Tips and Tidbits Part 3

Today’s tidbit has to do with putting in a zipper. I use to be so scared of putting in zippers, but doing it this way was simple, and kind of gave me a bit more sewing confidence. It can be used to put a zipper in just about anything from pillows, to pants, to a dress.

Note: This example is done with a dress. The skirt and bodice have been sewn together leaving just the back open before doing the zipper.

 

First put right sides together, then sew, taking 1/2" to 5/8" seam or larger.

 

With material right side down, open seam.

 

Place zipper face down, right on the seam.

 

Pin in place.

 

Fold top sides of zipper down and pin.

 

Using a zipper foot, stitch starting at the top of one side going down to just before the end of the zipper, or where ever you want the zipper to end.

 

Pivot and stitch back and forth several times at the bottom, then pivot again and start back up to the top of the zipper.

 

Once finished this is what it looks like, but the seam is still closed.

 

Using an unpicker (seam-ripper) whatever you call it, go right down the middle, exposing the zipper.

 

Be careful at the bottom not to undo the stitches.

 

Pull your little threads, and you are finished.

 

Tah-dah!!

 

There are many different and more fancy ways to put in a zipper, but this is a easy way to do it when you are just learning. It will help build your confidence up to try other methods. :)

 

 

Until next time....