Seeing the 4 inch zipper bag in freebies today I decided to make some.But it seemed a waste of zippers to use a large one on a 4 inch bag. So I'm going to applique some initials or small designs on fabric and make the bags but instead of zippers I will use the metal measuring tape for the closure. Big zippers will be saved for larger projects.

Thanks for posting this, appreciate your ideas.

1 comment

by bevintex 13 Jul 2012

Happy to share

Thanks

Thanks, Bev! A good idea! I marked the tutorial under my favorites to refer back to later!

Here is a good tutorial on the snappy bags made with tape measures. There are several more good ones on youtube. just google snappy bags

1 comment

by tilde01 13 Jul 2012

Thanks for the tut. That makes it so clear.

Looking forward to your new project.

Ok - I have to ask - when you say measuring tape do you mean like the ones that are usually used in construction of some type. They are usually in a square metal type holder and roll up on themselves. (Sorry for not explaining what I am asking very well.) How do you use them and how do they work? If you cut the metal - how do you protect your purse from the sharp edges? Thanks for explaining.

1 comment

by rachap 13 Jul 2012

Yes, a metal tape measure just like you describe is what to use. You do not have to use an expensive one. I usually get them at a dollar store. I pull the tape all the way out and cut it off near the end, then cut it into 14 inch lengths. This is just my personal size and I usually need about 6-7 inches for the bags I make, so one length per bag, cut in half and several on hand to use when needed. Tape the ends with duct tape or some other strong tape to keep the ends frm cutting through your fabric.When you put the tape into the casing put the rounded side facing out for the best "Snap". Hope this helps.

great tip thanks. Hugs Joyce

what a clever idea Bev-I have never seen this method done before-I just googled a utube demonstration-that is so neat! Gosh you could do alot of bags & purses from one 50'steel-uh oh-my Jim might come up one Stanley steel missing..LOL ~linda~

1 comment

by bevintex 12 Jul 2012

I need to buy a new one, the cheapo 10 year old one I was going to use wimped out on me. Going into the trash can. So I broke out the zipper stash. Good to have a plan B

Can't wait to see what you come up with. I never thought about using the measuring tape for such a small bag.

Can't wait to see what you come up with. I never thought about using the measuring tape for such a small bag.

looking forward to seeing what you can do

way to think outside the box Bev I can't wait to see them! Hugs Loralye

Super idea. Hope you will show what you made. Have a nice day experimenting.****

Not sure where you live...but I'm in the States...and I quite often go to the thrift store on "bag day"...and fill my bag with garments with nice buttons or good zippers. Often $1 a bag...and I can get lots of nice trims and sequins and beads that way too. A little bit of work to dismantle the items but worth it in the long run.

1 comment

by bevintex 12 Jul 2012

I'm in Texas.I have plenty of zippers but for the 4 inch bags it seemed kind of wasteful. The metal measuring tape is quite inexpensive and I'll still make my projects. Just feeling a bit thrifty today.

ok sounds good can we see your finished job my friend???lol big camper hugs lol

1 comment

by bevintex 12 Jul 2012

I'll try and post them later. I'm still playing. Got a few more ideas that just popped up.