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Adding a zipper to a sewing project can be intimidating. I was planning to do a post on how to sew an invisible zipper with the invisible zipper foot but, as I was researching and gathering information for this post - and I like to be thorough - my introduction kept on growing and soon became a whole article.
There is a lot to explain and discover about zippers. I promise you, the invisible zipper post will be one of my next posts. Today, you’ll get some information about zippers, zipper feet, and ways to install zippers in different projects. With this intro you’ll be more confident when choosing your zipper, using the right tool, and choosing the look of the zipper on your project. In addition, you will be able to find good tutorials about the different techniques more easily because you’ll know how to use the zipper terminology.
I’ve learned a lot while researching for this article. I have never sewn a lapped and a centered zipper, ever, really! I hope you - like me - will also learn something from this post.
Parts
Zipper Types
First the material, weight, and colors. First, it is important to choose the best zipper for your project, depending on what you are making. A metal (brass, nickel) zipper is better for jeans, a plastic one for a lightweight sweater. You’ll need a stronger zipper for a winter coat than for a little girl’s summer dress. Zippers are made in a wide variety of colors, and you can choose from many different zipper pull styles.
Choosing the length. There are many, many options. Zipper lengths range from 3 inches to 100 inches. The sizes are measured from the top stopper to the bottom stopper, so don’t measure the length of the cloth tape the zipper is attached to. You can also buy zippers on a roll and and cut to the exact size you need. If you’re not sure about the length, it is better to buy a zipper that is too long rather than too short. You can always shorten a regular zipper. However, for open-end zippers this is harder.
About the separating style. There are open-end (or separating) and close-end zippers. If you’re making a coat or a jacket, your zipper needs one end with a box and pin mechanism to separate the zipper and easily reassemble it. If you’re making a bag, or installing a zipper in pants or the back of a dress, the zipper only opens at the top.
Visible or invisible? If you don’t want your zipper to show, you have to buy an invisible zipper. An invisible zipper is a zipper with very fine teeth. It's sewn into a garment in such a way that it makes the zipper invisible, hidden in a seam. Invisible zippers are available in fewer sizes and colors.
There are many different techniques to install a zipper
How you install a zipper can depend on your project, function, or a particular aesthetic. Here are 7 common ways to install a zipper.
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Centered A finishing with an even amount of fabric on each side of the zipper. Although the zipper is not exposed, you don’t use an invisible zipper for this technique. Typically a centered zipper is called a centered zipper because it’s on the center back or centered front seam. Used for skirts, blouses, and dresses in a center-back seam but can also be used on a side seam. |
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Lapped The “lap” in a lapped zipper refers to the fold of fabric on the left side that covers the zipper. This fold of fabric is sometimes referred to as a placket. You see this most often on garments, especially along a front, back, or side seam. |
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Inserted or Side Placket This is similar to a centered zipper, but here the top and bottom of the zipper are sewn across. Your stitching forms a rectangle. The zipper's opening allows just enough room to get the dress on. For home décor, you might use this technique on a pillow back. |
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Separating Separating zippers open at the bottom, allowing both sides of the zipper to come apart as in a jacket zipper. Installing a separating zipper takes some specific tricks. The teeth of a separating zipper need to be fully exposed so it can function properly. |
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Exposed In an exposed zipper installation all the teeth and part of the tape to either side of the teeth are exposed. This is a common technique in sportswear, accessories and a lot of home decor projects. |
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Concealed Contrary to the exposed zipper, the zipper is hidden in the seam. You can only achieve this look with an invisible zipper. Used on dresses and blouses |
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Fly Front It’s pretty obvious that the zipper sewn into the fly front opening of a pair of jeans, trousers or pants is a very specific process. It's sewn underneath, leaving only the curved topstitching on the outside visible. |
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Zipper Feet
Installing a zipper requires a zipper foot. Most machines come with a zipper foot to sew a conventional zipper. There are 2 other feet that you can use: an Invisible zipper foot, and an adjustable zipper foot.
All 3 feet allow you to sew really close to the teeth of the zipper.
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Standard Zipper Foot -Has a little notch on both sides for your needle -Because you have to move your needle to the left or the right, the pressure from the presser foot is always off-center. The fabric might not feed through so well, and the foot doesn't always sit flat. |
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Adjustable Zipper Foot -This is a versatile foot -This foot is also good for top-stitching and sewing in areas where the regular foot might be too wide. |
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Invisible Zipper Foot -Only for invisible zippers, but it does what it was made for. —Sews invisible zippers with ease, again using a left or right hand channel, and creates a beautifully close stitching line which will make your zippers truly invisible from the outside. |
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If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to send me an email: an@madamsew.com.
And enjoy your sewing adventures!
An
Sewing enthusiast and sewing blogger/vlogger for Madam Sew
I share all my own sewing adventures on Instagram @an_madamsew
Important Links
Click Here To Download This Blog Post As A PDF
Both The Adjustable Zipper Foot And The Invisible Zipper Foot Are Available In the Ultimate 32PC Presser Foot Set
Thank you for letting me know how to work with zips, I always find it difficult to put in a zip ,whatching your method you use has made it clearer to me ,thank you again
I have been sewing since I was 10 years old. Now that I’m retired this is like a refresher course for me. Before my order comes I’m trying to read up on all the info you offer so I’m ready take off on all the projects I have lined up this year. This is great! 💕
I have inserted hundreds of exposed zippers in a craft I make. I can sew them in using only one pin at the top of the second side to make sure it is lined up with the first side that I have already sewn in. Easy peasy.
I have been sewing for many years and really enjoy all of the helpful info posted on this blog.
That was a very though presentation I am a beginner and am currently on a sewing course my next project is to insert a zip so I will try the zipper foot as I am making cushion covers