We understand how tricky it can get when sewing zippers to your finished projects. But for how long do you plan on substituting it to snaps, hook/eye or even Velcro?
Here is a little secret, you are not alone, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Most professional sewists at some points battled with this, and the truth is that some still do.
But, how to sew zippers doesn’t have to be difficult, and once you get the hang of it, you can tell it’s pretty easy and useful.
In this tutorial, we would tell you all you need to know about the different types of zippers and guide you on how to go about it.
With constant practice, in no record time, you should be a pro in adding zippers when sewing any fabric.
Types of Zippers
To sew zippers to your projects, you have to buy a zipper, and that’s super easy. But the job is in “what type of zippers to buy?”
Let’s face it; quality zippers can be likened to gold when sewing because they can make or break an accessory. When buying a zipper, put into consideration the length, type, and design of the fabric.
1. Separating Zippers
2. Two way separating zippers
3. Metal teeth zippers
4. Invisible zippers
5. Bag zippers
6. Closed-end zippers
7. Fly zippers
8. Pant zippers
There are other types of zippers; you can check out our post – different types of zippers.
Let’s get to the main course. Read till the end…
How to Sew A Centered Zipper?
The first step is to find your zipper foot and attach it to your machine. In case your presser foot is already inserted, you would need to take it off. Place the zipper foot, and make sure it is placed at the right or left side, not at the center like the presser foot.
Also, you should put your needle at the side of where you are sewing. If your zipper is to the left of the needle, your zipper foot should be inserted to the left.
For a centered zipper, the zipper insertion is pretty easy, so it’s basically used for center front or back opening and not for side openings.
When cutting the dress with a center seam, be sure to have at least an inch as seam allowance to both sides.
Step 1: Stitch it together with the one-inch allowance, and the point where you mark the zipper opening should be sewn with a basting stitch (long). For the rest, do the basic plain seam using a straight stitch.
Step 2: You can now complete the edges of the center seam with a zig-zag stitch and open the seam.
Step 3: Ensure that the zipper is placed downwards on the seam line. Adjust your zipper so that the center lines up with your seam and pin the zipper in place, to make sure it doesn’t shift while sewing. Use a pin to indicate where you want the zipper to end.
Step 4: Carefully sew down one side of the zipper, and make sure the right side of the fabric is placed in your direction. Sew across the bottom, and move up to the other side of the zipper. And keep sewing until you get to the top.
Place your zipper foot on the side where you need, so the needle is close to the zipper.
Step 5: Get your seam ripper and unpick the basting stitch carefully, and that’s all. Your centered zipper is all set.
Note that there shouldn’t be any raw edges showing if you have done it correctly.
So, that’s all there is to sewing a centered zipper; it’s simple if you want it to be. All you have to do is be patient with yourself.
Sewing of zippers is an advanced skill, and it’s okay to rip out the zipper and keep trying until you get it right. I don’t exactly expect you to get it at once, so keep trying and don’t feel intimidated.
You can check out how to sew a lapped zipper here.
Let’s do something challenging, “sew anything with a zipper.” It can be difficult at first, but sew something using the steps we mentioned, and give us feedback on your experience.
