Inserting zips is one of the many things a beginner must learn. You use them in a variety of projects, not only dress making, but household items or accessories. There are two ways to sew an ordinary zip, they are both very simple, but the latter is mainly used in clothes.
For the purpose of learning, I would suggest you practise with two rectangles of fabric and your zip, instead of going straight ahead with your project.
To insert a zipper you will need a zipper sewing foot. These generally come with your machine, so check your manual. If not you can easily buy them online or at a haberdashery store. But before you purchase the foot, make sure it has the correct attachment for your machine.
 Â
Here is a video for extra help:
Sewing a zipper - type 1
Take one side of your fabric and pin the zip right sides together along the edge.
With your zipper foot sew along one side of the zip, starting below the pull tab.
Pull the pull tab down so that you can sew the top of your zip.
Iron the fabric away from your zip.
Sew the other piece of fabric to the zip in the same way.
Open the fabric up, iron flat, and you are done!
Type 2
Take your two sides of fabric and baste them right sides together, using your longest stitch length.
Open your fabric up and iron the seam open.
Place your zip along the wrong side of the fabric. Align the teeth of the zipper with your seam. Pin securely in place.
With your zipper foot sew along the side of the zip starting below the pull tab. Pivot at the bottom to sew directly across the zip, and pivot again to sew along the second side and finish below the pull tab.
Using a stitch ripper, carefully cut through your seam to show the zip.
Pull your pull tab down and sew the top of your zip.
Give it an iron and you are done!
Comments