, this may require the zipper tape to overlap the fabric more than you might expect.
To help determine the zipper placement, think about how much fabric and zipper tape would normally be hidden inside the seam. For example, if the pattern uses a 1/4" seam allowance, 1/4" of the fabric and 1/4" of the zipper tape would typically be sewn together and turned to the inside. That's a total of 1/2" hidden within the seam.
When applying the zipper to the exterior of the project, you'll generally overlap the zipper tape onto the fabric by approximately the combined seam allowances—in this example, about 1/2". This places the zipper coil in nearly the same location as the original pattern while allowing the decorative tape to remain visible.
It's helpful to use narrow strips of double-sided basting tape to hold the zipper in place before stitching. Adjust the placement until you're happy with how much of the decorative tape and fabric shows. Then, before stitching, compare the placement to the original pattern instructions and adjust as needed.
Step 4: Topstitch the Zipper in Place
Topstitch through all layers, sewing close to the zipper tape edge. A second row of topstitching can be added for extra stability and a more professional finish.
After attaching the zipper, measure your project to ensure it matches the finished dimensions given in the pattern. Depending on the amount of zipper tape exposed, you may need to make small seam allowance adjustments later in the project or trim excess fabric as needed.
Step 5: Continue Constructing the Project
Finish assembling the project according to the pattern instructions. When the project is complete, the decorative zipper tape will remain visible on the exterior of the bag, becoming part of the finished design!
Tips for a Clean, Professional Finish
A few small details help this technique look polished.
Measure carefully
Even spacing around the zipper opening helps the finished bag look balanced.
Secure the zipper before sewing
Use clips or tape to prevent the zipper from shifting.
Topstitch slowly and evenly
Clean stitching is especially important when the zipper is visible on the outside of the bag.
Choose bold zipper designs
Decorative zipper tape, like the Floral Reef collection, creates the most visual impact with this technique.
Decorative Zippers Designed for Bag Makers
The Tula Pink zipper collections for Sallie Tomato were created specifically for bag making.
They feature:
bold printed zipper tape
durable nylon coils
smooth-gliding zipper pulls
vibrant colors that coordinate beautifully with Tula Pink fabrics
Because the artwork runs along the zipper tape itself, techniques like this allow the zipper to become part of the design!
Continue This Zipper Series
This blog is part of our Show Off Your Zippers series, where we explore creative ways to feature decorative zipper tape in bag making.
Here’s the full lineup:
Part 1: No Hacks Needed — Interior Applied Zippers
Part 2: Beginner Hack — Exposed Zippers on the Right Side of Fabric (you’re here!)
Part 3: Intermediate Hack — Exposed Zippers in Straight Seamed Edges
Part 4: Advanced Hack — Exposed Zippers in Curved Seamed Edges
Part 5: Advanced Hack — Exposed Zippers in Top Closures
Each post introduces a new technique that builds on the last.
Ready to Try This Technique?
If you’re excited to experiment with decorative zipper tape, the Floral Reef Tula Pink zipper collection is a great place to begin.
Try pairing these zippers with the Buddy, Houdini, or Easy Box Pouch patterns to create a project that’s functional, stylish, and full of personality.
And be sure to check back next month as we explore the next technique in the series — sewing decorative zippers directly into straight bag seams.
Until then, enjoy experimenting with your zippers!
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