The Tessellation Tote has a zipper built into the bottom of the lining for easy access to your electronics. Align the zipper and lining back to back and pin the zipper to the bottom edge of one side of the bag’s lining (Figure M). The ends of the zipper should extend through the notches on both sides of the lining.
Use the zipper foot to sew the zipper to the lining, then tuck the seam allowance under the lining to separate the zipper from the lining. Topstitch along the lining (Figure N). Next, place the unsewn zipper end along the remaining lining, right sides together, and use the zipper foot to sew together. Open the zipper end, tuck the seam allowance under the lining, and topstitch along the lining (Figure O).
Place the two lining pieces with the zipper connected along the bottom edge, right side out, and pin along the sides. Sew a straight stitch down each side, following the red lines in Figure P.
Figure P. Photo by Debra Ansell
Figure Q. Photo by Debra Ansell
Figure R. Photo by Debra Ansell
Figure S. Photo by Debra Ansell
Open up your lining and pinch the square corner cutouts together so that the zipper edge sticks out. Pin the sides of the corners so that the center of the zipper is lined up with the side seam. Make sure the zipper pull is between the two corners of the lining before sewing (Figure Q).
Pin the corner seams in place and sew the corners together in the same way as you did the outside of the bag. After you sew the corners together, cut off the excess zipper part that’s sticking out from the lining (Figure R). Your lining should now have boxed corners and an open zippered bottom (Figure S).
