HOW TO SEW A ZIPPER

How to sew a zipper. A zipper consists of a slider mounted on two rows of metal or plastic teeth that are designed to interlock and thereby bond the material to which the rows are attached. The teeth can be individually separated or formed from a continuous coil and are also referred to as elements.

The word zip is onomatopoeic as it was named after the sound the device makes when in use, a high-pitched zip. Some jackets have double separating zippers with two sliders on the belt. When the sliders are at opposite ends of the tape, the jacket is closed.

If the bottom rider is raised, the bottom of the jacket can be opened for more comfortable sitting or cycling.  When both sliders are down, the zipper can be completely separated. When the two sliders are placed next to each other, which can be anywhere along the tape, the zipper is completely closed.

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HOW TO SEW A ZIPPER – THE EASIEST WAY FOR BEGINNERS

How to sew a zipper. If you can’t find a zipper that is the perfect length, buy a zipper that is slightly longer than the opening in the seam where you want to insert it. This will give you some leeway in the placement of the zipper and help you avoid bumping the end. The zipper stops with a sewing needle that would break it.

Simply follow the packaging recommendations as most zippers are made from man-made materials, but some are made from natural fibers such as cotton. Press the fabric sides of the zipper Make sure it is as straight as possible. If the teeth are plastic, use moderate heat to prevent the zipper from melting.

This is only necessary if you are using a light fabric that is not too strong or stiff. The interfacing will be used to make it stronger and stiffer to better handle the repetitive pressure that comes from opening and closing the zipper.

Place the interfacing in the seam area of ​​your project. Simply follow the instructions on your fusible link to complete this step. In most cases, you simply place thin strips of interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric right next to the seam. Then iron over the fabric and lining to attach the lining to the fabric.

Remove all stitches using a seam ripper. Start by removing the stitches that held the zipper in place. Once these are removed, remove the stitches that go down the middle of the seam.  Be careful not to catch the thread in the fabric or any of your permanent topstitches as you pull the stitches out. A seam ripper is a great tool, but it can easily cut threads you don’t want, so be careful.

Using the zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew the seam through all layers of fabric. Sew from the bottom up on both sides of the zipper to prevent it from twisting. The stitches should be as close to the center of your seam as possible, but your zipper foot will basically guide you. You will need to finish the stitching by inserting a row of stitches across the bottom of the seam.

HOW TO SEW AN INVISIBLE ZIPPER

How to sew a zipper. Invisible zippers are a clean and almost invisible fastening commonly found in ready-to-wear and home-made garments. Despite its professional appearance, this type of zipper is easy to install.

• Cut two strips of knit fabric in the direction of least stretch.
• Finish the seam allowance in the zipper area using your preferred seam allowance.
• Place the zipper wrong side up, with the zipper open. Set your iron to warm (or synthetic). Open the teeth of the zipper with your fingers and press it with the tip of the iron. Do this on both sides.
• Place the garment right side up, facing you. Place the zipper face down on the fabric.
• Use a seam guide or tape measure to make sure the helix of the zipper lines up with the seam allowance. In this case, a 5/8″ seam allowance was used. Pin.
• Attach the invisible zipper foot to your machine. Refer to your sewing machine manual for information on replacing presser feet.
• Place the garment under the presser foot and lower the foot down onto the zipper.
• Sew a pinned zipper Stop when you reach the end of the zipper or the mark on the garment where the zipper should end. Back stitch about 1/2 inch.
• Close the zipper to make sure you have pinned it correctly. This part can easily twist, so it’s best to check before you start sewing

TYPES OF ZIPPER- HOW TO SEW A ZIPPER

How to sew a zipper. The zipper is a really valuable addition to the world of sewing, and with a little practice and a few helpful tips, you should be able to master the technique with confidence.

• The way you sew the zipper will depend on the type of zipper you are using.
• Spiral Zippers: Made of nylon, spiral zippers are flat on one side and serrated on the other. Each tooth is connected to the other for easy connection.
• They are light, heat resistant and waterproof. Ideal for backpacks, sleeping bags, purses and bags. This is the most common type of zipper we’ve found, and that’s what we’re going to learn about today.
• Serrated zippers: Metal or plastic, serrated zippers have serrations visible on both sides. Each tooth is separate and these zippers are suitable for jackets and camping gear.
• Invisible zippers: These zippers are hidden in the seam, so only the pull is visible. Flexible and strong, they are ideal for tailoring and home textiles such as cushions.
• It has a sliding mechanism that slides in before the zipper closes.

HOW TO SEW THE CENTER SEAM OF THE ZIPPER

How to sew a zipper. These are the basic instructions for inserting this zip.

• Finishing edges

Use a serger, but if you only have a regular machine, then a simple zigzag will work nicely. If you use a serger, be careful not to cut too much of the seam, as this will shorten the edges for the zipper too much.

• Sew the edges

You will use the regular length stitch and seam allowance listed in your pattern. Typically this will be either ½ inch (12 mm) or ⅝ inch (15 mm).

• Baste gap

Check out my red quilting. Don’t bother backstitching the ends as they will come loose later.

• Pace the zipper

On the wrong side, place the zipper face down along the hemmed seam (red stitching). Always start at the top and align the top of the zipper with the top raw edge.

• Basic zip

You can use duct tape or masking tape to do this trick.

CONCLUSION

How to sew a zipper. Sewing a zipper can seem like a daunting task to someone new to sewing. While it will take some patience and practice, learning how to do this is well worth your time and effort.