Using clear vinyl?
 

I have a really nice toiletries bag pattern and would like to make the pocket out of vinyl. I have never sewn with it before. Because the pocket has a zipper, I am assuming that I should cover the edge of the vinyl with fabric--sort of like a flange, so that I would be enclosing it before attaching the zipper? Any hints or things to avoid would be most welcome.

make your stitches a bit longer to help prevent tearing of the vinyl. yes, using fabric with the zipper would help.

Depends on the pattern is have just covered with zipper sometimes it can be bound with fabric and then stitches on but it usually reserved this for netting

Any time I work with vinyl I put tissue paper on it so that my foot moves smoothly. It just tears right off after.

I get the heaviest gauge vinyl i can find (12 mm). I also cover the cut out piece with a press cloth and iron it before sewing! I make luggage tags, so there is fabric sewn all around the vinyl. I never have trouble with the needle tearing it. I also use tissue paper so it doesn't stick to the bed of my sewing machine.

I second this. I have even put the tissue paper on the bottom if that is where the vinyl is. I use the thin inexpensive tissue paper I got at the dollar store.

I use a "Teflon" foot that I purchased for my Janome 6600.
I have made several notions bags this way and have had no problems.

A walking foot is also helpful with sewing on vinyl.

I like to sew vinyl with two threads for double thickness and a longer stitch. Don't have any special feet or tips 'cause I haven't done much of it, just a wallet or two and some chair re-covers, and if there is any drag just raise the foot a fraction with the knee-lift. But will try using copy paper, as I'm in need of a new wallet & will make my own.

Thanks for all your help. I made the bag without the vinyl pocket today and it turned out great. I think it will be even better with a clear pocket in the center. Now to remember where I stashed the extra tissue paper after wrapping the last birthday present...