I also traced the very edge with the teal/blue thread for additional security, and to minimize fraying.

The next step is to attach the zipper. Full disclosure: I don't know the proper way to do this, and I did not use a zipper foot (though I think that I have one). So this is my figure it out as you go along (and try to remember the way that a girlfriend showed me to do it ages ago) process.

Start with the zipper most of the way open, and take your front inside piece and your front outside piece. Lay the front outside piece face down on the face up front inside piece (fabric sandwich bread). With the zipper facing inward, pin the zipper to the edge of the two pieces in the middle of your fabric sandwich.